Friday Night Photos: Niceville Takes The Win At Choctaw

Two flutists warm up before the band plays for the Niceville Choctaw high school football game in Fort Walton Beach. The Eagle pride would assist the Eagles on the football field to a 42-25 win.
Two flutists warm up before the band plays for the Niceville Choctaw high school football game in Fort Walton Beach. The Eagle pride would assist the Eagles on the football field to a 42-25 win.
The Choctawhatchee high school drum major holds her traditional headdress above her head as she and the Choctawhatchee style marchers prepare to march onto the field for the pregame ceremonies at Joe Etheridge field in Fort Walton Beach.
The Choctawhatchee high school drum major holds her traditional headdress above her head as she and the Choctawhatchee style marchers prepare to march onto the field for the pregame ceremonies at Joe Etheridge field in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville Eagles players warm up before they play the Choctawhatchee Indians at Joe Etheridge Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on September 20. The Eagles would come away with another dominant win to start the first half of their season 5-0.
Niceville Eagles players warm up before they play the Choctawhatchee Indians at Joe Etheridge Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on September 20. The Eagles would come away with another dominant win to start the first half of their season 5-0.
Niceville quarterback club supporter, Michael Flowers, an area attorney and former judge, sports his Niceville pride Before kickoff at the annual Niceville Choctaw football game. Flowers Eagles would win the day by a large margin.
Niceville quarterback club supporter, Michael Flowers, an area attorney and former judge, sports his Niceville pride Before kickoff at the annual Niceville Choctaw football game. Flowers Eagles would win the day by a large margin.
Niceville Eagles fans sport their beach attire for the Eagles game against Choctaw high school. Every week a theme is picked for students to wear to the game.
Niceville Eagles fans sport their beach attire for the Eagles game against Choctaw high school. Every week a theme is picked for students to wear to the game.
A member of the Niceville majorettes smiles before kick off. The Niceville Eagle pride band, colorguard, and majorettes, made the trip down with the team for the game.
A member of the Niceville majorettes smiles before kick off. The Niceville Eagle pride band, colorguard, and majorettes, made the trip down with the team for the game.
Two members of the choctawhatchee style marchers wait for instructions as the Niceville Eagle pride band stands in the background to warm up.
Two members of the choctawhatchee style marchers wait for instructions as the Niceville Eagle pride band stands in the background to warm up.
Two Okaloosa County sheriffs deputies on patrol at the game take a moment to smile for the camera before the game begins. Local high school football games typically require more than a dozen law enforcement members for security.
Two Okaloosa County sheriffs deputies on patrol at the game take a moment to smile for the camera before the game begins. Local high school football games typically require more than a dozen law enforcement members for security.
Two Niceville Eagle fans smile for the camera before kickoff between Niceville, high school and choctawhatchee high school.
Two Niceville Eagle fans smile for the camera before kickoff between Niceville, high school and choctawhatchee high school.
Two Niceville Eagles, high school students who made the journey from Niceville to Fort Walton Beach for the game between Niceville and Choctawhatchee high schools smile before the game.
Two Niceville Eagles, high school students who made the journey from Niceville to Fort Walton Beach for the game between Niceville and Choctawhatchee high schools smile before the game.
The Choctawhatchee style marches band, led by their drum major march to the field to commence the opening ceremonies before the football game between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school.
The Choctawhatchee style marches band, led by their drum major march to the field to commence the opening ceremonies before the football game between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school.
For Choctawhatchee Indians football players warm-up before their game against Niceville high school. The Indians would lose to the Eagles 42 to 25.
For Choctawhatchee Indians football players warm-up before their game against Niceville high school. The Indians would lose to the Eagles 42 to 25.
A colorguard member marches to the field for the beginning of the Niceville high school choctawhatchee high school football game.
A colorguard member marches to the field for the beginning of the Niceville high school choctawhatchee high school football game.
The Choctawhatchee high school drum major marches onto the field before kickoff between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school.
The Choctawhatchee high school drum major marches onto the field before kickoff between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school.
A colorguard member marches to the field for the beginning of the Niceville high school choctawhatchee high school football game.
