Sports Archive

Forget about the 13-point deficit Pace faced early in the second quarter or the similar deficit it stared up at late in the third against Navarre in a thrilling District 1-6A championship game Friday night.

The Patriots weren’t going to stop playing, not with a trophy on the line.

Until last Thursday night, Milton’s girls soccer team had never advanced to a district championship game.

That all changed in the Panthers’ opening round matchup against Escambia last week as they made a little history.

Milton’s boys soccer team saw its season end with 2-0 loss to in a District 1-5A semifinal last Wednesday night at Dolphin Stadium in Gulf Breeze.

Yet, Panther head coach James Turk thought his team put forth a strong effort against the Gators.

Milton added a regional championship to its trophy case Saturday in Panama City by claiming its first title in program history.

The Panthers won the Region 1-2A title by six points (37-31) over Baker County as its historic season continues.

Though Pace led by double digits at halftime against Escambia Monday night, head coach Greg Gill wanted to see his team play a little harder defensively.

The Patriots responded with intensity and tenacity, limiting the Gators to just 13 points in the second half of a 69-34 road win in Pensacola.

Nate Simmons finished off his senior season at Pace on a strong note, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and passing for nearly as many as well.

Now the talented quarterback for the Patriots is headed to the college level, signing with Mississippi College earlier this month.

Milton and Pace begin district soccer tournament play this week.

The Panthers open District 1-5A tourney play Thursday night at home against Escambia. They are seeded second and sport a 6-7-4 record. The Gators are 5-8-1.

Raymond Busby had a good feeling about what Milton’s girls weightlifting team could accomplish at Thursday’s District 2-2A meet.

That feeling turned out to be right.

Kendall Wise was focused on turning in a solid enough performance to carry her to a district championship in the 154-pound weight class last Wednesday in Niceville.

By the end of the day at the District 1-3A meet, the Pace senior had accomplished her goal, standing atop the podium as a champion, her combined lift of 350 pounds sealing the deal.

The latest regional rankings are out in the various winter sports as hopes remain intact for area teams to reach the postseason.

The top eight teams at the end of the year make the regional, with the four district champions earning an automatic berth.