The high school football season is here.
The Pensacola News Journal has visited all 14 schools fielding a team this season – including the inaugural season for Central, which joins the varsity ranks this year – to dive into what the 2024 season might bring for each area team.
With that, this week we begin the PNJ Power Poll. This is the preseason poll, based on results from 2023, who’s returning for the 2024 campaign, and what each team looks like with new players, potentially new coaches, and a clean slate ahead.
Take a look below to see the PNJ Preseason Power Poll.
1. Pensacola Catholic
2023 record: 11-3 | 2023 final ranking: No. 1
Pensacola Catholic made it the furthest of any area team in the playoffs in 2023, moving to the state semifinals but falling in overtime to Bradford in heartbreaking fashion. The scary part is how many players the Crusaders are returning for the 2024 season, including 2023 PNJ Most Valuable Player, Nigel Nelson, and Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Justin Weatherall, among numerous others. Plus, Pensacola Catholic has a few key additions from transfers, including a pair of wide receivers in Tristan Keigley and Josh Spears, which should create a well-balanced offense between the pass game – with quarterback Ryan Huff – and the run game – with other running backs CJ Nettles and Vaughn Howard. That doesn’t even include the defense, which has four Division I defensive linemen and a secondary that can fly around.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Navarre
2. Escambia
2023 record: 8-4 | 2023 final ranking: No. 5
Escambia has a strong defense returning to the field entering the 2024 season , including a lethal secondary that features players like Taiylor Bradsher and Ladarian Clardy – the reigning PNJ Defensive Player of the Year. Escambia ended its season in the Region 1-3S semifinals against top-seeded St. Augustine, which fell in the state championship to Mainland. Prior to that, the Gators exorcised some demons and topped rival Pine Forest, 15-7, avenging a loss to the Eagles in the regular season. With a senior-heavy offensive line, plus running back Dorrion White returning after a 1,233-yard season, the question is who will take the reigns at quarterback – especially with a solid core of receivers to throw to.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at West Florida
3. Pine Forest
2023 record: 6-5 | 2023 final ranking: No. 4
Pine Forest is generally a younger team, especially after graduating a few key players like Miequle Brock Jr. at running back and Jonathan Daniels at offensive line (adding in some defensive line presence last year) . However, the Eagles’ pass game looks promising with sophomore quarterback Zakavius Andrews, on top of a few top receivers returning, such as Zion Legree , Phillip Defelice and Jalen Rawls. However, it’s a strong returning defensive core that stands out. The secondary – which has three Division I commits in CJ Floyd , Xavier Thompson and CJ Hill – plus some strong linebackers create a well-balanced squad for Pine Forest.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. vs. Pensacola
4. Pace
2023 record: 8-2 | 2023 final ranking: No. 3
Arguably one of the biggest snubs from the playoffs in 2023 with an 8-2 record , Pace enters the 2024 season with a little bit of a chip on its shoulders. Head coach Kent Smith and the Patriots have the toughest schedule they’ve ever had, Smith noted – including a couple of opponents from Alabama. Still a run-heavy team, the Patriots have a couple big holes to fill after the graduation of Xakery Wiedner and the transfer of Nick Simmons. However, Ben Tyner – who is taking over at quarterback – and Makael Williams, the next two returning lead rushers, look to be up to the task. That doesn’t mean the pass game isn’t there, especially with Joeseph Skipworth at tight end. On defense, Pace still has some heavy hitters between Tylon Lee and Carson Lowe in the front seven.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Mary G. Montgomery (Ala.)
5. Tate
2023 record: 5-5 | 2023 final ranking: No. 7
T he Aggies appear to be on a steady progression under the guidance of head coach Rhett Summerford. Tate posted its first .500 record since the 2017 season, and not only does the team return a lot of players from the 2023 season, but the Aggies also added a “few weapons” on defense to help the cause. Quarterback Taite Davis, running back Carson Secchiari, and receiver Christian Neptune – the 2023 PNJ Offensive Newcomer of the Year – all return to the offensive side of the ball, looking as dangerous as ever.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Fort Walton Beach
6. Navarre
2023 record: 7-4 | 2023 final ranking: No. 2
Navarre has the pieces after graduation a good amount of players on offense , but those players are heavily untested. They might have played at the varsity level before, but were behind some strong starters, including running back Connor Mathews – who’s now at Niceville – along with quarterback Hunter Pfiester and receivers Terence Marshall , Nate Hanson and Brayden Brown. However, the defense does present some bright spots, with PNJ Super Senior Vinny Villanova leading the front seven at linebacker, along with Andre Spence (78 tackles) and Marquez White (64 tackles) also making their return.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Pensacola Catholic
7. Milton
2023 record: 3-7 | 2023 final ranking: No. 10
Milton is another team that looks to have some quality pieces to the puzzle, especially with the class of 2026 all back together on one team – that’s at least the part that head coach Kelly Gillis pointed out during the offseason . However, with returning senior Tate Williams at quarterback, he has plenty of weapons to throw to – including Kaiden Hall, Bryson Brown and David Aboya. The first and third players are part of that highly-touted junior class. It’s more or less the same on defense, with a good amount of experienced players – like Hall, Aidan Spratt and Jayson Kennedy – all marking their return as well.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Crestview
8. Gulf Breeze
2023 record: 3-7 | 2023 final ranking: No. 8
Gulf Breeze’s offense last year was full of passing and brought plenty of scoring. With quarterback Battle Alberson and receivers Bryson Rouillier and Gavin Quenneville taking on a bulk of the offense, the Dolphins have a few new faces – even with some returning – looking to make an impact. Quarterback Brock Stomps has come in from Louisiana, joining his father – first-year head coach Jim Stomps – and he has some weapons to throw to in Jake Hooten, Troy Matlock and Denver Boyett, among others. However, a new defensive style, adding in new schemes and a lot more motion, players said, that will look to make Gulf Breeze a more well-balanced team compared to 2023, trying to avoid some “shootout-like” games.
