## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. With a postseason culminating in the state finals on November 1st, anticipation is building for another exciting season.   

### Boys: Returning Standouts

**Judah Hershberger (Dalton):** After placing 79th at last year’s Division III state meet – the highest of any Dalton boy runner – Hershberger is poised to lead his team as a senior.  

**Tripp Wingate (Norwayne):**  A Division II state qualifier last year, Wingate finished 92nd overall with a best time of 15:59.80. The Norwayne senior looks to improve on that performance this season.

**Luke Snyder (Rittman):**  Snyder is a name to watch in Division IV. The reigning back-to-back Division III state champion, he dominated the competition with wins in 2023 (14:58.13) and 2024 (15:23.10). His quest for a three-peat will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

**Caleb Bolender & Bryen Valerio (Rittman):** These Rittman teammates played crucial roles in their team's ninth-place finish at last year’s Division III state meet.  Valerio placed 61st with a best time of 16:30.87, while Bolender finished 109th (17:06.28).

**Jackson & Jaydon Varner (Waynedale):**  These senior brothers are known for their consistency. Jackson earned All-Ohio honors with a 16th-place finish at the Division III state meet, while Jaydon came in 43rd.

**Wyatt Moore (Waynedale):** Along with the Varner brothers, Moore helped Waynedale secure a sixth-place overall team finish at last year’s state meet.


### Girls: Returning Stars

**Lillith Dreibelbis (Norwayne):** Dreibelbis aims to lead Norwayne as their top runner after placing 51st at last year's Division III state meet.

**Adyson Fosen & Annabelle Snyder (Rittman):** These sophomore teammates both earned All-Ohio honors with podium finishes last season. Fosen placed 15th, and Snyder came in 18th.  

**Brooke Bowlby & Selah Amos (Rittman):** Both played key roles in Rittman’s third-place finish at the Division III state meet last year. Bowlby placed 41st, while Amos finished 85th. The team looks to build on their success with a strong return.

**Kaitlyn Carr (Smithville):** A three-time track and field state champion, Carr’s only missing achievement is a cross country title.  After placing third at the Division III state meet in both 2023 (18:02.70) and 2022 (17:49.86), she has another shot at the crown as a senior.

**Maryn Erdman (Smithville):** Carr’s track teammate, Erdman is also poised for success in Division IV. After placing 27th at last year's Division III state meet and earning All-Ohio honors, she aims to climb the podium this season.


**Piper Polen (Waynedale):**  Polen made a strong debut as a freshman, qualifying for the Division III state meet and finishing 95th. Her best time was 19:46.20.

**Iriel Mena (West Holmes):** As a freshman, Mena made the Division II state meet, placing 69th and contributing to West Holmes' tenth-place team finish.





## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. Wit

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runne

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runners in Wayne/Holmes County

##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the first race, it’s time to crown Beaver County's top cross country runners. 

**Last Year's Standouts**

West Allegheny's Grace Fritzman made waves last year, snagging silver at the WPIAL Championships and placing 11th at PIAA. She's one of many impressive young athletes poised for another stellar season.

**Vote for Your Favorites**

Think you know who deserves to be crowned? Cast your vote by August 14th at noon for the best boys and girls runners in the county. The results will be revealed on Tuesday, August 19th.  


 **VOTE:** Who are the Beaver County Times preseason high school cross country runners of the year? 


##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the fir

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country p

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country preseason runners of the year

## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next generation of volleyball superstars. Among the Shore Conference's Class of 2027 juniors, who stands out as the top prospect?  You decide!

**Vote Now for Your Choice:**

Head over to the poll below and cast your vote for the rising junior you think will dominate the court. Polls close on August 21st at 10 PM sharp.


[Poll embedded here] 

 **Technical Notes:**
If the poll doesn't load immediately, try refreshing the page. Voting issues within the app?  Switch to a mobile or desktop browser for a smoother experience. 





## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among rising juniors?

## Mississippi's High School Football Phenoms: Cast Your Vote!

Who reigns supreme in the gridiron? Mississippi high school fans have their say as they vote for the top football athlete entering the 2025 season.

