Choctaw digging in for Godby

FORT WALTON BEACH – As Choctawhatchee players filed out of Wednesday’s practice, Max Keefe said despite the team’s impressive showing, the Indians’ 35-24 season-opening win over Pensacola Catholic was a thing of the past, a distant memory.

“That was a huge game, it was a good win, but we can’t get too cocky,” Keefe said. “We have to keep working hard.”

Especially given the fact that Choctaw (1-0) will open Etheredge Stadium Friday night against a Tallahassee Godby team loaded with Division-I talent. Tight end Laith Harlow (University of Oklahoma), defensive back T.J. Davis (Auburn), linebacker Jacari Thomas (Arkansas) and tight end Brandon Holifield (Miami) have all verbally committed to major D-I programs and lend credence to Choctaw head coach Greg Thomas’ synopsis of the challenge that awaits Choctaw.

“They have athletes all over the place,” Thomas said. “They’re big and they’re physical. It’s definitely a huge challenge for us.”

If ever a Choctaw team appeared up for such a challenge, it might be this year’s group.

Twenty-seven seniors dot the Choctaw roster, and in its win at Catholic the Indians persevered through a third quarter unlike any Thomas had ever witnessed.

“Our offense had three snaps the whole third quarter,” Thomas said. “Our defense was out there the whole third quarter and had their backs against the wall several times.”

It was in that setting that the Indians’ defense forced a pair of late turnovers that, eventually, led to the win. Even more important, it was an effort that provided Thomas even more evidence of the growth of his program entering his fourth season.

“We always tell our kids to play for 48 minutes and in minute 46, something positive happened,” Thomas said. “I really don’t think we ought to accept anything else. They’ve gone against tough opponents (in the past).

“If we didn’t react the way we have now, it would be a disappointment.”

Godby (1-0) enters off an emotional win of its own, knocking off rival Leon 39-7 to snap a two-year losing streak to the Lions. Running back Khalid Thomas gashed Leon for 108 yards and two touchdowns rushing on just 11 carries, but it was his interception return for a touchdown that provided the Cougars the spark they needed.

“We know we’re going to have to fight for 48 minutes and that it’s going to be a battle,” Thomas said. “Our kids know that, but I think we’ll be ready to go.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday night.