Destin Dolphins bring home two victories

Both the Destin Dolphins Seniors and Juniors posted victories on the gridiron this past weekend in the Panhandle Youth Football Association Jamboree in Niceville.

The Dolphin Seniors, made up of 11-12 year olds, defeated Shalimar 24-6.

“Everybody played hard … looked good and did their assignments,” said Seniors Coach Ryan Orr.

Orr was excited about the win, noting that this Shalimar team won the Super Bowl last year as Juniors.

Scoring two touchdowns each for the Destin Seniors were Harrison Orr and Eli Williams. Orr scored on a quarterback keep for a 45-yard dash to the end zone and then a 20-yard score. Williams scored on a 10-yard run and then a 20 yarder. Getting the Dolphins in scoring position with some hard rushes was Maddox Fayard.

Clearing a hole and playing well on the offensive line for Destin were Charlie Guilory, Gavin Garrity and Carsten Phillips.

Holding Shalimar to only one score late in the game were defensive players Brick Larabee, Christian Harnish, Brandon Harnish, Zac Thomas and Eric Scott.

The 9-10 year old Destin Juniors beat Niceville-2 18-0.

“We played better than expected,” said Destin Junior coach Dennis Phillips. “We swarmed the ball on defense and pounded it on offense.”

Destin scored three times with three different backs carrying the ball. Kadon Chapman, Maddox Hayles and Andrew Atkins each put the ball in the end zone. Braxton Beard, Baylen Knox and Calvin Blackman each carried the ball and produced yards after contact.

Clearing the way and making holes for the backs were Christian Phillips-Cox, Owen Davis, Clark Adams, James Boykin, Zach Clark, Owen Atkins and Jordan Figueroa.

The Destin defense held Niceville scoreless and forced them into a fourth-and-long situation for most of the game.

Will Blanchard led the Dolphin defense with multiple tackles behind the line of scrimmage and one forced fumble resulting in a turnover. Gunnar Smith had the hit of the game by making a heads-up tackle to drive the runner back and off the ground.

Up next, Destin Juniors play at 9 a.m. Saturday against Niceville-3 at Twin Oaks Field in Niceville.

The Destin Seniors have a bye.