**The Contenders:**

* **Braylen Bedford, Vardaman**: A freshman force to be reckoned with, Bedford racked up 1,260 all-purpose yards and a staggering 15 touchdowns last year. His defensive prowess added another layer, as he amassed 67 tackles. Powerhouse programs like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee are already vying for his talent.

* **Zialis Blackmon, Biggersville**: This three-star recruit according to 247Sports dominated the field with an impressive 2,137 all-purpose yards and a jaw-dropping 29 total touchdowns in his previous season.

* **Quentin Carter, Charleston**:  A multi-faceted threat, Carter contributed 1,486 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns while also leading the defense with 28 tackles and two interceptions.

* **Javarious Griffin Jr., Cleveland Central**: This dynamic athlete showcased his skills on both sides of the ball, recording 756 all-purpose yards, including seven receiving touchdowns and five rushing TDs.  His talents have caught the attention of Ole Miss, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State among others.

* **Gavin Howard, Holmes County Central**: This three-star recruit made a significant impact with nine total touchdowns and an impressive 1,599 all-purpose yards. His special teams prowess added another dimension, as he recorded 24 total returns.

* **Jeremiah Harkins, New Hope**: Committed to Middle Tennessee State, this three-star recruit and the No. 64 player in the state helped lead New Hope to an 8-3 record last season.

* **Ian Harlan, Ocean Springs**: Harlan showcased his versatility with 245 all-purpose yards, eight tackles, and three total touchdowns.


**...and More!**

The competition continues with a host of talented athletes vying for the top spot:  Jermaine Jackson, O'Mari Johnson, DJ McNair, Ja'Kayden Moore, Liam Schwartz, Khylan Sinegal, Jaiden Taylor, Justin Verner, Jordan Virgess, Landon Thompson, Xzavier Webber, and Drew Winfun.

**Cast Your Vote:**


[Poll embedded here]



_Voting closes at noon on Sunday.  Vote once per hour per device._ 


## Mississippi's High School Football Phenoms: Cast Your Vote!

Who reigns supreme in the gridiron? Mississippi high school fans have their say as they vote for

Vote for top Mississippi high school football athlete for up

Vote for top Mississippi high school football athlete for upcoming 2025 MHSAA, MAIS season

## High School Football Kicks Off: Players to Watch in the Gaylord Area

**Season Opener Set For August 28th**

GAYLORD — Summer is winding down, which means one thing: high school football season is just around the corner! With kickoff scheduled for Thursday, August 28th, teams across Michigan are gearing up for another exciting year.  All three Gaylord-area squads will be playing at home to start the season. Gaylord takes on North Branch, Johannesburg-Lewiston hosts Burton-Bendle and Gaylord St. Mary welcomes Rudyard.

This new season brings fresh faces and emerging talent. Fans will see all three teams sporting new quarterbacks, alongside playmakers looking to make their mark alongside returning starters. 


**Gaylord Blue Devils:**

* **Jaron Bensinger, Linebacker:** The name "Bensinger" is synonymous with Gaylord athletic success. Jaron follows in his older brother Ty's footsteps, who was a state champion wrestler and All-State football player. After winning the D2, 144-pound wrestling state title at Ford Field this past March, Jaron now aims to conquer the gridiron. A second-team All-Big North linebacker last season, he will likely lead the Blue Devils' defense, which allowed just 16.2 points per game in 2024 despite a 3-6 overall record.

* **Kaven Cole, Receiver/Linebacker:** Gaylord found its offensive rhythm late last season, especially in the passing game, thanks in part to sophomore Andrew Szymoniak at quarterback. Cole emerged as a key target for Szymoniak and will likely be the new QB's favorite option in 2025.  He capped off the season with a breakout performance against Escanaba, helping Gaylord come back from a fourth-quarter deficit to win 19-15 on a last-second touchdown pass from Szymoniak to Cole. He finished the game with 5 receptions for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cole also earned honorable mention All-BNC at linebacker.

**Johannesburg-Lewiston Cardinals:**

* **Joey Smokevitch, Running Back/Fullback/Defensive Back:**  After years of watching his father's teams in the Northern Michigan Football Conference, junior Joey Smokevitch is poised to become a key player and leader for the Cardinals seeking success. Smokevitch returns as the team's leading rusher with 282 total yards and 175 yards in NMFC-Legacy games, earning All-NMFC Legacy Honorable Mention in 2024. He will step up to fill the void left by graduating seniors Nate Hummel and Kyler Nowak. Smokevitch is also a first-team All-NMFC Legacy defensive back and an MHSAA Advisory Council selection, bringing both talent and experience to the Cardinals.