Week 1 game: Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. vs. South Walton
9. Jay
2023 record: 7-4 | 2023 final ranking: No. 9
Jay captured its first winning season and hosted its first playoff game since 2018 last year, ultimately falling to the hands of Northview in the regional quarterfinals. However, Brian Watson continues to grow the program, noting during fall camp that numbers continue to improve for the Royals. Notably, Jay graduated Brock Stout, who ran for 1,437 yards and 16 touchdowns. But quarterback Hayden Morris returns in the second year of the new offense, and has more confidence and knowledge of the systems. He also has some quality receivers to throw to, like Brady Godwin, who will also be asked to lead the defense. Three of the top defenders return from 2023, bringing in solid experience.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Vernon
10. West Florida
2023 record: 4-5 | 2023 final ranking: No. 7
The Jaguars got hit pretty hard by graduation and out-going transfers after the 2023 season. John Nicholas, who threw for over 2,000 yards, as well as the team’s top two runners and receivers are all gone. A lot of key defenders are gone, as well. Head coach Harry Lees knows he has a younger team, and is relying on a few key seniors – such as Val Johnson at running back or Andre Caldwell at defensive line – to provide on- and off-field leadership, and also looking to take on expanded roles from previous seasons.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. vs. Escambia
11. Booker T. Washington
2023 record: 1-8 | 2023 final ranking: No. 12
Booker T. Washington had an “off-year” in 2023, head coach Ryan Onkka said during the spring. With the addition of a leadership council, featuring some members of the Wildcats’ senior class, Onkka is hoping the off-field chemistry translates to on-field success. Booker T. has a few key returning offensive players, like Kyler Battle at running back and some receivers, plus a returning quarterback in Austin Smith. With a new outlook on defense, plus a more well-balanced offense, Booker T. is looking to build some momentum with 10 consecutive weeks of regular-season football with no bye week.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Williamson
12. Northview
2023 record: 4-7 | 2023 final ranking: No. 11
Northview was filled with a multi-skilled senior class last season, including Wyatt Scruggs, who did a little bit of everything for the Chiefs – including throwing the ball, running the ball and playing at defensive back. Northview also had a strong run game, with Joe Wright and Devin Kelly running for a combined 1,964 yards and 23 touchdowns. With the exception of Moses Delarosa returning at linebacker , the next four-best tacklers also graduated from Northview on defense. Safe to say the Chiefs will be a younger team, looking for multiple players to fill key roles, and it’ll be a test to see how quick they can fill those positions.
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. vs. Destin
13. Pensacola
2023 record: 0-10 | 2023 final ranking: No. 13
After a coaching change at Pensacola, players have noted that the culture has changed within the Tigers’ program. Will that translate to the field, however? Pensacola has had a rough stretch of seasons dating back to 2019, where the Tigers haven’t won more than a single game in a season. Mike Mincy was the last team to post a multi-win season in 2018, and Mike Bennett was the last one to record a winning season back in 2012. What will Wade McKinney bring to the 2024 Tigers?
Week 1 game: Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Pine Forest
14. Central
2023 record: N/A | 2023 final ranking: N/A
It’s simple: Central is a brand-new program, entering its first varsity season. The Jaguars played a JV season last year, and is entering its first year in the rural division of schools, with local rivals such as Jay and Northview. Central only has an eight-game schedule, and doesn’t play until Week 2 when the Jaguars go to Blacksher (Alabama) on Aug. 30. Central won’t play a home game until Oct. 4 against Jay, starting the season with four consecutive road games.
Week 1 game: Bye Week
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: PNJ Power Poll: See where we rank the area football teams heading into 2024 regular season
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