Sports Archive

By Kickoff Classic standards Friday night’s battle between Northview and Baker was the norm rather than the exception. The game was played quickly, in this case with a running clock. And the teams ran their most basic offenses and defenses.
Simply put, if you like vanilla ice cream football without the fudge topping, peanuts or candy sprinkles, Friday was the night for you. There was the excitement of the occasional big play, but neither coaching staff was trying to fool the other with trick plays.

Connor Williams is living proof that an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Connor is the son of longtime girls basketball coach Steve Williams, who recently left Crestview to rejoin Paxton and coach the Lady Bobcats

Crestview running back Jason Jones is soft spoken. Almost to the point of being quiet.

But at 6-foot-2 inches, 200 pounds, Jones packs a punch that sends most tacklers backward.

Baker’s football team will have a final dress rehearsal Friday night as the Gators host Northview in a Kickoff Classic. Game time is 7 p.m. at Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium.

First-year Gator coach Barry Gardner will have his first opportunity to see his team against an opponent.

The countdown is on to Thomas Grant’s first regular season game as the Crestview head football coach.

But before the Bulldogs travel south to open the season in Orlando, they have some business to take care of against Escambia in the Kickoff Classic on Thursday.

Connor Williams is living proof that an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Connor is the son of longtime girls basketball coach Steve Williams, who recently left Crestview to rejoin Paxton and coach the Lady Bobcats.

Rival middle schools Davidson and Shoal River played a preseason game Thursday night.

And while Shoal River is coming off the 2021 Okaloosa County Championship, it was Davidson that looks to be a front runner in 2022 after posting a 40-16 win.

It will seem like old times for the Crestview football team on Oct. 21.

The Milton Panthers will be in town. And fittingly the 2002 3A state runner-up Bulldog football team will be honored that night. Crestview beat the Panthers twice in 2002 including an exciting overtime win in the regional finals of the playoff.

The first summer as the volleyball coach at Crestview is coming to an end for James Kerrell.
In a couple of weeks the season begins.

And, if all goes as hoped for, the hard work under the team’s unusual circumstances will pay off.

Some things are just too good to pass up.

Such was the case for Steve Williams when he made the decision to step away from his position as girls basketball coach and PE teacher at Crestview High School to return to Paxton School.