* **Wyatt Konkle, Offensive/Defensive Line:** To run Coach Joe Smokevitch's Wing-T, run-heavy offense effectively, you need big bodies up front who are also athletic enough to move in space. Senior Wyatt Konkle provides that for JoBurg. He was JoBurg’s lone first-team All-NMFC Legacy selection on both sides of the ball in 2024, earning a spot among the first-team offensive and defensive linemen.  He will be relied upon even more as he enters his senior season, hoping to lead JoBurg back to its pre-2021 success.

**Gaylord St. Mary Snowbirds:**

* **Nathan O'Connell, Quarterback/Defensive Back:** After a few years of established upperclassmen at key positions, Gaylord St. Mary is ushering in a youth movement. Sophomore Nathan O'Connell is set to take over as the starting quarterback for his dad, Kevin O’Connell. "Chummy," as he's known around GSM, was thrust into action late last season when seniors Daniel Jacobson and Hogan McKinley went down with injuries during their 7-2 regular season. After earning first-team All-Ski Valley honors as a freshman, O'Connell looks to become one of the go-to players for the Snowbirds in 2025.

* **Logan Greenier, Charlie Cameron, David Wahl, Jackson Vernier, Offensive/Defensive Line:**  Standing out as a lineman in 8-player football can be tough. Last season, GSM’s line was among the best in the entire Ski Valley. All four of their regular offensive and defensive linemen earned either first-team or honorable mention honors, led by sophomore Logan Greenier as a first-team defender and Charlie Cameron as a first-team on the O-line. With all four returning, GSM’s new backfield should feel protected and secure.






## High School Football Kicks Off: Players to Watch in the Gaylord Area

**Season Opener Set For August 28th**

GAYLORD — Summer is winding down, which means on

Here are the Gaylord-area football players we are looking fo

Here are the Gaylord-area football players we are looking for this fall

##  Who Will Rule the Gridiron? Vote for Section V's Top Class A Football Star!

The countdown to the 2025 high school football season is on, and a new generation of stars is ready to shine in Section V.  Faber Builders presents your chance to predict who will emerge as the top player in Class A.

**A Battle for Division Dominance:**

Class A will be divided into Class A1 and Class A2. 

* **Class A1:** Brighton, Churchville-Chili, Greece Olympia/Odyssey, Hilton, Irondequoit, Spencerport, Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, Victor.
* **Class A2:** Brockport, Canandaigua, East/World of Inquiry, Eastridge, Gates Chili, Greece Arcadia, Greece Athena, Wilson/Early College.

**The Contenders:**

Nominees were carefully selected based on their outstanding performances as returning All-Greater Rochester football players or members of the 2024 Section V All-Stars first team.


**Cast Your Vote!**

Help decide who will claim the title of best Class A player in 2025 by voting now! The poll closes at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 8th.  You can vote multiple times for your favorite.  The winner will be announced on Monday, August 11th.

[Poll]


**Vote Now and Stay Tuned!** 


##  Who Will Rule the Gridiron? Vote for Section V's Top Class A Football Star!

The countdown to the 2025 high school football season is on, and a new generati

Vote: Who will be the best Section V football player in Clas

Vote: Who will be the best Section V football player in Class A in 2025?

##  Delaware's Top High School Football Star is Crowned! 🏈🏆

**Cast Your Vote for Preseason Player of the Year**

Over eight weeks, Delaware fans have spoken! You've chosen your favorites at every position – quarterback, running back, offensive lineman, wide receiver, defensive lineman, linebacker, defensive back, and kicker or punter.  

Now it’s time to crown Delaware's top high school football star for the 2025 season!

**Vote now in our FREE poll presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists:** [Insert Poll Here]

The winner will be announced this Friday.  Meet the nominees:

[List of Nominees]


**Can’t see the poll?** Refresh your page or try opening it in a different browser. Some mobile app users may need to open this page in a browser instead of in the app to register their vote. 


