Welcome to week one of the high school football season.

Friday everyone starts with a clean slate in their quest for a shot at the playoffs and run at a state title. Nobody’s playoff hopes will be derailed in game one, but by the time the final seconds tick off we might have a better idea of how teams will do when district play starts in a few weeks.

So here I go, I’ve made my picks on the Panel of Experts, and now I’ll elaborate a little and throw in my projected score for each game.

Fort Walton Beach at Milton: I took the Panthers in this one and I think the final will be 24-13. If the Vikings are healthy they might make the trip to Santa Rosa County and come away with a win, but two or three key players are missing and I don’t think they can shut down Dustin Land and the Milton offense.

Gulf Breeze at Choctawhatchee: This one hurts (from the perspective of an old Dolphin). The Indians take this one 24-0. Gulf Breeze will be starting a quarterback that has never taken a varsity snap. Chris Martin and friends on the Choctaw defense plan on introducing the young signal caller to varsity ball in a not-so-friendly way.

Lake City Academy at Crestview: This one shouldn’t be close. The Bulldogs won 42-0 last year, and look for a similar score this year. Granted, Crestview is breaking in several new starters, but this is just the kind of game young players need to get their feet wet. Dont’ be surprised to see a running clock in the second half. Crestview 38-0.

West Gadsden at Niceville: Another blowout special. The Eagles soar 35-7 in their first official game in the spread offense. Senior quarterback Josh McDorman will pass on the Panthers all night long in a big win.

South Walton at Franklin County: The Seahawks finally had something to smile about earlier this week with the return of a couple of key players. They’ll be smiling even more after their trip to Franklin County.

Even an undermanned South Walton squad should be too much for Franklin County playing in its first varsity football game. The Seahawks take this one going away 31-10.

Bozeman at Baker: The Bucks will get a look at the new spread offense run by the Gators, and they won’t like it. Look for Baker to use quarterback Cameron Domangue’s running ability to set up the occasional pass. Although unproven, the Baker line should dominate. Perhaps the biggest factor is the Gators are on a mission for teammate Travis Peoples who died in an accident earlier this summer.

Gators chomp the Bucks 28-6.

Freeport at Walton: The battle of Walton County turned upset last year when Jim Anderson’s boys from Freeport pulled the 13-12 upset. Can Anderson and the Bulldogs pull another rabbit out of their hats? Not likely…Tarrell Bramlet and the Braves offense have too much fire-power this year.

It’s back to reality as Walton wins going away 42-0.

Navarre at Rutherford: The Raiders open the season as defending district champs for the first time in team history. And while the game with the Rams isn’t a district contest, Navarre wants to get off to a quick start in preparation for District 2-4A play.

Coach Larry Olson should have his team ready. Look for quarterback Austin Grimm to have a nice game and the Raider defense to give the Rams problems.

Navarre wins 24-7.

 There you have it. My take on week one.

What do you think?

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