The FHSAA district softball tournaments in Pensacola run from April 27-30, featuring local top seeds Pace, Escambia, and Northview. Teams aim to qualify for state playoffs and potentially host regional matches.
Key points
FHSAA district tournaments run April 27-30
Pace, Escambia, and Northview are top seeds
All area teams are in district 1
Teams aim to qualify for state playoffs
District champions may host regional matches
PaceEscambiaNorthviewFHSAA district tournaments
Brackets, schedule for Pensacola area softball district tournaments
FHSAA district tournaments run April 27-30, with every team getting a shot to automatically qualify for the state playoffs. Pace (6A), Escambia (4A) and Northview (Rural) are the local teams who are top seeds in their respective districts. All area teams are in district 1.
District champions will also host in the regional quarterfinals (or semifinals for rural teams) unless they match up with a higher seeded district champion.
The state playoffs start May 6 with the regional quarterfinals for classes 1A-4A. The regional quarterfinals for classes 5A-7A and the Rural regional semifinals will be May 7.
Below are district brackets and schedules for each classification featuring area teams. All FHSAA rankings are as of April 23.
District 1-6A
Semifinals (April 28)
No. 4 Tate at No. 1 Pace, 6:30 p.m.
No. 3 Crestview at No. 2 Navarre, 6:30 p.m.
Championship (April 30)
Semifinal winners at higher seed, 6:30 p.m.
Analysis: Thereâs a lot on the line for Pace (20-4) and Navarre (12-9) despite being the current No. 1 and No. 3 seed, respectively, in Region 1-6A.
Pace has all but locked up in the top seed and is in line to play the District 2-6A champion in the regional quarterfinals. This means that if the Patriots donât win their sixth straight district title, theyâll likely be on the road for the first round of the state playoffs, even though theyâre currently ranked No. 3 in 6A and No. 5 in the state overall.
Navarreâs district semifinal matchup with Crestview will likely see the winner host a regional quarterfinal and the loser head on the road. Crestview is one spot behind Navarre in the regional and overall FHSAA rankings, which means the Bulldogs would likely jump the Raiders for the No. 3 seed with a win.
Q&A
What are the dates for the Pensacola area softball district tournaments?
The district tournaments are scheduled from April 27 to April 30.
Which teams are the top seeds in the Pensacola softball district tournaments?
The top seeds are Pace (6A), Escambia (4A), and Northview (Rural).
How can teams qualify for the state playoffs in the Pensacola softball tournaments?
Every team in the district tournaments has the opportunity to automatically qualify for the state playoffs.
What happens to district champions in the regional playoffs?
District champions will host in the regional quarterfinals or semifinals unless matched against a higher seeded district champion.
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Horizon (16-6), the current No. 5 seed, is the top seed in the District 4-6A tournament and would host either Navarre or Crestview if they win the district championship.
Tate (10-13) is looking to send longtime head coach Melinda Wyatt out on a high note with a district title, which the Aggies need to qualify for the state playoffs.
