Raiders survive Niceville rally

NICEVILLE – It was déjà vu all over again for the Raiders. For the second week in a row, Navarre built a double-digit lead but needed a last-minute interception to save wins against traditional football powers.

“Our kids, they don’t quit,” Navarre coach Jay Walls said after the Raiders held on for a 35-28 win Friday at Niceville. “They really believe they’re going to find a way to get the job done.”

Gatlin Casey intercepted a tipped Niceville pass with 9 seconds left to squash the Eagles’ final threat, an ending reminiscent of Nick Benton’s last-minute goal line pick a week earlier that sealed a 19-13 win at Pace.

Navarre improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in District 2-6A. Niceville, the defending district champion, is 2-2 and 0-1.

For the complete story, see the Sept. 27 edition of Navarre Press or subscribe online.