PHOTOS: Niceville Eagles Overpower Pine Forest In Rain-Soaked Showdown, 36-14

The Niceville Eagles dominated Pine Forest in a rainy home game on Friday night, cruising to a 36-14 victory. Both teams battled tough field conditions and early miscues, but Niceville ultimately seized control, led by strong performances from Johnny Lewis Jr. and Connor Matthews on offense and Jon Bocchino, Harper Campbell and Owen Atkins on Defense.

It was the first home game in the rain in nine years, according to principal Charlie Marello, who noted how unusual it was to see such a sparse crowd an hour before kickoff. The Niceville band was even unable to perform, silencing the usual game-day atmosphere.

But the student section showed up in style… 18th century style – as the two Eagles teams made way for a student section in Red, White and Blue (as well as a couple of founding father costumes).

The game started on a rough note for Pine Forest, who found themselves backed up inside their own five-yard line due to a botched snap. The mistake resulted in a safety, putting Niceville on the board early with a 2-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, Niceville’s drive was cut short by an interception, but Pine Forest couldn’t capitalize, punting after being forced deep into their own territory again.

Niceville, starting with excellent field position, cashed in with a touchdown on a five-yard run by Jon Bocchino, extending the lead to 9-0. Pine Forest’s offense continued to struggle, with another bad snap pinning them near their goal line. Although a quarterback keeper by No. 2 gave them some breathing room, they couldn’t muster enough to keep the drive alive.

Niceville’s Connor Matthews took advantage of the excellent field position, breaking a long run to move the Eagles across midfield. Despite a rain-heavy game plan and more playing time for Johnny Lewis Jr., the offense stalled on this drive. However, the Niceville defense held firm, forcing Pine Forest to punt once again.

In the second quarter, Johnny Lewis Jr. broke loose for a 40-yard touchdown run, increasing Niceville’s lead to 16-0.

Despite another deep setback, Pine Forest showed signs of life with a trick play, converting a fake punt to move the ball to their own 35-yard line. Quarterback Nicholas Simmons followed it up with a big pass to put Pine Forest into Niceville territory for the first time. After narrowly avoiding a fumble, Pine Forest’s No. 15 hauled in a screen pass, slicing through Niceville’s defense to score their first touchdown, cutting the lead to 16-7.

A critical Niceville drive just before halftime resulted in a field goal from kicker Logan Karwacki, sending the Eagles into the locker room with a 19-7 advantage.

The rain stopped as the second half began, and Niceville’s Connor Matthews once again exploded with a long run to set the Eagles up deep in Pine Forest territory. Quarterback Kane LaFortune scrambled for a first down before a late hit penalty pushed the ball to the five-yard line. Jon Bocchino punched it in for his second touchdown, extending the lead to 26-7.

Pine Forest responded with their own long run, setting up a first-and-goal on the nine-yard line. But Niceville’s defense held firm, stuffing the Pine Forest offense on third-and-one and forcing a critical fourth down. Despite a scramble by Pine Forest’s quarterback, No. 10, his pass fell incomplete, turning the ball over on downs.

A turnover deep in Niceville territory gave Pine Forest a lifeline, allowing them to score from the one-yard line, trimming the lead to 26-14 with 10:30 left in the game. However, Connor Matthews again came through for Niceville, breaking a long run that led to Johnny Lewis Jr.’s second touchdown of the night, putting the game out of reach at 33-14.

As the game wound down, the energy in the stadium faded, and many fans began to file out. With a final score of 36-14, Niceville claimed their victory over Pine Forest, securing another strong win for the season.

The Niceville Eagles will return to action next week when they visit Crestview. The Bulldogs are finishing up their contest with the Choctawhatchee Indians now.