Even though The Pensacola Catholic Crusaders have not done well against the West Florida Jaguars recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. Pensacola Catholic took down West Florida 49-35. Given Pensacola Catholic's advantage in MaxPreps' Florida football rankings (they are ranked 89th, while West Florida is ranked 205th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Nigel Nelson had a dynamite game for Pensacola Catholic, rushing for 350 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 10.9 yards per carry. Another player making a difference was Vaughn Howard, who rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown.
When it comes to explaining why West Florida lost, one person who can't be blamed is John Nicholas. Despite the final result, he threw for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Nicholas is on a roll when it comes to passing touchdowns, as he's now passed for three or more in the last four games he's played. Lj Aples got in on the action as well, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Pensacola Catholic's win was their third straight at home, bumping their overall record up to 7-2. They've been dominating during the matches in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 31 points. As for West Florida, they have not been sharp recently, as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Pensacola Catholic will stay at home for another week and welcome St. John Paul II at 7:30 p.m. on November 3rd. St. John Paul II is coming into the game hot, having won their last four games. As for West Florida, they will look to defend their home field on Thursday against Gulf Breeze at 7:00 p.m. That game will pit two of the most dominant signal callers against one another: Battle Alberson and Nicholas.