A colorguard member marches to the field for the beginning of the Niceville high school choctawhatchee high school football game.
A choctawhatchee high school trumpeter marches forward with her comrades in the style marchers band to kick off the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school.
A choctawhatchee high school trumpeter marches forward with her comrades in the style marchers band to kick off the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school.
A member of the Choctawhatchee high school style marchers moves forward with trombone in hand and headdress on head to the cheers of Indian fans.
A member of the Choctawhatchee high school style marchers moves forward with trombone in hand and headdress on head to the cheers of Indian fans.
A view from behind of the hundreds of Choctawhatchee style marchers as they moved toward their places for pregame ceremonies.
A view from behind of the hundreds of Choctawhatchee style marchers as they moved toward their places for pregame ceremonies.
A Choctawhatchee high school saxophonist marches in the pregame parade to the field. The choctawhatchee style marcher band played the national anthem to open up the game between the Indians and the Eagles.
A Choctawhatchee high school saxophonist marches in the pregame parade to the field. The choctawhatchee style marcher band played the national anthem to open up the game between the Indians and the Eagles.
The Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC marches the colors onto the field at Joe Etheridge stadium in Fort Walton Beach. The Choctaw Hatchie Indians would lose to the Niceville Eagles 42 to 25.
The Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC marches the colors onto the field at Joe Etheridge stadium in Fort Walton Beach. The Choctaw Hatchie Indians would lose to the Niceville Eagles 42 to 25.
A cadet in the Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC prepares to turn onto the field at Joe Etheridge Stadium in Fort Walton Beach to commence opening ceremonies for the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school
A cadet in the Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC prepares to turn onto the field at Joe Etheridge Stadium in Fort Walton Beach to commence opening ceremonies for the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school
A Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC cadet stands at attention with the colors before marching onto the field for the pledge of allegiance and national anthem that proceeded every home game at Joe Etheridge stadium.
A Choctawhatchee high school junior ROTC cadet stands at attention with the colors before marching onto the field for the pledge of allegiance and national anthem that proceeded every home game at Joe Etheridge stadium.
A Niceville high school assistant coach looks onto the field as Eagles warm up before the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school in Fort Walton Beach.
A Niceville high school assistant coach looks onto the field as Eagles warm up before the game between Niceville high school and Choctawhatchee high school in Fort Walton Beach.
A Niceville high school assistant coach checks his watch immediately before kickoff in the game between Niceville high school and choctawhatchee high school.
A Niceville high school assistant coach checks his watch immediately before kickoff in the game between Niceville high school and choctawhatchee high school.
Niceville high school football players prepare to run through a handmade sign to commence the Niceville Eagles Choctawhatchee Indians football game on September 20
Niceville high school football players prepare to run through a handmade sign to commence the Niceville Eagles Choctawhatchee Indians football game on September 20
Choctawhatchee high school dance team members and cheerleaders wait for the Choctaw Indians to run through their banner before the high school football game between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school
Choctawhatchee high school dance team members and cheerleaders wait for the Choctaw Indians to run through their banner before the high school football game between Choctawhatchee high school and Niceville high school
Niceville high school football captains stare down the Choctawhatchee Indian high school football captains and their pregame meeting with the referees. Nice Phil would win the coin toss and defer to the second half to receive.
Niceville high school football captains stare down the Choctawhatchee Indian high school football captains and their pregame meeting with the referees. Nice Phil would win the coin toss and defer to the second half to receive.
Harper Campbell looks up at a coin as it flies through the air. Niceville high school would win the coin toss, and defer to receive the football in the second half.
Harper Campbell looks up at a coin as it flies through the air. Niceville high school would win the coin toss, and defer to receive the football in the second half.
Niceville high school football players run through the sign and smile as they head to their bench before the game.
Niceville high school football players run through the sign and smile as they head to their bench before the game.
