Choctawhatchee makes it a stormy night for Pine Forest

FT. WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA – Looking to continue and undefeated start to their season, the Pine Forest Eagles traveled from Pensacola, Friday night to face the Choctawhatchee Indians in a pivotal district match-up. However, the Eagles encountered a stormy night, in more ways than one, as Choctawhatchee rolled to 35-14 victory.

Kickoff was set for 7 p.m., but due to heavy rain and lightning in the area, the game was initially postponed for 30 minutes. As lightning continued to light the night sky, another delay was issued and the game did not begin until 8:20 p.m.

Once the action got going, fans did not have to wait long for fireworks to begin.

Choctawhatchee (3-1) junior cornerback, Keeson Hines-Wheeler, took the opening kickoff back for the touchdown. It proved to be the only points of the opening quarter but it set the tone of the game for the Indians.

Both teams had more offensive success in the second quarter. Pine Forest used a steady run game, with four-star offensive lineman, Jonathan Daniels, leading the way, to drive towards its first touchdown and tie the game, 7-7.

The Indians then responded with two touchdowns. Senior running back, Cole Tabb rushed for a touchdown, and senior quarterback, Jesse Winslette, completed a 55-yard touchdown pass to give Choctawhatchee a 20-7 lead entering halftime.

The second half was a mirror image of the first half.

Pine Forest (3-1) cut the lead to 20-14 behind a vertical, downfield passing attack, but that was the only offense the Eagles could muster the rest of the way.

The Indians closed out the game with a steady run game led by Tabb. He came in averaging well over 100 yards on the season, and he added to his rushing totals on Friday night. Winslette also added an additional score with his legs as he dove for the pylon late in the fourth quarter to increase the Choctawhatchee lead to three touchdowns.

In a game that many people might consider an upset, the Indians showed that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Special teams ignite Choctawhatchee

The opening kickoff return for a touchdown for Choctawhatchee provided the spark the team needed for the win. In today’s game of football, the most successful teams rely on a balanced offensive attack, a defense that can force turnovers, and an offensive and defensive line that can control the line of scrimmage. The Indians excelled at each of those three facets of the game on Friday.

The great teams also win the special teams battle. That is exactly what Choctawhatchee did on Friday as the kickoff return for the touchdown set the tone. If the opening kick was not returned for a touchdown, there is no way of knowing if Pine Forest would have won, but the very first play put the Eagles on their heels and gave the Indians a boost that can go along way towards victory.

Eagles battle offensive woes

Led by senior offensive lineman, Jonathan Daniels, who has a four-star composite rating on 247 Sports and is verbally committed to the Florida State Seminoles, the Eagles had a formidable offense coming into this game. The Eagles were averaging 47 points per game thanks to their steady ground game and big-play ability over the top in the passing game. Their offense struggled on Friday, however, as they could never find their footing.

The Eagles also hurt themselves with numerous penalties in the first half which set the offense back. This poor offensive performance can be attributed to the Indians defensive game-plan, the 80-minute lightning delay, poor offensive execution or a combination of all three. Pine Forest has a week to correct these mistakes as they travel to take on West Florida (Pensacola) next week in a non-district matchup.

Jesse Winslette shines

After a Week 1 defeat to Pace, the Choctawhatchee Indians have won three straight games. After scoring only 17 points in its opener, Choctawhatchee have scored at least 33 points during its three-game winning streak. The man leading this offensive attack is senior quarterback Jesse Winslette.

Winslette orchestrated a brilliant performance against one of the best teams in the entire Florida Panhandle region. He will have to continue his brilliant play at quarterback as the Indians travel to take on the Niceville Eagles next week in a non-district match-up.