It seemed fitting when, on a night that penalties canceled three Milton touchdowns, an offensive pass interference call against an Orange Beach receiver in the end zone sealed the Panthers’ 7-0 season-opening win in Alabama.

With pre-game fireworks and energy in the stadium, the Pace Patriots, coming off a 7-4 season, kicked off their 2023 season last Friday against Choctaw and prevailed 41-17.

After winning the toss and electing to defer, the Pace defense came out strong and blocked the Indians’ first try at a field goal.

Milton topped Rocky Bayou for the second time this week, winning 26-24, 25-15, 18-25 and 25-19.

Both teams were well matched during the first set as neither team truly held a significant lead. It wouldn’t be until the end of the set that Milton would get the bounces it needed to win.

Week one of the high school football season gets rolling Friday in the north end of Santa Rosa County.

Pace hosts Choctaw, Milton travels to Alabama to play Orange Beach and Jay welcomes Vernon to town.

Nathaniel Lyons Jr. missed the first half of his sophomore season because of an injury he suffered in a car accident.

He finished strong, however, tallying 23 tackles and picking off a pass to help Pace produce a winning season.

His profile on Twitter says, ‘legend in the making,’ and if you know the story of Eddie Craig, the line fits.

Craig was one of the best track athletes in the state while at Pace and that success carried over to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas over the last two years.

Carey Locklin was back on the bench Tuesday night, coaching volleyball at Jay for the first time in a couple of seasons.

She saw some encouraging moments, but there were also times that reminded her this team still has plenty of room for improvement.

Jacquelyn Ruffini started swimming at a young age and has never looked back.

“My older brother got me into swimming and then I started swimming, too,” Ruffini said.

Pace has a tradition of success in swimming. And the Patriots expect that to continue this year.

One of the keys to that success has nothing to do with what’s done in the pool.

Daisy Eddins has been pleased with the work her team has put in this preseason in the pool despite the brutal heat and humidity that refuses to let up.