Carter Marraco of Choctawhatchee high school watches as the ball he’s thrown to a receiver, heads down the field. The Eagles would be able to throw a couple of devastating long passes throughout the game, but it would not be enough to keep up with the Niceville Eagles offensive production.
Carter Marraco of Choctawhatchee high school watches as the ball he’s thrown to a receiver, heads down the field. The Eagles would be able to throw a couple of devastating long passes throughout the game, but it would not be enough to keep up with the Niceville Eagles offensive production.
Niceville high school football players run through the sign and smile as they head to their bench before the game.
Niceville high school football players run through the sign and smile as they head to their bench before the game.
JJ Lewis of Niceville high school puts out a hand to Ward off Amir Reese of Choctaw high school as he runs down the field. Lewis has a total of 312 yards on the ground so far this year.
JJ Lewis of Niceville high school puts out a hand to Ward off Amir Reese of Choctaw high school as he runs down the field. Lewis has a total of 312 yards on the ground so far this year.
Jon Bocchino hurdles through the air into the end zone for a touchdown against Choctawhatchee high school. Bocchino has a team leading seven touchdowns on the year – and is typically used in short yardage situations for the Eagles.
Jon Bocchino hurdles through the air into the end zone for a touchdown against Choctawhatchee high school. Bocchino has a team leading seven touchdowns on the year – and is typically used in short yardage situations for the Eagles.
Niceville Eagles football players gather around the screen to watch video of their play on the previous drive.
Niceville Eagles football players gather around the screen to watch video of their play on the previous drive.
Niceville high school head coach Grant Thompson looks on as the Eagles prepare for another play in their contest against the Choctawhatchie Indians at Joe Etheridge Field in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville high school head coach Grant Thompson looks on as the Eagles prepare for another play in their contest against the Choctawhatchie Indians at Joe Etheridge Field in Fort Walton Beach.
Jon Bocchino celebrates another touchdown for the Eagles. The Niceville Eagles score about 30 points per game.
Jon Bocchino celebrates another touchdown for the Eagles. The Niceville Eagles score about 30 points per game.
Niceville High School Football fans cheer on their Eagles during the middle of a 42-25 win against the Choctaw Indians in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville High School Football fans cheer on their Eagles during the middle of a 42-25 win against the Choctaw Indians in Fort Walton Beach.
A Niceville Eagle Pride Drum Major looks down briefly before leading the band in another song before the end of the game between Niceville and choctawhatchee high school.
A Niceville Eagle Pride Drum Major looks down briefly before leading the band in another song before the end of the game between Niceville and choctawhatchee high school.
A Niceville High School drum major dances to the rhythm the band produces at their game on Friday night. The Eagles would take down the Choctaw Indians in a 42-25 contest in Fort Walton Beach.
A Niceville High School drum major dances to the rhythm the band produces at their game on Friday night. The Eagles would take down the Choctaw Indians in a 42-25 contest in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville’s Eddie Love, Junior and Choctaw’s Jeremiah Clay engage in some extracirricular jawing after the whistle. The Eagles would end up having the last word with a statement 42-25 win over the Indians.
Niceville’s Eddie Love, Junior and Choctaw’s Jeremiah Clay engage in some extracirricular jawing after the whistle. The Eagles would end up having the last word with a statement 42-25 win over the Indians.
The Niceville Eagles turnover totem, Chucky, watches silently from the bench as the eagles engage in a hard-fought contest between the Eagles and the Indians at Joe Etheridge Stadium in Fort Walton Beach.
The Niceville Eagles turnover totem, Chucky, watches silently from the bench as the eagles engage in a hard-fought contest between the Eagles and the Indians at Joe Etheridge Stadium in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville High School Football fans cheer on their Eagles during the middle of a 42-25 win against the Choctaw Indians in Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville High School Football fans cheer on their Eagles during the middle of a 42-25 win against the Choctaw Indians in Fort Walton Beach.
A member of the Choctawhatchee High School percussion corps practices before the halftime show.
A member of the Choctawhatchee High School percussion corps practices before the halftime show.
Choctawhatchee High School’s Drum Major gazes out at the schools marching band in the stands. The Style Marchers played loud and proud throughout the evening.
Choctawhatchee High School’s Drum Major gazes out at the schools marching band in the stands. The Style Marchers played loud and proud throughout the evening.
