Niceville Falls to Lincoln In Playoff Rematch

In Brief:

🏈 Niceville fell to Lincoln 36-29 after a back-and-forth contest filled with penalties and momentum swings.
🎤 Star receiver Justus Donahoo and teammates Robert Oliver, Teray Geiger, and Robert Stith each scored touchdowns for the Eagles.
📅 The Eagles now look ahead to their home opener against Escambia on August 29 at Eagle Stadium.

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The Niceville High School Eagles came up short with a tough loss this past Friday night against the Lincoln Trojans.

As the game was filled with back-and-forth matchups marked by penalties, momentum swings, and on-edge fans, the game intensely ended with a score of 36-29.

The opening quarter began with Lincoln scoring a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead, while two Niceville touchdowns were called back for penalties.

But, the Eagles stayed resilient as star player, Justus Donahoo, brought in a scoring pass at the 30 yard line for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion by middle linebacker, Harper Campbell.

Donahoo said afterward, “Us as an offense, we knew we needed to score, so that’s what was going through my head. Fortunately, we scored to put us on top.”

Niceville fans showed up loud and proud two hours from home, dressed in their Safari themed outfits to give the team some life, energy, and to show the Niceville spirit they’re known for.

“Let’s go Eagles!” heard in the background as Robert Oliver powered through with yet another touchdown moments later and kicker, Camrin Pearson, finished off the play by making a kick, adding another point, and getting the score to 15-7.

With 1:39 left in the second quarter, Lincoln responded and brought the score to 15-13.

After a well executed half-time show performance by Lincoln’s marching band, the teams started right back up with Lincoln coming in strong with a touchdown – taking the lead back from the Eagles.

But the Eagles weren’t done. Teray Geiger hauled in a touchdown reception bringing Niceville back in the lead at 21-19.

Lincoln’s special teams took matters into their own hands and returned a Nate Martinez punt for a touchdown to reclaim the lead at 26-22.

Robert Stith would catch a touchdown pass to wrest the lead back from the Trojans. But, the West Virignia Mountaineers commit’s efforts would not be enough to help the Eagles return home with a win.

Lincoln would have the last word in this contest – and walk away with a 36-29 win on a late fourth quarter touchdown. “I think it taught us we can be really good and compete with anyone,” Donahoo said. “We just have to not let mistakes define us.”

The Eagles will take on the Escambia Gators – a team they’ve beaten both times in their last two meetings – in their home opener at Eagle Stadium on August 29.