District projections for Class 6A – Region I for the 2015 season.
District 6A-1
1. Tate
2. Escambia
3. Pine Forest
4. Washington (Pensacola)
Comment: Although we ranked Escambia ahead, things are starting to appear it will be an Escambia-Tate showdown in this all-Escambia County district. Tate is loaded with talent and Escambia has it as well so thing will be fun to watch on how each team develops. Pine Forest is certainly looking to find itself back in the playoff mix and if can just defeat Escambia, it might just happen. Washington could be competitive and if they are, the district will be one to watch.
District 6A-2
1. Navarre
2. Gulf Breeze
3. Pace
4. Milton
Comment: If you are looking at this region and saying “WOW! The FHSAA did the Panhandle some big favors,” they certainly did just that. Navarre will be the leader in the district, while Gulf Breeze looks to be up and could possibly be a team that slips into the playoffs. Pace will try to reach the playoffs, but the stock has been down the last few years for the Patriots. Milton will round the backend of the district, but all four teams have shown they can contend when it comes to district games.
District 6A-3
1. Niceville
2. Crestview
3. Choctawhatchee
4. Fort Walton Beach
Comment: October 30 could be when everything is on the line the district as Niceville and Crestview are looking to be the two teams that will emerge into the playoffs. However, we won’t count out Choctawhatchee right now, but if the youth of the team get exposed during the early part of the season, it could spell trouble. Fort Walton Beach is under rebuilding mode and will need work on things before looking a potential shot at the playoffs.
District 6A-4
1. St. Augustine
2. Ed White
3. Middleburg
4. Nease
5. Englewood
Comment: Joey Wiles St. Augustine team has been consistent in reaching the playoffs every year under his leadership and we don’t see that stopping here this year as they likely will be in line to claim another district championship. Ed White, which had one point been a favorite to win the district is looking to see how things will play out after turbulent summer. Middleburg could play dark horse in the district and possibly have a shot at reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Nease and Englewood round out the backend, but the also could pull of a few surprises of their own as well this season.
Projected Regional Quarterfinal Matchups (Round 1)
Gulf Breeze (R2) vs. Tate (W1)
Escambia (R1) vs. Navarre (W2)
Ed White (R4) vs. Niceville (W3)
Crestview (R3) vs. St. Augustine (W4)
Projected Regional Semifinal Matchups (Round 2)
Tate vs. Navarre
Niceville vs. St. Augustine
Projected Regional Final Matchup (Round 3)
Navarre vs. Niceville
State Semifinalist
Niceville