A Choctawhatchee High School Cheerleader addresses the camera as the team exhorts the team to victory. The Indians would score several times in the second quarter to make a game of the contest between the two teams. But, the Eagles would ultimately triumph 42-25.
A Choctawhatchee High School Cheerleader addresses the camera as the team exhorts the team to victory. The Indians would score several times in the second quarter to make a game of the contest between the two teams. But, the Eagles would ultimately triumph 42-25.
JJ Lewis moves upfield as a pack of Choctawhatchee Indians move to intercept him. Lewis’ abilities on the ground would cause headaches all evening for the Choctawhatchee Indians defense. vvv
JJ Lewis moves upfield as a pack of Choctawhatchee Indians move to intercept him. Lewis’ abilities on the ground would cause headaches all evening for the Choctawhatchee Indians defense.
Choctaw’s Tristan Jackson moves to stop Niceville Eagle Jon Bocchino’s leap across the goal line. Jackson would not stop Bocchino in time and Niceville would grab another touchdown against a defense that seemed shaky against the Eagle onslaught in the third quarter of the game.
Choctaw’s Tristan Jackson moves to stop Niceville Eagle Jon Bocchino’s leap across the goal line. Jackson would not stop Bocchino in time and Niceville would grab another touchdown against a defense that seemed shaky against the Eagle onslaught in the third quarter of the game.
Niceville’s Kane LaFortune executes a pass to a receiver as Connor Matthews, Ryan Flaherty and Donovan Dark and other eagles provide pass protection.
Niceville’s Kane LaFortune executes a pass to a receiver as Connor Matthews, Ryan Flaherty and Donovan Dark and other eagles provide pass protection.
Jon Bocchino holds fast to the football as he throws his body into a horde of Choctawhatchee Indians. The Referees would credit Bocchino with his seventh touchdown of the season.
Jon Bocchino holds fast to the football as he throws his body into a horde of Choctawhatchee Indians. The Referees would credit Bocchino with his seventh touchdown of the season.
A member of the Choctawhatchee Sprit team moves her horse back to her starting point after the Indians scored a touchdown in the second quarter.
A member of the Choctawhatchee Sprit team moves her horse back to her starting point after the Indians scored a touchdown in the second quarter.
Niceville’s Owen Atkins looks on as a Choctawhatchee Indian takes a short pass more than 80 yards for a Choctawhatchee Indian Touchdown. Though the Indians would have several big plays on the evening, they could not keep up with Niceville’s offense. Niceville would win 42-25.
Niceville’s Owen Atkins looks on as a Choctawhatchee Indian takes a short pass more than 80 yards for a Choctawhatchee Indian Touchdown. Though the Indians would have several big plays on the evening, they could not keep up with Niceville’s offense. Niceville would win 42-25.
A member of the Niceville Eagle Pride Drum Corps prepares for another halftime performance.
A member of the Niceville Eagle Pride Drum Corps prepares for another halftime performance.
Niceville Eagle supporters would be in full voice as the game entered the third quarter.
Niceville Eagle supporters would be in full voice as the game entered the third quarter.
Niceville Assistant Coach Brooks Perry moves down the sideline to speak with a player after a play. Perry has coached at Niceville for more than half a decade.
Niceville Assistant Coach Brooks Perry moves down the sideline to speak with a player after a play. Perry has coached at Niceville for more than half a decade.
Isabel Soto claps along with her bandmates in the Eagle Pride Band. The band would boost the Eagles to a 42-25. Victory over the Choctawhatchee High School Indians.
Isabel Soto claps along with her bandmates in the Eagle Pride Band. The band would boost the Eagles to a 42-25. Victory over the Choctawhatchee High School Indians.
Choctaw’s Aaron Rowell pulls in a touchdown reception before Niceville’s Justus Donahoo lays a hit on him to try and knock the ball loose. Donahoo’s hit would not have an effect on the tough wideout. He’d secure the ball for six point
Choctaw’s Aaron Rowell pulls in a touchdown reception before Niceville’s Justus Donahoo lays a hit on him to try and knock the ball loose. Donahoo’s hit would not have an effect on the tough wideout. He’d secure the ball for six point
Turnover Chucky feels lonely on the sideline. Ignoring Turnover Chucky has never led to negative consequences in the movies - so what could possibly go wrong?
Turnover Chucky feels lonely on the sideline. Ignoring Turnover Chucky has never led to negative consequences in the movies - so what could possibly go wrong?
Niceville High School School Resource Officer (SRO) Melissa Vause poses for a photo at the end of the Niceville-Choctaw Football Game.
Niceville High School School Resource Officer (SRO) Melissa Vause poses for a photo at the end of the Niceville-Choctaw Football Game.
JJ Lewis celebrates another touchdown with the Niceville Eagles.
JJ Lewis celebrates another touchdown with the Niceville Eagles.
A Niceville High School Football Player talks with a fellow student after the 42-25 win over Choctawhatchee High School
A Niceville High School Football Player talks with a fellow student after the 42-25 win over Choctawhatchee High School

