Defense has become a trademark of the 2021 edition of Navarre’s flag football team, and if a reminder was needed, it was sent out Thursday night under the lights of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

Every time Gulf Breeze tried to make a big play, Navarre shut it down on its way to a 13-0 win over the rival Dolphins on senior night.

When Jessica Farrer crushed a home run over the fence in the fifth inning of Thursday night’s game against West Florida Tech, her teammates and the fans cheering her on as she rounded the bases, it appeared as if Navarre had tightened its grasp on the momentum.

On a personal level for the sophomore, it was a big moment.

When the season began, Navarre boys weightlifting coach Garrett Bagley noted that his team had a long way to go.

Over the last two months, the Raiders have made significant strides and enter Friday’s sub-regional at Oak Leaf with a shot to bring home another trophy.

Soccer had always been the main sport for Zoey Dezaldivar. When Navarre started up its girls lacrosse program last season, Dezaldivar made a switch.

There have been difficult moments for sure, growing pains that come with being new to the sport, such as Thursday’s 12-1 loss to Seacoast Collegiate at Ian Lockwood Field.