Story by Near Post Sports
Choctaw commandeers Raiders, 19-0
The Choctaw Indians got revenge for an early-season, flag football loss to the Navarre Raiders.
That 14-12 contest was the second closest game the Indians lost. The other was a 27-26 non-conference tilt against Niceville (9-2, ranked #13 in the state) April 2. And Monday, Choctaw suffered its third loss, 25-6, to Pace (9-4, #47 in the state).
Navarre was ranked #16 as of Tuesday. So, Choctaw — #30 statewide — had something to prove.
Quarterback Rowan Franklin came out firing. Initially, the damp ball contributed to a lot of dropped passes. But the receivers were open, and Franklin had enough time to find them.
Navarre’s pass rush was a step or two slower to the quarterback, because Franklin was lined up a little deeper behind center than most. And running back/blocker Sophia Goss made things difficult for the lone Raider rusher.
Raider defenders still flew around, but their speed was matched by the Indians.
The Indians dropped in a few running plays along the way, but their meat-and-potatoes came through the air.
Their two, first-half touchdowns – a 14-yarder and a five-yarder — were matched by a pair of defensive interceptions, which shook Raider quarterback Tailor Ernst.
In the second half, Navarre looked better offensively, marching along in an early drive. But Choctaw intercepted a third Ernst pass, taking over on their own 21-yard line. That turnover led to a 15-yard TD pass, which sealed the scoring on the night.
District play for the Raiders begins against Leon next week. If they get past the Lions, then they’ll face the winner of the Chiles-Lincoln matchup. The Niceville Eagles are the number one seed for the 2A District 1 bracket.
Story by Near Post Sports
All photos by Stu Camp
