On a clear Friday night with at least 1,000 fans packing the stands at Crestview High School, the Choctawhatchee Indians delivered a commanding 28-0 victory over the Crestview Bulldogs.
First Quarter: A Wet Start and Early Momentum
The game kicked off with an unexpected twist when the field sprinklers started to water the field just after Crestview’s opening kickoff, causing a brief delay.
Once play resumed, the Indians capitalized with a steady offensive march, culminating in a short-yardage rushing touchdown by Dante Whidbee.
Crestview’s next possession ended in a punt. On the play, the referees threw a flag for a facemask – which gave fantastic field position to the Indians.
In a theme of the night, Crestview’s defense would step on the field with their backs against the wall. Despite desperate times, the Crestview defense played much better than the 28-point margin would imply.
The second quarter saw Choctawhatchee’s defense continue to shine. Crestview turned the ball over on downs early in the quarter, and a big interception by Choctaw’s number Jordyn Long at the 6-minute mark stifled a Bulldogs drive.
Though the Indians faced setbacks with two personal foul penalties, pushing them back 30 yards, their defense held strong and forced another Crestview punt.
Choctaw would end the half with another score thanks to stout defense. The Indians would recover a Crestview fumble, and seize the opportunity to rumble drove down the field. With under a minute remaining, number Jordyn Long punched in another rushing touchdown.
The Indians would enter the locker room with a two score lead – and the Crestview Bulldogs, somehow, still in the game – despite having less than 50 yards of estimated total offense in the half.
Third Quarter: Indians Pull Away
Choctawhatchee opened the second half with a kickoff to Crestview, but the Bulldogs struggled to gain traction.
The Indians’ starting quarterback, Tamen Zabetakis briefly sidelined at the start of the third quarter, returned to lead a potent offensive drive. Around the 6-minute mark, Zabetakis powered through for a rushing touchdown, followed by a good extra point, pushing the score to 21-0. Crestview’s woes continued as they turned the ball over on downs late in the quarter, leaving Choctaw in control at their own 33-yard line. The third quarter ended with the Indians firmly ahead, 21-0.
The final quarter saw Choctawhatchee put the game out of reach. Early in the quarter, with about nine minutes remaining, the Indians connected on a passing touchdown, their first of the night, to extend the lead to 27-0. The extra point was good, making it 28-0. Crestview’s offense continued to falter, turning the ball over on downs with three minutes left. In the closing moments, Choctaw recovered another Bulldog’s fumble, ensuring a shutout victory. The game concluded with a final score of 28-0.
Key Takeaways
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
Register or login with Mid Bay News and never get another pop up on our site!
