Week 7 Preview: Northview, Pensacola Catholic and Pine Forest put perfect records on the line

Since the 2022 since officially kicked off 42 days ago, only three Pensacola-area teams have kept the loss column empty: Northview, Pensacola Catholic, Pine Forest.

However, heading into Week 7 of the high school football season, each program faces their most difficult challenge yet to keep their undefeated alive.

Area rivals kick off this week's action when the Crusaders are host to Gulf Breeze at 7 p.m. Thursday from Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium. Coming off a bye week, the Chiefs hit the road for a tough matchup at Blountstown at 7:30 p.m. Friday from Bowles Field.

Lastly, in possibly the Panhandle's biggest game of the year, a pair of 6-0 teams clash as top-rated Pine Forest is host to Niceville at 7 p.m. Friday from Lon R. Wise Stadium.

But according to Pine Forest head coach Ronnie Douglas, his players are readying for this matchup like it's any other week.

"I think for us, for every matchup no matter who it is, we just try to get our scouting report, try to figure out what they're going to be doing and get to work at practice," Douglas said. "We're hoping on Friday night that what we've done in preparation for the game are the right things, come out, perform and do a good job."

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Entering this season with incredible hype, Pine Forest has certainly gone out and done the job. The team hasn't been touched, so far outscoring its opponents by combined margin of 231-45. It's closest contest came in a 35-21 Week 5 win against West Florida.

Douglas credits his veterans for the team's performance in 2022.

"To have a real good team, you got to have a good senior class and a real good junior class, too. We got a good mix, that's the main thing," he said. "They know what we expect and how we do things. They just go out there every week, do what we ask them to do in practice, and come game time so far, they've done a good job performing and putting on a good show on Friday night."

Conversely, Niceville has taken a different route to its 6-0 mark. The team has won half of its games by eight points or less. It's most recent performance required a rally, as it trailed 9-0 enter the fourth quarter before scoring a 13-9 win at Crestview.

Despite a playing down to its competition, Niceville has the talent to compete with anyone, beginning with Jayden Sheppard. With offers to play at Arkansas, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Tulane and Coastal Carolina, the senior is the latest of a long line of Niceville defensive backs headed to play Division 1 football on Saturdays.

Meanwhile, as earning PNJ First Team honors as a member of Navarre last season, Christian Caballero mans the middle of the defense. The senior linebacker has racked up team-highs with 58 tackles and four sacks.

Offensively, senior running back Micah Turner leads Niceville's attack on the ground, posting a team-best nine touchdowns. Lastly, junior wide receiver Maddax Fayard is responsible for more than half of the team's production through the air, recording 40 catches for 668 yards and five touchdowns.

"Just looking at their roster, they are a little bit younger than they've been, but it's such a great program that every year they just (reload)," Douglas said. "They plug in a junior in here and a sophomore in here or a senior that's waited his turn and it's time for him to step up. That's just what good programs do and they've done the same thing this year."

In this week's preeminent game featuring two area teams, Catholic looks to avenge last year's 35-20 season-opener defeat to Gulf Breeze. The two programs have split their last eight meetings.

The Dolphins are riding a three-game winning streak, which includes a dramatic 35-28 win last week at Pace. Having tossed touchdowns to five different receivers, Junior quarterback Battle Alberson is second in the area in passing with 1,207 yards. Meanwhile, Troy Coughlin is the area's second leading rusher. The senior running back has rushed for 919 yards and eight scores.

Yet, when asked about Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Catholic head coach Matt Adams has his eyes on the other side of the ball.

"Most people would probably say their quarterback and running back that makes them dynamic offensively, but I'm really impressed watching their defense. They are just scrappy," he said. "They get to the football, they play really hard.  They look like they're very well coached, so they find a way to get off the field and find a way to win."

Gulf Breeze is 4-2 this season, which is two less wins than the Crusaders' previous six opponents have combined. Nonetheless, like Pine Forest, Pensacola Catholic has largely manhandled every squad that's been put in front of them. The team has a plus-155 differential through six games this season.

