The Shalimar Wildcats defeated the cross-town rival Fort Walton Beach Buccaneers 13-7 on Saturday in the annual “Battle of the Bridge” youth football game.
The rivalry game is organized by the Panhandle Youth Football Association and featured four teams squaring off at Shalimar Elementary School based on age groups:
- Boomers (5-6 years old)
- PeeWees (7-8)
- Juniors (9-10)
- Seniors (11-12)
The senior teams determine who takes home the trophy and bragging rights. The Buccaneers had won the previous two years, with the trophy residing in the office of Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson.
This year, the Wildcats prevailed with a score of 13-7. Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks took home the trophy on behalf of his town’s team.
- “We are so proud of these young athletes. Both teams played hard, but the Wildcats brought the championship trophy home this year,” said Mayor Franks. “Thank you for the invite and congratulations Wildcats!! We will proudly display the trophy in Town Hall.”
Despite the loss, Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson was proud of the way the Buccaneers played saying “they played with a lot of heart.”
- He told the team post-game: “We’re going to come back next year and we’re going to get the trophy back.”
