The season is already one-fifth of the way through. It’s been an eventful two weeks, and now, Week 3 is on the docket. Here’s the full schedule:
(All times 7 p.m. CT unless noted)
Key: * denotes district game
Thursday, Sept. 3
- Pine Forest at Crestview
Friday, Sept. 4
- Mosley at Niceville
- Choctaw at Pace (7:30 p.m. CT)
- Florida High at South Walton
- Baker at Holmes County*
- Fort Walton Beach at West Florida Tech
- Freeport at Gulf Breeze
- North Bay Haven at Destin
Byes: Walton, Rocky Bayou
And now, here are my predictions:
(6-2 last week, 10-8 on the season)
Crestview 35, Pine Forest 10
This has to be the week everything starts coming together for the Bulldogs. It’s a get-right game they badly need. Crestview has the superior roster in this one, and the Bulldogs finally put it together for four quarters to earn the win Thursday night.
Niceville 24, Mosley 21
One of the things Adron Robinson made a focal point this year is regaining the upper hand against the Eagles’ rivals: Crestview, Choctaw and Mosley. Throughout his tenure with the Dolphins, Niceville alum Tommy Joe Whiddon has been the biggest thorn in his alma mater’s side. And like the Niceville-Mosley battles in recent years, this will be a game that comes down to the wire. But Mosley has gotten incredibly lucky against Choctaw and Godby and could be due for some adversity. The Eagles narrowly eke it out and secure their first win over Mosley since 2022.
Choctaw 28, Pace 17
If last week was any indication, Choctaw looks like it is getting better each and every week. Pace is coming off a tough loss to Pensacola Catholic. Choctaw’s defense is still a force to be reckoned with, and the offense should only get better with the switch to Isaiah Collins at quarterback. The Indians finally put it all together and get a much-needed victory.
South Walton 28, Florida High 14
The Seminoles just achieved a statement win over Chiles. South Walton is the better team in this one, though. Florida High manages to finally break the goose egg the Seahawks’ defense has put up, but JD Brown and company should be too much for the Seminoles to handle in the end.
Baker 21, Holmes County 17
The Gators know the stakes here. This is a critical district game against a respectable opponent. Holmes County is 2-0, but it hasn’t faced an opponent as good as Baker yet. With the Blue Devils due for some adversity, Baker comes in and gets the win on the road.
Fort Walton Beach 35, West Florida Tech 24
The Vikings will be eager to bounce back from a tough loss against South Walton, and West Florida Tech presents the perfect opportunity to do that. Look for the Vikings to get back on track in this one.
Freeport 35, Gulf Breeze 10
Freeport is by far the better team here. The Dolphins have been blown out in all of its games, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Destin 35, North Bay Haven 0
North Bay Haven hasn’t found its footing yet this season. This is the perfect opportunity for Destin to redeem itself following a tough loss at Baker, and these are the kinds of games it needs to win to stay alive in the playoff race in Class 2A.