"We've had so many different guys contribute to get us to 6-0," Adams said. "We've had different guys step up and play different roles. Everybody is really bought in to what we are doing. ... Any time you start off 6-0 in any sport, it's an exciting thing."

Of the area's three undefeated teams, Northview is the only team that has to play in enemy territory. Blountstown is 4-2 this season, including a 2-1 mark at home.

"They have a stable of running backs, it's just one guy that carries it all. They hit you in tight to set you up on the edge," Chiefs head coach Wes Summerford said of the Tigers. "They got some guys that really fly to football on defense. They're a well-coached team, a well-disciplined team and it's definitely going to be a challenge for us."

Senior athlete Amarion Hover, senior running back Elam Johnson and senior quarterback Joshua Pope are Blountstown's main figures in its ground attack. Averaging 7.6 yards per carry, the trio have rushed for 1,105 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Hover is also one of the Tigers' players on defense, recording a team-best 57 tackles.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, they had two weeks to prepare for a solid opponent, although the agenda wasn't solely on Blountstown.

"First of all, it got our guys healthy. We were a little banged up, but the biggest part was that (the off week) let the focus be on us," Summerford said. "I think kids really took to that and we got better this week."

While Pine Forest and Pensacola Catholic have largely dominant from the opening kickoff, Northview has been at its best in the second half of its games. The Chiefs have outscored their opponents after halftime by a combined margin of 84-19.

"We've played really well in the second half, which is a key indicator about us finishing," Summerford remarked. "That was our whole story the whole summer. ... In year's past, we're gotten tired and made some mistakes and things like that, but this team has been really powerful from the second through the fourth quarters."

Week 7 schedule

Gulf Breeze (4-2) at Pensacola Catholic (6-0)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium

RPI ranking: Gulf Breeze (3.703) - 11th in Region 1-4S, 29th in Class 4S, 178th overall; Pensacola Catholic (11.541) - third in Region 1-2S, 5th in Class 2S, 36th overall

Key players: Gulf Breeze - Gulf Breeze - Lumpy Deweese (DB, Sr.), Troy Coughlin (RB, Sr.), Battle Alberson (QB, Jr.), Brock Clayton (WR, Sr.) Turner McLaughlin (LB, Jr.), Dakota Watson (LB, Sr.), Bryson Rouillier (WR, Sr.); Ja’Bril Rawls (DB, Sr.), Tim Gulley (DL, Sr.), Jayvion Showers (WR, Jr.), Zack DeJesus (LB, Sr.), Aidan Byrd (QB, Sr.), Demontrae Gaston (ATH, Jr.), C.J. Nettles (RB, So.)

Last week’s results: Gulf Breeze - 35-28 win at Pace, 35-8 win at Pensacola

Last meeting: Sept. 27, 2021 - Gulf Breeze 35, Pensacola Catholic 20

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 31, Gulf Breeze 28

Navarre (4-1) at Mosley (4-2)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Tommy Oliver Stadium

RPI ranking: Mosley (8.678) - fifth in Region 1-4S, 10th in Class 4S, 78th overall

Key players: Navarre - Zavier Hamilton (LB, Jr.), Ethan Newman (OL, Sr.), Terence Marshall (Jr., WR), Tyrell Marshall (DB, Jr.), Eddie Love (RB, So.), Jadon Reese (WR, Sr.); Mosley - Sam Freitas (QB, So.), Ferdinand Chima (RB, Sr.), Randy Pittman (TE/DE, Sr.), Isaac Paul (DB, Sr.), Raedyn Bruens (DL, So.)

