Stories by Brian Lester
Stories by Brian Lester
It’s Game Day! Pace plays Doral Academy for the state title
May 24, 2025
Pace’s softball team will play for back-to-back state championships today in Longwood.
The Patriots take on Doral Academy at 2 p.m. EST at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in a battle of the top two teams in the state.
The Patriots take on Doral Academy at 2 p.m. EST at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in a battle of the top two teams in the state.
State softball championship game up next for Pace Patriots
May 23, 2025
Abby McLean missed graduation practice on Friday because she was at the FHSAA 6A state softball final four in Longwood. No big deal.
She wouldn’t trade delivering the biggest hit of the day for anything. Her two-run double proved to be the difference in a 2-0 semifinal victory over Parrish Community that sends the Patriots to the state title game for the third consecutive year.
She wouldn’t trade delivering the biggest hit of the day for anything. Her two-run double proved to be the difference in a 2-0 semifinal victory over Parrish Community that sends the Patriots to the state title game for the third consecutive year.
Live at State Softball: Pace takes on Parrish in a 6A semifinal
May 23, 2025
The Pace Patriots take aim at continuing their quest for a repeat as 6A state champions when they face Parrish Community today at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
Game time is Noon EST. Pace comes in at 23-3 and ranked second in the state in 6A. Parrish is No. 3 and is 26-3.
Game time is Noon EST. Pace comes in at 23-3 and ranked second in the state in 6A. Parrish is No. 3 and is 26-3.
Pace football team finishes up spring football this week
May 22, 2025
Pace’s football team finishes spring practice this Friday when it takes on Navarre in a spring game at Bennett C. Russell Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
A familiar scene: Pace softball team headed to state once again
May 22, 2025
Pace softball players smile and wave from the windows of minivans. A few others do the same from the sunroofs of the vehicles, which begin rolling down a road lined with fans holding signs and taking videos as the team heads out for Central Florida.
This scene here on a mid-May afternoon hasn’t become an annual guarantee, but it sure is close. The reigning champion Patriots are headed to the state final four for the fifth consecutive year.
This scene here on a mid-May afternoon hasn’t become an annual guarantee, but it sure is close. The reigning champion Patriots are headed to the state final four for the fifth consecutive year.
Milton Panthers wrapping up spring football practice this week
May 20, 2025
Milton’s football team wraps up spring practice this week, getting in work for three days on the practice field.
The Panthers host their Black and Gold Game on Friday.
The Panthers host their Black and Gold Game on Friday.
Central’s Quincy Wilson earns MVP honors at All-Star Game
May 20, 2025
Quincy Wilson has been one of the best players in the area all season.
Last Friday, the Central standout punctuated a successful high school season by earning East MVP honors at the Pensacola Sports Association All-Star Game.
Last Friday, the Central standout punctuated a successful high school season by earning East MVP honors at the Pensacola Sports Association All-Star Game.
Brian Out Loud
May 19, 2025
I give the FHSAA credit for getting it right with the baseball postseason this year.
Going to the best-of-three format for the regional tournament was a great idea.
Going to the best-of-three format for the regional tournament was a great idea.
Five in a row! Pace softball team headed to another final four
May 16, 2025
Senior Emma Hicks dove and stretched for a fly ball in right field to record the final out of the seventh inning in the Region 1-6A championship game against Navarre Thursday night.
That play sealed Pace’s fifth consecutive trip to the state final four, the Patriots securing a 4-0 win over the Raiders and immediately erupting in celebration.
That play sealed Pace’s fifth consecutive trip to the state final four, the Patriots securing a 4-0 win over the Raiders and immediately erupting in celebration.
Milton grad Briana Willis part of school history at Huntingdon
May 15, 2025
Milton grad Briana Willis was part of school history earlier this year at Huntingdon.
The former Panther is on the women’s golf team that won a USA South Athletic Conference championship for the first time.
The former Panther is on the women’s golf team that won a USA South Athletic Conference championship for the first time.