The Panhandle is home to some of the best districts and many of them will very likely come right down to the wire for the season. With most teams in the Panhandle wanting their shot of their district’s two playoff berths, everything will truly be on the line.
NOTE: District 4A-1 will be included in the Big Bend previews, as two of the two teams are located in that section.
7A-1
1. Niceville
2. Tate
3. Crestview
Why: Since 1988, Niceville has made the playoffs 22 of the last 26 years, including 13 straight years. I see no reason Niceville won’t make 14 in a row. Until someone beats them, Niceville is the king of the district and the odds on favorite to win the district. Tate appears to have turned the corner after a long downward spiral and with a mix of returning starters should once again compete with Niceville for the district title. Crestview could be the sleeper of the district but has several questions to answer on offense.
6A-1
1. Escambia
2. Pace
3. Pensacola
4. Pine Forest
5. Milton
6. Washington
Why: Although Pensacola, Pine Forest and Washington all should have turn around seasons, the district will be decided between Pace and Escambia. The motto says it all, the Gators will come back and take care of unfinished business and win the district title. Since 1997, the Patriots have been one of the areas most consistent programs, making the playofs 15 of the last 17 years and that trend should continue.
6A-2
1. Choctawhatchee
2. Navarre
3. Fort Walton Beach
Why: What would have been a three team race in the fall, has turned into a two team race between Choctaw and Navarre for the district title and runner-up spot. The shocking run to the Elite 8 of the playoffs last season has Choctaw now heading in the right direction and may give Choctaw enough momentum to win the district title.
5A-1
1. Pensacola Catholic
2. West Florida
3. Gulf Breeze
4. Mosley
5. Bay
6. Arnold
7. Rutherford
Why: Catholic is hands down the front-runner to win the district despite the high turnover yet don’t count out West Florida, who pushed the Crusaders twice last season. Keep an eye on Gulf Breeze, which returns nearly its entire offense and could be a sleeper team.
1A-1
1. Baker
2. Jay
3. Northview
4. Freeport
Why: No surprise here its Baker’s title to lose as the Gators are loaded on both sides of the ball. The real race is for the runner-up spot, where Jay and Northview will battle for the coveted spot. Baker won its first district title since 2001 and made its first playof appearance since 2008 on its way to an undefeated regular season. A loss to Cottondale at home in the first round of the playoffs should highly motivate the Gators moving forward to this season.
1A-2
1. Vernon
2. Sneads
3. Graceville
4. Cottondale
5. Wewahitchka
Why: When Sneads visits Vernon Oct. 31, the district title will be on the line for both teams. Both teams are deep in talent and are heavy favorites to make the playoffs. With 10 starters back on offense and 8 on defense, the Yellow Jackets are poised to defend their district title. Sneads is still looking for its first winning season since 2006 and first playoff appearance since 2003. The Pirates could end both of those streaks this year as a mix of several skill players and a good nucleus on defense return.
1A-3
1. Blountstown
2. South Walton
3. Chipley
4. Holmes County
5. Bozeman
Why: With the Small School Player of the Year and his main weapon back, its hard to pick against South Walton to win the district. However, a loaded Blountstown team would be devastated if it not only didn’t win the district but return to Orlando and play for a state title. After back-to-back district titles and playoff appearances, Holmes County went winless last season. Look for a major turn around this season as eight starters are back on offense and seven on defense.
