Choctaw eyes Homecoming victory over Washington

FORT WALTON BEACH — In every situation, there is always a silver lining.

For a Choctawhatchee football team that has played four of its first six games this season in enemy territory, there is this: Beginning with tonight’s Homecoming game against District 1-3A foe Washington (1-6, 1-3), the Indians (3-3, 3-1) close the season by playing three of their final four at Etheredge Stadium.

“It does feel like we’ve been on the road almost every week,” Choctaw coach Greg Thomas joked. “I know our players are glad to be back home.”

Choctaw returns home a much different looking football team than the one that departed for Arnold three weeks ago.

Coming off a 51-14 thumping at the hands of Pensacola on Oct. 2, Choctaw set off for a two-game road stretch that began at then fourth-ranked Arnold and culminated at West Florida, setting up as a potentially season-breaking two-game swing for a team that had not fared well on the road.

Choctaw answered with a stunning win over Arnold and backed up that impressive showing with another last week, defeating West Florida to move to 3-1 in district play and set itself up for a possible playoff berth.

“We’re playing well right now,” Thomas said. “I think as a coach you just hope that your kids can stay focused, play hard and get better each week.”

There’s no denying that has been the case thus far with Choctaw.

After weathering an early barrage of injuries, Choctaw has won three of its last four following a two-game losing streak to begin the season. More importantly, if the Indians can take advantage of a suitable close to the schedule — the Indians’ remaining district opponents have a combined district record of 4-14 — Choctaw’s season will likely extend beyond its annual clash with Fort Walton Beach for the first time in five years.

Not that Thomas will allow for any player’s mind to drift from the task at hand.

 “We remind them every day,” Thomas said. “We feel like we match up well with our next three opponents, but we just don’t have the luxury of not playing well and being successful. We’re going to have to play to the best of our ability (tonight) to have a chance.

“Our kids know that.”