Bay County Fantastic 24: Meet the stars for North Bay Haven football this season

The News Herald aims to serve as a medium that increases exposure in the athletics scene and shines a light on the hidden gems around the area.

As football season kicked off last week, we want to showcase standout players from the county's pool of talent. Since it's the 2024 season, it feels fitting to highlight the top 24 players in a series called the "Fantastic 24."

Each coach was allowed to present four players who embody the brand and tradition of their respective programs.

Our final stop is at North Bay Haven, with a group of players primed for a big year.

Connolly Forehand, WR/DB/RB, Class of 2025

With so much change happening within the program, how have you and your teammates grown closer together?

"We are just trying to have as much fun as we can and work hard at practice," Forehand said. "We do Bible Study at team dinner every week and we have a lot of fun doing that keeping up the positivity."

How do you get better at your position for the benefit of the team?

"As a defensive back, I watch a lot of Alabama DB drills because of Nick Saban the best coach ever," Forehand said. "Watching film from our past games and people we play helps me see stuff that I need to improve on."

What are your goals heading into your final year?

"Team goals wise as long as we push it every play I think we will be very successful," Forehand said. "I just want to play well and give it my all."

Thomas Robideau, OL/DL, Class of 2025

As a senior how are you leading your teammates on both sides of the ball?

"I lead by example but I have had to yell at one guy in particular because he doesn't know when to stop talking, but all in all I lead by example because that is the best way to show them," Robideau said.

What are some of the things you have done to stay at the top of your game?

"A lot of working out in the offseason which included weight training, speed and agility," Robideau said. "On the field I try to absorb and learn as much information as possible, trying as hard as possible."

What are you looking to accomplish this year?

"Sacks, pancakes, trying to be as physical as possible while winning as much as we can," Robideau said.

Caleb Christoph, RB/LB, Class of 2026

As a running back how have you adjusted to the triple-option offensive scheme?

"Last year, there was more passing, screens, and inside zone, while this season, we are doing a lot of heavy sets with mostly run game," Christoph said. "It is new and we have to get used to it but I think we are learning it quickly."

What is the atmosphere and chemistry like among the team?

"It's great we all know each other, we stayed and we are all ready to fight for one another," Christoph said.

What are some personal and team goals this year?

"Score some touchdowns and win as many games as we can," Christoph said.

Jayden Johnson, TE/DT, Class of 2025

What are some of the skills you are passing down to your younger teammates?

"I try to show my experience and how I do drills at full speed on both sides of the ball," Johnson said.

How has the change around the program affected you?

"It's hard trying to learn a whole new offense and defense, but we are quickly figuring it out," Johnson said. "I focused a lot of my time in the weight room and on mental reps."

How do you want to lead this program in your final year?

"Being the best leader I can be and having a positive impact on everyone around me," Johnson said.

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1 .

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County Fantastic 24: Meet the stars for North Bay Haven football this season