For starters, we’ve been reminded that fans will turn on coaches in a hurry if things aren’t going right in a football season.
No one complains when you win. Everyone complains when you lose.
On the field, it’s been an interesting start to the year.
Navarre started 0-3 for the second consecutive year, but the Raiders have has shown flashes of potential, with players like Marquez White, Brody Powers and Bryce Wheeler, and the team always plays hard. It’s just a matter of being more consistent and executing for four quarters of football. If that happens, the rest of the year could be a different story.
In the north end of Santa Rosa County, Pace’s team is exactly what we expected. The Patriots have had a lot of success running the ball, thanks in large part to star Makael Williams and a talented offensive line headed up by Clemson-commit Grant Wise. Their defense has been tough as well. On paper, the Patriots are the district favorite—but time will tell.
Milton has been the story of the year so far, winning its first four games after going 0-10 last season. Head coach Ronnie Douglas has changed things there in a hurry. The team has been impressive on the defensive side of the ball, shutting out Tate in a battle of unbeatens two weeks ago. Big things are ahead if this team continues to play the way it has up to this point.
Jay nearly won the ‘War on Highway 4,’ and while the Royals are 1-2 after three games, don’t overlook them. Jaymes Youngblood is one of the best running backs in the area and the defense has a lot of talent. Jay has become a hunter instead of the hunted and it will be in the discussion for a playoff berth in the Rural classification.
Speaking of being in the postseason discussion, Baker is one to talk about. The Gators won their first four games behind a balanced attack, headed up by Justice Baldwin at quarterback. A team coached by Matt Brunson is always a good team, and the Gators have high expectations for the rest of 2025.
And then there is Crestview. The Bulldogs lost their first two games but pulled off one of the biggest wins of the year so far, beating Niceville on the road.
If you’ve been to Eagle Stadium, you know how tough of a place it is to play. The fact that Crestview came back from 21 down is crazy. The Bulldogs are going to have a say in how the district title race plays out.
The second half of the season should be fun. A lot of storylines are yet to be written. Stay tuned.
