Who has the best high school football rivalry on the Emerald Coast? Vote now
Emerald Coast Gridiron Battles: Which Rivalry Reigns Supreme?
It's that time of year again – the air is crisp, leaves are turning, and high school football dominates everything. The schedules are out, trash talk is flying, and rivalries are heating up on the Emerald Coast.
But which matchups truly deserve the title of "best rivalry"?
From Niceville vs. Crestview to Fort Walton Beach vs. Choctaw, there's no shortage of heated competition. Vote now for your favorite showdown before August 11th at 2 p.m.!
Fort Walton Beach vs. Choctaw: A Tale of Two Cities
Active Win Streak: Choctaw has won the last four meetings, including a decisive 49-13 victory last year at Joe Etheredge Stadium.
- Most Memorable Recent Win for Choctaw: In 2021, former Choctaw star Frank Beasley returned to lead his alma mater, promptly ending a losing streak against FWB with a 28-6 win at Steve Riggs Stadium. Beasley is undefeated against the Vikings since taking the helm.
- Most Memorable Recent Win for FWB: In 2020, playing through a shortened season due to COVID-19, the Vikings pulled off a much-needed 35-28 victory over their crosstown rivals, snapping a losing streak that started in 2013.
- Where's the Balance? This historically even rivalry was once defined by parity, with the teams locked at 21-21 after the 2012 season. However, Choctaw's dominance has shifted the balance, now leading the all-time series 32-22. The addition of Power Four prospect Deshawn Simmons to Choctaw this offseason further underscores this trend. But with the hiring of Josh Pulliam, a former Choctaw standout and winning coach, FWB hopes to rekindle competitiveness in this iconic matchup.
Niceville vs. Crestview: Bad Blood on the Battlefield
Active Win Streak: Niceville has won seven of the last eight games, including a 35-14 victory last year at Jack Foster Stadium.
- Most Memorable Recent Win for Crestview: In 2022, Crestview delivered a stunning upset with a 26-21 victory over Niceville in the region quarterfinals at Eagle Stadium. This win marked the end of a five-game losing streak to the Eagles and was head coach Thomas Grant's first statement victory.
- Most Memorable Recent Win for Niceville: The Eagles' playoff run in 2020 saw them crush Crestview 56-20 in the regional playoffs, culminating with a near-state championship appearance after a field goal away from playing for the 7A title.
This rivalry transcends typical competition. Crestview's call for Niceville to vacate wins in 2021 following a transfer controversy ignited tensions further. This heated atmosphere continues to fuel the fire in this back-and-forth battle.
More Matchups: Mosley, South Walton vs. Walton, and Choctaw vs. Niceville
The article also details exciting rivalries between Niceville and Mosley, with an up-and-coming competitive edge; South Walton and Walton, experiencing a shift in power after years of back-and-forth wins; and the often one-sided clash between Choctaw and Niceville, which is looking to rebalance this season.