Choctawhatchee suffers 33-9 loss to Pensacola Catholic

PENSACOLA — The Choctawhatchee football team started the season off with a loss, falling 33-9 on the road Friday to Pensacola Catholic.

Both teams had success throwing the ball early at Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium as they combined for three touchdown passes.

The Indians (0-1) moved the ball well through the air against the Crusaders (1-0) in the first half behind sophomore quarterback Luke Clark but could only put one touchdown on the board, a 31-yard pass to senior wideout Justin Savage as they trailed at halftime 13-6.

The Indians were able to pull within 10 points in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard field goal by junior kicker Dillon Drake, but the Crusaders put it away with a 1-yard touchdown run by junior running back Marcus Milton and a 54-yard run by senior Evin Smith.

Turnovers hurt the Indians, as they were able to drive into Crusader territory on multiple occasions but could not push the ball into the end zone. Choctaw had two key fumbles.

Crusaders junior quarterback Shaun White led Pensacola Catholic on offense with a 52-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Hunt Coulahan, an 80-yard bomb to Smith and a 17-yard scamper he ran in himself.

Choctaw quarterback Jesse Adams was unable to play for the Indians due to a torn MCL along with wide receiver Zach Morgan and running back Freddie Gray, who were also sidelined due to injury.

The Indians play at Niceville on Friday.