The Choctaw flag football team shook off a rough outing last week with a 32-14 victory over Navarre on Wednesday night, christening Joe Etheredge Stadium’s new turf field with a statement performance.
- The Lady Indians (7-2) had seen both a five-game winning streak against Niceville and a nine-game winning streak against in-county opponents snapped last week. Against a playoff-caliber Navarre squad riding momentum from a win over Crestview the night before, Choctaw left no doubt.
Senior quarterback Diaris Morales set the tone early, connecting with Grey Smith for a touchdown to put the Lady Indians ahead. Morales never let up, finishing with five touchdown passes in the win.
Choctaw carried a 20-7 lead into halftime and added two more scores in the second half while holding the Lady Raiders to just one, turning the game into a comfortable rout.
“We feel good. We had a rough game last week and we didn’t feel good about it afterwards, so we needed a big game coming into tonight,” Choctaw Head Coach Jim Bay said. “Coming on the new turf, we’ve been waiting all season for this. It’s an exciting win. Navarre’s a good team and they were fired up after winning last night over Crestview.”
Bay said the team still has details to clean up heading into the postseason stretch.
- “Our offense looked good. We’ve just got to clean up the little things, the dropped balls, the missed flags,” Bay said. “We’re trying to get ready for the end, with districts, regionals if we make it through, and then to make it back to state.”
Bay praised Morales for her performance, noting the consistency expected from a four-year starter and senior captain.
“She’s throwing the ball well. She’s still trying to figure out what receiver wants to catch the ball. She did great,” Bay said. “That’s what we expect from a four-year starter, a senior captain, and the quarterback is to come out and make plays.”
Choctaw hosts Rutherford on Thursday.
Navarre (7-7) travels to face Niceville on Monday.
