Choctaw ties Milton in Kickoff Classic (with VIDEO,PHOTOS)

By JARED MACARIN

jaredm@nwfdailynews.com

FORT WALTON BEACH - Choctawhatchee coach Greg Thomas knew his team had a lot to work on in its Kickoff Classic against Milton.

What he wanted to see most was the kind of effort the Indians would give.

The first-year coach then watched as his defense made stop after stop and Choctaw pulled out a 0-0 tie with the Panthers on Friday in two quarters of play.

"It was good to see the kids compete," Thomas said. "We needed that, and I am sure Milton did too. The big thing was the effort."

While Choctaw's offense struggled to consistently move the ball, the Indians' defense forced a pair of turnovers as Taylor Kelley and Alec Schubele both recovered fumbles. The group also stopped Milton with their backs against the goal line midway through the second quarter to preserve the shutout.

 "I was pleased with the defense," Thomas said. "It's something we're working to sure up and the coaches are doing a great job and the players are starting to buy into what we want to do."

Offensively, the vast majority of Choctaw's yardage came on the ground. Le'Keefe Robinson led the way with 55 yards on three carries, while David Weber had 40 yards on seven carries. Weber also went 3-of-8 through the air for 10 yards and an interception.

"Offense was sloppy tonight with penalties, but aside from those I thought we looked OK," Thomas said.

Choctaw had a chance to pull out the win late, but a 28-yard field goal by Dillon Drake was wide left with 1:19 left to play.

Thomas said that is another thing the Indians must correct before their season opener at Gulf Breeze next week.

"When we get into the red zone, we've gotta get points out of that," he said.

Milton's offense was led by running back Cody Johnson, who finished with 29 yards on seven carries. Mike McMillion completed 3-of-5 passes for 31 yards, and Ethan Powell had four receptions for 31 yards. Roy Moulder had the interception for the Panthers.

Milton won the JV half 2-0 when a Choctaw punt ricocheted off the head of an offensive lineman and rolled back into the end zone.

PHOTOS: Click to view more photos from the game