Banged up Choctaw falls in Kickoff Classic to Milton

MILTON — Even though it was its first competition against another opponent, the Choctawhatchee football team already had a lot going against it.

The Indians played without five of their key starters on Friday in a Kickoff Classic at Milton, helping to influence a 21-7 loss in the varsity portion of the jamboree.

Starting quarterback Jesse Adams is out for at least six weeks with a torn MCL. The Indians were also without their leading returning tackler from last year, Alec Schubele, and starting receiver Zach Morgan, all of whom were injured during a recent scrimmage.

The Indians JV team fell behind 7-0, resulting in the 28-7 final in favor of Milton.

The lone touchdown of the night for the Indians came from running back Stephen Heidelberg. He scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 7:17 left in the fourth quarter.

Milton used a strong ground attack to distance itself from Choctaw. The Panthers scored three rushing touchdowns.

Matt Floyd was the standout for Milton. He scored on a 22-yard touchdown run and a 65-yard burst.

Choctaw, coming off a 5-4 season in which the Indians narrowly missed the playoffs, will open the season Friday at Pensacola Catholic, a playoff fixture in Class 1B.