Florida High School Football: Week 3 Big Bend Score Recap

Week three of the Florida high‑school football season turned out to be a roller‑coaster for the Big Bend area. From early‑morning rain‑soaked fields to the final whistles under bright stadium lights, coaches, players and fans got a taste of everything football can offer.

One of the biggest stories came out of the Tallahassee‑area showdown between Leon High and Apalachicola Coastal. Leon, riding a 2‑0 start, stumbled early, trailing 7‑21 at halftime. But a late‑second‑quarter surge—anchored by senior quarterback Mason Hayes’ 45‑yard touchdown pass—sparked a comeback. The Tigers edged it 28‑24, snapping the Coastal’s two‑game winning streak.

Down in the panhandle, the Crestview Boys delivered a classic overtime thriller against Grace Christian. After a back‑and‑forth first half that left the scoreboard at 14‑14, both teams traded field goals in the third. In overtime, a 12‑yard rush by junior running back Jaden Miller sealed a 31‑28 victory for Crestview, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Not every game was a nail‑buster. Monticello High dominated Georgia Tech Prep 42‑7, largely thanks to a defensive blitz that forced three turnovers in the first quarter alone. Defensive lineman Tyler Cruz racked up two sacks and a forced fumble—his first of the season.

Meanwhile, Chattahoochee Valley fell to Chipley South 10‑17, a low‑scoring affair that reminded everyone that defense wins games. Chipley’s special‑teams unit shone, returning a punt for a 48‑yard touchdown that proved to be the difference‑maker.

There were also a few personal milestones worth noting. Senior wide receiver Ethan Gonzalez of Gadsden High notched his 100th career catch in a 35‑14 win over North Florida Academy, while Escambia County’s kicker Riley Owen set a new school record with a 53‑yard field goal during the win against Tallahassee Prep.

Overall, the week produced five games decided by a single point, three overtime contests, and a handful of upsets that reshuffled the early‑season rankings. The Big Bend region is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state, and if the first three weeks are any indication, the rest of the season will be a wild ride.

Looking ahead, coaches are already eyeing the upcoming rivalry week. Fans should keep an eye on the Friday night clash between Floyd County and Eglin High, as well as the Saturday night duel featuring Jackson County versus St. Mark’s. Expect more drama, more touchdowns, and plenty of stories to tell on the sidelines.