The Niceville Eagles continued their dominant start to the 2024 season with a commanding 42-25 win over the Choctawhatchee Indians at Joe Etheridge Field on September 20. The Eagles, now 5-0, put on a show both offensively and defensively, extending their undefeated streak while leaving the Indians in their wake.

The pre-game festivities set the tone for the evening, with both schools’ bands and color guards providing energetic performances. The Niceville Eagle Pride Band and the Choctawhatchee Style Marchers took center stage during the pregame ceremonies, their music building excitement among the fans.

The game itself was a physical back-and-forth contest in the first half. Choctaw’s defense managed to disrupt a few Niceville drives, but the Eagles’ offensive line, led by Kane LaFortune and supported by key players like JJ Lewis and Jon Bocchino, began to dominate. Lewis, who has racked up over 300 rushing yards this season, continued to be a thorn in Choctaw’s side, while Bocchino added two touchdowns by the end of the game. He’d end the evening with seven TDs on the year so far.

Though the Indians found some offensive rhythm in the second quarter, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown pass, Niceville’s defense held strong, preventing Choctaw from gaining any lasting momentum. The Eagles’ secondary, anchored by Justus Donahoo, delivered crucial hits and timely tackles to keep the Indians’ offense at bay.

At halftime, both marching bands thrilled the crowd with spirited performances, with Choctaw’s Drum Major leading the Style Marchers in traditional pregame and halftime ceremonies. Meanwhile, Niceville fans, dressed in beach attire for the night’s theme, cheered loudly for their team, who entered the second half with a 19-10 lead.

The Eagles took control in the third quarter, with Bocchino hurdling into the end zone for another score, extending the Eagles’ lead. As the game wore on, the Choctaw defense struggled to contain the Eagles’ relentless offensive attack, and Niceville capitalized on long passes and steady drives to maintain a comfortable margin.

Choctawhatchee’s Tristan Jackson and Aaron Rowell put up a valiant fight, with Rowell scoring on a difficult touchdown reception despite a punishing hit by Niceville’s Donahoo. However, the Indians’ efforts were not enough to overcome the Eagles’ offensive firepower.

The Eagles’ win solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the area, and with their undefeated streak intact, the team looks ahead to the second half of the season. Eagles fans, already buzzing from the victory, were treated to a final flourish as the Niceville Eagle Pride Band celebrated the team’s success with a closing performance, wrapping up a memorable night in Fort Walton Beach.

Niceville will look to carry their momentum into next week as they continue their pursuit of a perfect season against a faltering Gulf Breeze team in Niceville’s Eagle Stadium.

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