District 1-5A
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A Panthers runner (no number on front of jersey) safely takes third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out to end the top of the 1st inning against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Destiny Dennis (8) out after a dropped third strike during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) canât make the catch as she dives into the wall for a pop up in foul territory during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers third baseman Ashlyn Sutton (7) watches as a Dolphins bunt rolls foul during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Faith Cain (4) safely take first after a dropped third strike as the throw sails over Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins left fielder Aubrey Sparkowski (31) settles under a fly ball for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A shot up the middle by Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets past the Panthers for a single during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) throws to first for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) tosses to first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) to get out Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers center fielder Faith Cain (4) moves under a fly ball for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A grounder by Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) gets past Dolphins second baseman Jaelynn Re (18), but right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) plays it and fires to first for an out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) is called out on a close play at first base on a hard grounder to right field during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) receives the throw to first base for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) dives to catch a short pop up for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers catcher Savannah Gardner (11) settles under a high pop up behind the plate for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Madison Vanderburg (1) out at first on a close play during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) advances the runner to third on a single to right field against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) heads to second and then third as a shot by Summer Smith (2) gets past Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) safely takes third based on a single by Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) heads to second as Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) plays a grounder by Reese Blankenship (7) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
A runner scores for a 1-0 lead as Dolphins Reese Blankenship (7) safely takes first base ahead of the throw to Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) celebrates after crossing the plate to take a 1-0 lead over the Panthers in the bottom of the 6th inning during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins third baseman Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets set to throw to first base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Savannah Gardner (11) lays down a bunt that goes foul against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Ryleigh Watts (34) fields a shot to shallow right field and fires to second base to get the Panthers lead runner out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) fields the throw from right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) to get out Panthers lead runner Sylvia McKie (10) at second base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) safely dives into third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
2 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A Panthers runner (no number on front of jersey) safely takes third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
3 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out to end the top of the 1st inning against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
5 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
6 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Destiny Dennis (8) out after a dropped third strike during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) canât make the catch as she dives into the wall for a pop up in foul territory during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
10 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers third baseman Ashlyn Sutton (7) watches as a Dolphins bunt rolls foul during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
11 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Faith Cain (4) safely take first after a dropped third strike as the throw sails over Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
12 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
13 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins left fielder Aubrey Sparkowski (31) settles under a fly ball for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
14 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
15 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A shot up the middle by Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets past the Panthers for a single during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
16 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) throws to first for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
17 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
18 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) tosses to first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) to get out Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
19 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers center fielder Faith Cain (4) moves under a fly ball for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
20 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A grounder by Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) gets past Dolphins second baseman Jaelynn Re (18), but right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) plays it and fires to first for an out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
21 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) is called out on a close play at first base on a hard grounder to right field during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
22 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) receives the throw to first base for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
23 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) dives to catch a short pop up for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
24 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers catcher Savannah Gardner (11) settles under a high pop up behind the plate for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
25 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
26 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
27 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Madison Vanderburg (1) out at first on a close play during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
28 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
29 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) advances the runner to third on a single to right field against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
30 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) heads to second and then third as a shot by Summer Smith (2) gets past Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
31 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) safely takes third based on a single by Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
32 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) heads to second as Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) plays a grounder by Reese Blankenship (7) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
33 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A runner scores for a 1-0 lead as Dolphins Reese Blankenship (7) safely takes first base ahead of the throw to Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
34 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) celebrates after crossing the plate to take a 1-0 lead over the Panthers in the bottom of the 6th inning during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
35 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins third baseman Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets set to throw to first base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
36 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Savannah Gardner (11) lays down a bunt that goes foul against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
37 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Ryleigh Watts (34) fields a shot to shallow right field and fires to second base to get the Panthers lead runner out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
38 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) fields the throw from right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) to get out Panthers lead runner Sylvia McKie (10) at second base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
39 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) safely dives into third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Semifinals (April 28)
No. 4 Mosley at No. 1 Niceville, 6 p.m.
No. 3 Milton at No. 2 Gulf Breeze, 6 p.m.
Championship (April 30)
Semifinal winners at higher seed, 6 p.m.
Analysis: Both Gulf Breeze (14-10) and Milton (16-9) look to be safely into the regional playoffs ahead of Tuesdayâs district semifinal.
The Dolphins are currently the No. 4 seed in Region 1-5A and ranked No. 81 in the FHSAA rankings, while Milton (16-9) is the No. 7 seed and ranked No. 109 in the FHSAA rankings, 48 spots ahead of Fleming Island, who is the final at-large team.
However, Gulf Breeze could be looking at a regional quarterfinal home game if it doesnât win the district championship. Middleburg and Ponte Vedra, the No. 5 and No.6 ranked teams in the region, are currently the top seeds in District 3-5A and District 4-5A, respectively, and could host the Dolphins if they win the district championship.
Niceville (18-7), who is the top seed in the district, is also currently ranked No. 1 in Region 1-6A. The Eagles lost to Gulf Breeze 1-0 on Feb. 17 and beat Milton 5-0 on Feb. 19.
