Senior running back Kwamane Howard shouldered the offensive load and the defense forced four turnovers as Navarre beat Gulf Breeze 18-9 to become the first winner of the Publix Beach Bowl Cup.  It was the final game of the high school football season for both teams.The Raiders (3-7) beat Gulf Breeze for the second straight year, but the Dolphins have won seven of the teams' 10 meetings."It's a big win for our kids, it's a big win for our seniors to go out on a winning note," first-year coach Chad Lashley said after the game. "Any time you beat your rival, it's a huge win to springboard you into your offseason program."Howard rushed for almost 200 yards and scored the Raiders only two touchdowns. Senior Billy Mitchell intercepted Gulf Breeze quarterback Kyle Schnackenberg twice. Howard and Mitchell both transferred to Navarre for their senior seasons.

Publix Supermarkets and the Gulf Breeze News presented the Beach Bowl Cup to the Raiders after the game. The game's score will be engraved on the traveling trophy, which will be displayed at Navarre High School until the teams meet in 2009.

 

 

For more about the Raiders' win, see the Nov. 20 issue of the Navarre Press, or subscribe online.