Last week’s results: Navarre - Bye; Mosley - 28-21 loss at Chiles

Last meeting: Oct. 8, 2021 - Mosley 30, Navarre 7

The skinny: The Raiders face easily their stiffest test since falling in Week 2 to Pine Forest. Navarre’s opponents in its four wins have a combined record of 3-19. Meanwhile, Mosley is 4-2. The Dolphins will be motivated after coming off a disappointing loss at Chiles. They led 21-6 at halftime before being outscored 22-0 in the second half.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 24, Mosley 21

Booker T. Washington (2-3) at Godby (1-5)

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Gene Cox Stadium

RPI ranking: Booker T. Washington (-3.696) - 11th in Region 1-3S, 47th in Class 3S, 350th overall; Godby (-8.728) - 14th in Region 1-2S, 58th in Class 2S, 432nd overall

Key players: Jaylen Lewis (LB, Sr.), Reed Robinson (WR, Sr.), E.J. Townsend (LB, Sr.), Patrick O’Hara (DL, Sr.), Malachi Gilbert (DB, Sr.), B.J. Jenkins (WR, Sr.); Godby - Christian Sims (QB, So.), Tristen Davis (RB, So.), Cheddrick Henry (LB, Sr.), Kenny Jenkins (WR, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Booker T. Washington - 18-15 loss vs. Escambia, Godby - 22-14 win at Marianna.

Last meeting: Nov. 9, 2006 - Booker T. Washington 31, Godby 30

The skinny: Struggling through the first half of the season, the Wildcats defense took a step forward against a quality opponent in Week 6. Allowing just 12 points, Booker T. Washington’s defense recorded five sacks and forced two turnovers in a loss against Escambia. This week, the Wildcats face a Godby team that has averaged 10 points in its five losses.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Booker T. Washington 31, Godby 13

Niceville (6-0) at Pine Forest (6-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Lon R. Wise Stadium

RPI ranking: Niceville (12.682) - third in Region 1-3A, fifth in Class 4S, 22nd overall; Pine Forest (12.401) - first in Region 1-3S, third in Class 3S, 26th overall

Key players: Niceville - Jayden Sheppard (DB/WR, Sr.), Joe Hanson (OL, Sr.), Christian Caballero (LB, Sr.), Logan Marise (K/P, Jr.), Micah Turner (RB, Sr.), Harrison Orr (QB, Jr.); Maddax Fayard (WR, Jr.) Pine Forest - T.J. Wilson (QB, Sr.), Elijah Douglas (DL, Sr.), Donielle Hayes (WR, Sr.), Jonathan Daniels (OL, Jr.), Tyrese Thomas (DB, Sr.) Cam Kelly (DB, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Niceville - 13-9 win at Crestview; Pine Forest - 54-0 win at Fort Walton Beach

Last meeting: Oct. 21, 2016 - Niceville 27, Pine Forest 14

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 24, Niceville 14

Tate (1-4) at West Florida (3-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Marlon L. Bullock Field

RPI ranking: Tate (-2.191) - 15th in Region 1-4S, 51st in Class 4S, 318th overall; West Florida (4.239) - seventh in Region 1-2S, 21st in Class 2S, 164th overall

Key players: Tate - Andre Colston (RB, Jr.), Carmelo Campbell (WR, Sr.), Taite Davis (QB, So.),  Jaxson Moore (OL, Jr.), Kaydon Biggs (LB, So.); West Florida - Markell Redding (ATH, Sr.), Ahmarion Moultrie (LB, Sr.), Oneal Daniels (DL, Sr.), Zeyvian Avery (OLB/DE, Sr.), Marquez Jones (RB, Jr.)

