Football Recap: Max Roche's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Niceville over Crestview

After flying high against Pine Forest last Friday, Niceville came back down to earth. The Eagles fell 32-28 to the Crestview Bulldogs on Friday. The Eagles were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bulldogs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in September of 2024.

Niceville's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Max Roche, who picked up 143 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Jakobe Gilyard, who rushed for 67 yards and two TDs.

Harper Campbell

Total Tackles

08/29/25 vs Escambia	9
08/22/25 @ Lincoln	10
09/05/25 @ Pine Forest	15
09/12/25 vs Crestview	16

Even if they lost, Niceville's defensive line still kept up the pressure with seven sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Harper Campbell and Caleb Sartori, who racked up four sacks between them. Campbell also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with 16. Dominic Ealy was another major factor on D, picking up a sack and making 11 total tackles (5.0 for loss).

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Crestview to victory, but perhaps none more so than Zy Tassin, who rushed for 68 yards and a pair of scores. Jayzion McQueen helped out on the ground, rushing for 84 yards.

Niceville's loss dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Crestview, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.

Coming up, Niceville will take on Choctawhatchee at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Indians' defense has only allowed 3.5 points per game this season, so the Eagles' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Crestview, they will get to enjoy the win for a while: their next game is against Pace at 7:30 p.m. on the 26th.