##  Delaware's Top High School Football Star is Crowned! 🏈🏆

**Cast Your Vote for Preseason Player of the Year**

Over eight weeks, Delaware fans have spoken!

Free vote: Pick the preseason Player of the Year in Delaware

Free vote: Pick the preseason Player of the Year in Delaware high school football, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

##  Clash of the Titans: District 10 Linemen Battle for Preseason Honors

The trenches are always where football battles are won and lost, and District 10 is brimming with talent this season. These behemoths pave the way for offensive juggernauts and anchor defenses against relentless attacks. Who will reign supreme? Cast your vote now in our preseason lineman of the year poll! Voting closes Thursday night.

**District 10's Top 10 Linemen:**

* **Luke Lewis, Hickory:**  Lewis, a junior, is already a force to be reckoned with, earning District 10 lineman of the year honors last season. He boasts offers from Carnegie Mellon, Cal (Pa.), and Slippery Rock.
* **Jack Adams, Cathedral Prep:** This 6'3", 280-pound all-district standout is a true powerhouse for the Ramblers.
* **Jacob Coulter, Wilmington:**  A junior and all-district selection, Coulter terrorizes opposing offenses as a defensive menace for the Greyhounds. 
* **Delathian Boanes, Grove City:**  Boanes brings his senior year experience to the field with an impressive career tally: 173 tackles, seven sacks, and four fumble recoveries. 

* **Edwin Guzman, Erie:** This junior standout has already caught the eye of Syracuse University with an offer, and many expect him to attract even more attention this fall.
* **Rowan Szuba, McDowell:**  Szuba was voted to the all-region team last season in a region known for its exceptional linemen. 
* **Landon Plyler, Meadville:** This all-region first-team selection is poised to lead a young Meadville squad this fall.

* **Carlao Lowe, Farrell:** The tight end and defensive lineman leads the charge for the prolific Farrell offense.
* **Maddox Snyder, Reynolds:**  Snyder anchors both sides of the ball for the experienced Raiders team. 
* **Logan Latimore, North East:** A true two-way threat, Latimore dominates on both defense and offense for the North East squad.

**Vote Now!**





##  Clash of the Titans: District 10 Linemen Battle for Preseason Honors

The trenches are always where football battles are won and lost, and District 10 is br

VOTE: Fans can vote for the District 10 preseason lineman of

VOTE: Fans can vote for the District 10 preseason lineman of the year

## Kickoff Approaches: 2025 MHSAA Football Schedules for the Blue Water Area

Get ready for some Friday Night Lights! The 2025 MHSAA high school football season kicks off on Thursday, August 28th.  Below is a schedule breakdown for all the teams in the Port Huron Times Herald coverage area:


**Algonac:**
* Saturday, Aug. 30 at Cardinal Mooney — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. North Branch — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 at Armada — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Almont — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Imlay City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Croswell-Lexington — 7:30 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 vs. Yale — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Madison Heights Madison — 7 p.m.

**Almont:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Marysville — 7:30 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. Imlay City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 at Yale — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 at Algonac — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Croswell-Lexington — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 vs. Armada — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at North Branch — 7 p.m.*

**Armada:**
* Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Marine City — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. Croswell-Lexington — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Algonac — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Yale — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Almont — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at North Branch — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at Imlay City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Frankenmuth — 7 p.m.

**Cardinal Mooney:**
* Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. Algonac — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian — 7 p.m.
* Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. Caro — 1 p.m.
* Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic — 1 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Waterford Lakes — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Clarkston Everest Collegiate — 7 p.m.*
* Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Allen Park Cabrini — 1 p.m.*
* Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley — 1 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 24 at Southfield Bradford Academy — 7 p.m.

**Croswell-Lexington:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Saginaw Swan Valley — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Armada — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 at Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. North Branch — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Almont — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 vs. Algonac — 7:30 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at Imlay City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Yale — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Ogemaw Heights — 7:30 p.m.

**Imlay City:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Flint Powers Catholic — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Almont — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 at North Branch — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 at Yale — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Algonac — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 vs. Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 vs. Croswell-Lexington — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Armada — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 23 at Burton Bentley — 7 p.m.

