Sports - Mid Bay News

After remarkable 2025 success, Choctaw looks to smash 2026 expectations

Head Coach Frank Beasley isn’t resting on last year’s Final Four run, instead focusing on the foundation laid during 6:00 AM workouts in February, calling it the moment the team’s success was “actually poured.” The Choctaw Indians are preparing for the 2026 season with a philosophy built on physicality, fundamental execution, and “contact courage”—the mental fortitude to seek out high-impact collisions. With a battle-tested roster and a schedule featuring Florida powerhouses and defending Alabama state champion Thompson High School, Beasley is committed to playing the best to be the best. The program’s success is tied to a culture where the logo on the helmet always comes before the name on the back of the jersey, ensuring collective sacrifice drives their push for another deep playoff run.

Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla

Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.

Raiders blow out Tallahassee, celebrate Coach Martin before retirement

The Raiders baseball team sent Coach Doug Martin out in style as they celebrated his last regular season home game with the team.

We talked to Niceville’s new football coach. Here’s what he said about the program in 2026:

In a candid sit-down on the same field where they won a state championship in 1988, former Niceville teammates Heath Rominger and Adron Robinson—now the Eagles’ head coach—reflected on how much has changed in high school football, and how much hasn’t. Robinson’s message was clear: while schemes and safety rules have evolved, Niceville’s standard of discipline, accountability, and character remains the same. With a philosophy built on the simple phrase “everything matters,” Robinson is blending tradition with innovation as he leads the Eagles into a new era.