Week 8 Insider
What a week last week. Jay won its first game of the year (homecoming at that), Milton came from behind to pull off a big win over Crestview in overtime, and Pace hosted the first (and only) Lindsey Bowl, pitting father vs. son. Week 8 has a lot of work to do to match the drama from week 7, but it will try.
Northview (1-6) @ Jay (1-6)-Kickoff 7pm
Most years when two 1-6 teams get together this late in the season, there’s not much at stake. This is not most years, however. On the contrary, when Northview and Jay face each other at Merle V. North Stadium on Friday night, not only will there be a big-time rivalry game taking place, but whoever wins will secure a spot in the playoffs. That’s right. Winner goes to the playoffs. The front runner in the district is Baker, but the top two teams from each district goes to the FHSAA state playoffs, giving both teams much motivation for Friday’s game. Last week, Jay held on and beat Cottondale in a wild score fest, 58-56. Northview lost to Liberty County (Bristol), 37-14.
Last year, Northview beat Jay 53-20.
Gulf Breeze(2-5) @ Pace High School(2-5)-Kickoff 730pm
Pace is coming off an emotional game from last week where Coach Mickey Lindsey faced his son, Jay, who is the head coach at Tate. Pace never gave up, as they have yet to all year. Things have not gone the Patriots’ way this season, but the Patriots continue to fight. This week, they have Gulf Breeze, who for the most part, has been an inconsistent team, to say the least. Gulf Breeze’s two wins have been against Northview and Milton. Last week the Dolphins got walloped by Walton, 51-17. Look for Pace to get back in the win column this weekend, but it will be tough.
Last year the two schools did not play.
Navarre(7-0) @ Milton High School(5-2)-Kickoff 730pm
Milton is coming off another emotional win. Down by two possessions in the fourth quarter, Milton came back and forced overtime with Crestview last week. Milton scored first and converted on the extra point to make the scores 29-22. Crestview then scored on their possession in overtime, but missed the extra point, giving Milton their 5th win of the season. This week, Milton hosts state ranked Navarre. The Raiders have been pretty dominant all season long and look to be the front runner in the district. Last week, they beat a very good Escambia team, 20-9.
Last year, Milton lost to Navarre, 42-7.