Last week’s results: Tate - 21-7 loss at Milton; West Florida - 50-29 win at Walton

Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2021 - West Florida 44, Tate 0

The skinny: Aggies head coach Rhett Summerford returns to his old stomping grounds for the first time since leaving West Florida last winter. Over the course of five seasons, Summerford guided the Jaguars to a 34-16 record, four winning seasons and two district titles. Tate is coming off its best defense effort after allowing a season-low 21 points in a loss at Milton. Meanwhile, behind four total touchdowns from Markell Redding and three passing touchdowns from John Nicholas, West Florida piled on a season-best 50 points in victory at Walton.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): West Florida 35, Tate 14

Baker (4-2) at Jay (3-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Merle V. North Stadium

RPI ranking: Baker (2.147) - third in Region 1-1R, 17th in Class 1R, 212nd overall; Jay (-1.659) - sixth in Region 1-1R, 23rd in Class 1R, 303rd overall

Key players: Baker - Kayleb Wagner (RB, Sr.), Kurt Armstrong (OL, Jr.), Ethan Williams (LB, Sr.), Jace Tolbert (DL, Sr.), Brayshawn Baker (RB/CB, Sr.); Jay - Landyn Cooley (DL/RB, Sr.), Hayden Morris (QB/DB, So.), Jackson Lawson (DB/RB, Sr.), Joe Norris (LB, Sr.), Trent Watson (OL, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Baker - 48-7 win at Lighthouse Private Christian Academy; Jay - 25-6 win vs. Destin

Last meeting: Oct. 8, 2021 - Baker 35, Jay 6

The skinny: Looking to reserve the course of history, the Royals seek a signature win when they host Baker. Jay last defeated the Gators in 2009. Baker has won its last 15 meetings with the Royals. If Jay breaks the streak, it likely be due to a defense that has allowed 21 total points in its three wins.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Jay 28, Baker 20

Pensacola (0-5) at Pace (3-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Pace High School

RPI ranking: Pensacola (-9.957) - 15th in Region 1-2S, 60th in Class 2S, 442nd overall; Pace (8.649) - sixth in Region 1-4S, 11th in Class 4S, 80th overall

Key players: Pensacola - Bobby Green (WR, Sr.), Ottah Bonner (LB, Sr.), Jaquan Kennedy (RB, Sr.), Devonsha O’Neal (QB, Sr.), A.G. Floyd (WR, So.); Pace - Jackson Ward (LB, Sr.), Reice Griffith (K, Sr.), Nick Simmons (QB, So.), Jayson Alford (FB/LS, Sr.), Xakery Wiedner (ATH, Jr.), Brandon Beckham (DL, Sr.), Ben Tyner (RB, So.)

Last week’s results: Pensacola - 35-8 loss vs. Pensacola Catholic; Pace 35-28 loss vs. Gulf Breeze

Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2021 - Pace 38, Pensacola 13

The skinny: Someone’s skid will come to an end. The Patriots have dropped their last two games while the Tigers are winless midway through the season. Outscored by a combined margin of 114-0 in the first half, Pensacola has struggled mightily over its last three games, all of which went to a running clock. Pace relinquished second-half leads in its past two contests. During those games, Patriots sophomore quarterback Nick Simmons has been held to 3.2 yards per carry after averaging 5.5 yards per carry through the team’s 3-0 start.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 42, Pensacola 12

Northview (5-0) at Blountstown (4-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bowles Field

RPI ranking: Northview (10.024) - first in Region 1-1R, fifth in Class 1R, 51st overall; Blountstown (8.059) - second in Region 1-2R, eighth in Class 1R, 91st overall

Key players: Northview - Jamarkus Jefferson (RB/LB, Sr.), John Michael Ward (OL/DL, Sr.), Kaden Odom (QB/CB, Sr.), Luke Bridges (RB/SS, Sr.), Aidan Broadhead, (WR/DB, Sr.); Blountstown - Amarion Hover (RB/LB, Jr.), Elam Johnson (RB, Sr.), Joshua Pope (QB, Sr.), De’ante Reed (DL/TE, Sr.), Yanti Miller (DL, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Northview - Bye; Blountstown - 24-6 loss at Port St. Joe

Last meeting: Sept. 19, 2018 - Blountstown 35, Northview 19

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 34, Blountstown 27

Patrick's prediction record through Week 5: 38-11

Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (850) 503-3828, on Twitter @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Week 7 Preview: Can Northview, Catholic and Pine Forest remain undefeated?