South Walton looks to make history, win program's first playoff game

By ADAM PRUIETT

Florida Freedom Newspapers
(850) 315-4484 | adamp@nwfdailynews.com

SANTA ROSA BEACH - The South Walton football team seemed to set new school records on a weekly basis during the regular season.

Now, it's time to see if the Seahawks can make school history in the postseason.

South Walton will look for its first-ever playoff victory in the Class 2B regional semifinals Friday in what will be the first time the program has ever hosted a postseason game. And the District 1 champion Seahawks (8-2) will seek that landmark win against a familiar foe in District 2 runner-up Bozeman (5-4), a team they edged 28-27 on Sept. 19.

While the playoffs will be a new experience to the vast majority of the Seahawks, coach David Barron isn't concerned that his squad will be overwhelmed. After all, the team has been involved in six games decided by four points or less - and won five - so the Seahawks are well-versed in dealing with pressure-packed situations.

"I don't expect them to be shell-shocked," Barron said. "I don't expect them to be awed by the setting of it."

Bozeman will be seeking revenge against the Seahawks, who won the first meeting when Hunter Infinger batted down a potentially game-winning two-point conversion. Barron said his unit better not play soft.

"I don't care what year you're playing or when it is in the season, (Bozeman is) physical," he said.

Friday will mark South Walton's second playoff game in school history. The first came on the road in 2005 and wasn't pretty. Against a Blountstown squad that Barron referred to as "a mountain we couldn't climb," the Seahawks were pummeled 40-0.

South Walton should definitely have a better shot this time around. Barron expects the same sort of back-and-forth affair that characterized the first game between the two.

"If we can hold up our end of it, this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out fight for 48 minutes," he said.

As for nerves, Barron knows they'll be there, but he's confident they'll quickly evaporate.

"The butterflies are going to be moths Friday night," he said. "I expect things to settle down after the first series."

BOZEMAN (5-4) at SOUTH WALTON (8-2), 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Bozeman's game with Freeport was cancelled due to weather. South Walton defeated Sneads 25-21.

This year: South Walton won 28-27.

Players to watch:

Bozeman: Paul Myers, LB/RB; Mason Bennett, RB.

South Walton: David Bazylak, WR/K; Bryant Adams, FB; Jake Hawkins, WR.