The Pensacola high school sports season is winding down after nine months of thrilling action, and we've got plenty to celebrate—including this week's Florida Power & Light PNJ Boys Athlete of the Week nominees.
Last week, Pace boys weightlifting dominated the spotlight, sweeping both the Olympic and traditional 3A state titles for the third consecutive year. Seven local lifters brought home individual state championships, solidifying their legacy as a powerhouse program.
On the track, Gulf Breeze's Addison Dahlem, Pensacola's Khylen Eccles, and Pine Forest's Anthony Gee each claimed state titles at the FHSAA track and field championships, showcasing elite speed and strength.
Softball is still going strong, with six area teams alive in the state playoffs. Pace (6A), Navarre (6A), Gulf Breeze (5A), and West Florida (3A) face off in regional semifinals on Tuesday, while Northview hosts Jay in the Rural Region 1 semifinals that same night. It's a packed schedule of must-watch games.
Gulf Breeze boys volleyball is heading to the Final Four for the second straight year. They'll take on Belen Jesuit in the 2A state semifinals on Friday at 6 p.m. CT in Winter Haven—a chance to make history.
Other sports wrapped up last week with memorable moments. Pace baseball's season ended in the Region 1-6A finals, losing a doubleheader to Buchholz that stretched until 1:40 a.m. CT early Saturday. Booker T. Washington flag football's historic run came to a close with a loss to perennial power Choctawhatchee in the Region 1-2A semifinals, but their season was still one for the books.
Now, it's time to honor the week's top performers. We have eight nominees from across the area, from Jay to Pensacola, vying for the Florida Power & Light PNJ Athlete of the Week title.
Last week, Pace baseball's Dax Brooks won the boys award with an impressive 82.18% of the vote, while Northview softball's Mikayla McAnally took the girls award with a dominant 95.90%. This marks the second straight week a Northview softball player has claimed the honor—a testament to their program's strength.
Voting closes at 11 a.m. Saturday, and winners will be announced each Monday after the poll closes. Each weekly winner receives a PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt, provided by BSN SPORTS. Note: an athlete can only win once per season.
Nominations are accepted via phone or email, but the final poll is decided by PNJ staff. Send your nominations by Sunday night to ensure your favorite athlete gets a shot at the spotlight.