PACE, FLA- Led by the high-powered rushing attack of Quarterback Nick Simmons and Running Back Ben Tyner, Pace High School (3-0) took care of West Florida Tech High School (2-1), beating the Jaguars 42-14. After beating West Florida on September Ninth, the Patriots are the only unbeaten team left in the 4S District One Football Standings, while the Jaguars drop to second place in the 2S District One Football Standings.
As previously mentioned, Pace’s running game headlined by Simmons and Tyner proved to be a major problem for West Florida’s Defense. Although he’s just a Sophomore, Simmons continued to dazzle with his rushing ability, recording 26 carries for 122 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry (YPC). Simmon’s rushing stats against West Florida have brought his season totals up to 69 carries for 380 Rushing Yards, Nine Touchdowns, and 5.5 YPC. As it currently stands, Simmons leads the 4S District One in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns.
In addition to Simmons, Sophomore Running Back Tyner was also effective with the ball in his hands on Friday night, notching 11 rush attempts en route to 42 rushing yards and one touchdown. On the season, Tyner has run for 222 yards and Two Touchdowns on 43 carries for the season. Despite inadequate weather conditions, Simmons and Tyner ran for 164 yards and four touchdowns, propelling the Patriots to an impressive 28-point win over the Jaguars.
Even though Pace’s passing offense leaves a lot to be left desired, some receivers showed flashes of stardom on Friday night. For example, Sophomore Receiver Nash Pires may have recorded just one reception, but it was a big one, catching a 41-yard touchdown strike for Simmons. Likewise, Junior receiver Xakery Weidner also made a huge catch from Simmons, taking his lone pass 22 yards while also tallying 43 yards on punt and kick returns.
It’s worth noting that Pace wasn’t just dominating on offense, however. During West Florida’s first offensive drive of the game, Junior Defensive Back Brayden Gates intercepted Jaguars’ Senior Quarterback Markell Redding, giving Pace momentum for the remainder of the first quarter. After West Florida scored on a beautiful corner route from Redding to Senior Receiver Josh Spears, the Jaguars and Patriots were tied at seven points apiece.
With just under one minute left in the first half, the Patriots were awaiting a fourth-down punt from Junior Punter Cole Willis, but Pace’s Junior Linebacker Jackson Ward managed to block the punt, setting Pace up inside the Jaguars’ ten-yard line. From there, Simmons was able to make his way into the endzone, giving Pace a 14-7 lead over West Florida entering halftime.
After Patriot fans got to enjoy the excellent performance of the Pride of the Red, White, and Blue, play between the Patriots and Jaguars looked to resume, but was delayed for over 90 minutes due to various lightning strikes and thunderstorms in the area. Once play resumed, Pace took advantage of the slick football and wet grass, and managed to drain the game clock while 28 of the final 35 points of the game, defeating the Jaguars, 42-14.
Even though special team players are typically overlooked during blowouts, credit must be given to Pace’s Senior Kicker and Punter Riece Griffith. After converting on all six extra-point attempts during Friday’s game, Griffith remains perfect on his kicking duties, making all 17 of his field goal (2-2, long of 33 yards) and extra point attempts (15-15). In addition, Griffith also excels in his punting duties, averaging 37.0 yards per punt while landing six of ten of his punts inside the opposing team’s 20-yard line.
4S District 1 Football Standings
School Name | W-L | Pct. | PF | PA | Strk |
Pace High School | 3-0 | 1.000 | 111 | 62 | 3 W |
Navarre High School | 2-1 | 0.667 | 93 | 52 | 1 W |
Gulf Breeze High School | 1-2 | 0.333 | 65 | 71 | 1 L |
Tate High School | 1-2 | 0.333 | 60 | 94 | 1 L |
Milton High School | 0-2 | 0.000 | 45 | 68 | 2 L |