District 1-4A
Semifinals (April 28 at Pine Forest)
No. 3 Booker T. Washington at No. 2 Pine Forest, 6:30 p.m.
Championship (April 30 at Pine Forest)
Booker T. Washington/Pine Forest winner vs. No. 1 Escambia, 6:30 p.m.
Analysis: Itâs district title or bust for all three teams if they want to continue their season.
All three teams are at least 146 spots behind Menendez, the last at-large team in the Region 1-4A playoffs.
Escambia (9-13) is the heavy favorite to repeat as district champions, going 4-0 against district opponents while outscoring them by a combined score of 73-24. Pine Forest (8-15) is hosting the tournament and is 5-5 at home this season.
If the district champion matches up with an at-large team it would host in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals on May 6.
District 1-3A
Semifinals
No. 4 Bay at No. 1 South Walton, 7 p.m. (April 27)
No. 3 Pensacola at No. 2 West Florida, 7 p.m. (April 28)
Championship (April 30)
Semifinal winners at higher seed, 7 p.m.
Analysis: West Florida (7-15) is solidly in the state playoffs despite a lackluster record after playing the second toughest schedule in all of 3A, according to the FHSAA.
The Jaguars currently are ranked No. 6 in Region 1-3A and No. 166 in the overall FHSAA rankings, 58 spots ahead of Suwanee, who is the last at-large team in the Region 1-3A field.
Neither West Florida nor South Walton (14-6) played a district opponent this spring.
District 1-2A
(Quarterfinals at higher seed, semifinals and final at Bozeman)
Quarterfinals (April 27)
No. 5 Freeport at No. 4 Destin, 6 p.m.
No. 7 Rutherford at No. 2 Bozeman, 6 p.m.
No. 6 Pensacola Catholic at No. 3 Walton, 6 p.m.
Semifinals (April 28)
Freeport/Destin winner vs. No. 1 North Bay Haven Academy, 5 p.m.
Rutherford/Bozeman winner vs. Pensacola Catholic/Walton winner, 7 p.m.
Championship (April 29)
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Analysis: Pensacola Catholic (7-10) would need to pull off a Cinderella run to a district championship to qualify for the state playoffs, as theyâre currently ranked 15th out of 16 teams in Region 1-2A.
The Crusaders didnât play a district foe this spring. Walton (10-11), their first round opponent, may need to win the district championship to ensure a state playoff berth as well. The Braves are currently the first team out for an at-large bid, and are 31 spots behind the last team in, Trinity Christian (14-6), in the overall FHSAA rankings.
Rural District 1
(All games at Jay)
Quarterfinals (April 27)
No. 5 Baker vs. No. 4 Central, 5 p.m.
No. 6 Laurel Hill vs No. 3 Paxton, 7 p.m.
Semifinals (April 28)
Baker/Central winner vs. No. 1 Northview, 5 p.m.
Laurel Hill/Paxton winner at No. 2 Jay, 7 p.m.
Championship (April 30)
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
Analysis: After getting over the district and regional title hump last year, Northview enters this yearâs district tournament as the heavy favorites.
The Chiefs (16-5) are ranked No. 29 overall in the state and No. 2 in the rural classification, trailing only Pace in the Pensacola area.
Northview even won at Jay 7-2 on April 16, meaning they wonât be fazed by potentially playing a road game for the district championship. The Chiefs currently rank No. 1 in Region 1 and would wrap up homefield advantage in the regional semifinals and finals with a district championship.
Jay (10-11) will likely qualify for the state playoffs despite finishing the regular season under .500. The Lady Royals are currently ranked No. 3 in Rural Region 1 and No. 175 overall in the state, 47 spots ahead of Paxton, who is the first team out.
Jay and Paxton could meet in the district semifinals, and the Lady Royals beat the Bobcats twice in the regular season by a combined score of 19-4.
Central (14-6) is enjoying its winningest season since 2019 but will need to win the district tournament to advance to the state playoffs.