**Marine City:**
* Friday, Aug. 29 at Armada — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. Madison Heights Madison — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 12 at St. Clair — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 at Center Line — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 26 vs. St. Clair Shores South Lake — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Sterling Heights — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 vs. Eastpointe — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Marysville — 7 p.m.


**Marysville:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 at Almont — 7:30 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. Hazel Park — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 12 at Warren Fitzgerald — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Grosse Pointe North — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Warren Lincoln — 7 p.m. *
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Sterling Heights — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 vs.  St. Clair Shores South Lake — 7 p.m. *
* Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Center Line — 7 p.m.* 
* Friday, Oct. 24 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep — 7 p.m.

**Port Huron:** 
* Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Warren Fitzgerald — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Chippewa Valley — 7 p.m. *


 **Sandusky:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 at Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 vs. Marlette — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 12 at Millington — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Burton Bendle — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Cass City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at Caro — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at Unionville-Sebewaing — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Oct. 24 vs. Reese — 7 p.m.

**St. Clair:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Richmond — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Warren Lincoln — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Marine City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Eastpointe — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 at Center Line — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 vs. St. Clair Shores South Lake — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at Sterling Heights — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Hazel Park — 7 p.m.
* Friday, Oct. 24 at Port Huron Northern — 7 p.m.

**Yale:**
* Thursday, Aug. 28 at Swartz Creek — 7 p.m. 
* Friday, Sept. 5 at Richmond — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Almont — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Imlay City — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Armada — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 3 vs. North Branch — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 10 at Algonac — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 17 at Croswell-Lexington — 7 p.m.*
* Friday, Oct. 24 at Flint Powers Catholic — 7 p.m.



 **Note:**  A "*" indicates a conference game.




## Kickoff Approaches: 2025 MHSAA Football Schedules for the Blue Water Area

Get ready for some Friday Night Lights! The 2025 MHSAA high school football season

2025 Blue Water Area high school football schedules

##  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.





##  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

Who has the best high school football rivalry on the Emerald

Who has the best high school football rivalry on the Emerald Coast? Vote now

## Who Will Be District 10's Offensive Star? Vote Now!

**The throne is vacant after the Zietz twins graduate, setting the stage for a new era.**


With Isaac and Jacob Zietz (General McLane) graduating after record-breaking seasons, the District 10 offensive player of the year title is wide open.  Who will step up and claim this coveted honor?

We've narrowed down the field to 11 top contenders. Cast your vote for the preseason favorite below before Thursday night!

 **The Contenders:**

* **Ethan Engelmore, Sharon:** The quarterback threw for 1,618 yards and 19 touchdowns last fall, adding six rushing touchdowns for good measure.
* **Juelz Johnson, Farrell:** The senior running back rushed for 1,745 yards and a whopping 24 touchdowns. He also contributed 23 catches for 259 yards and two more scores.
* **Vinnie Feliciano, Mercyhurst Prep:**  This junior had a breakout sophomore season, leading District 10 in rushing with over 2,400 yards and 25 touchdowns.
* **Kelvin Morrison, Hickory:** Another Division I running back from Mercer County, Morrison ran for 1,422 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore, also adding eight catches for 245 yards and four touchdowns.
* **Brett Kania, Cambridge Springs:** As a junior, Kania rushed for 1,543 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also chipping in nine catches for 99 yards and one touchdown.

 * **Xavier Zachrich, Reynolds:** Despite battling injuries last year, the quarterback threw for 592 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 550 yards and seven touchdowns.
* **Jared Corwin, General McLane:** The Navy recruit hauled in 48 catches for 611 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.
* **Justin Schell, Greenville:** This speedy wide receiver caught 40 passes for 879 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore.

 * **Davin Friedman, Cathedral Prep:**  The quarterback threw for 1,323 yards and 18 touchdowns despite battling injuries throughout the season.
* **Blake Cook, Corry:** Cook had a breakout junior season as a wide receiver with 38 catches for 584 yards and 11 touchdowns.

 * **Paul Johnson, Erie:**  The quarterback was the backup last year at Erie High but has the potential to shine this season for the Royals.






## Who Will Be District 10's Offensive Star? Vote Now!

**The throne is vacant after the Zietz twins graduate, setting the stage for a new era.**


With Isaac a

#High-school