The Big Green posted four shutouts and dominated opponents en route to a 9-1 record, their third straight district title, and their best chance at a state championship since 1990.
By Travis Espy
Coming off a third straight trip to the Elite 8 and a second consecutive district title last season, expectations were high for the Big Green Indians and head coach Frank Beasley, who is entering his 5th season.
Despite losing key seniors from the 2024 squad, including leading receiver Aaron Rowell, two-way standouts Keeson Hines-Wheeler and Dante Core, and defensive leader Tristan Jackson – Choctaw had plenty of talent returning and joining the roster.
New additions included Wisconsin-commit Zion “Bean” Legree and receiver DJ Spence. Returning players who established themselves among the Panhandle’s best last year include 1,000-yard rusher Von’Tavious “Von” Keller, dual-threat QB Tamen Zabetakis, versatile playmaker Carter Marracco, two-way force Dante Whidbee, and a stout offensive line under coach Alton Plott.
On defense, talent included the Alloway brothers, Mario and Ellis. Mario led the team in sacks last year, while Ellis established himself as one of the Panhandle’s best linebackers, as evidenced by his recent commitment to South Florida. In the secondary, the Reese brothers, Amir and Alante, both of whom made their mark on the program after transferring from Niceville last year.
Under defensive coordinator Terrence Brooks – a former All-American safety, key member of the 2013 Florida State BCS championship defense, and NFL veteran – The Big Green defense established itself as one of the Panhandle’s best units. The same could be said about Choctaw’s special teams under special teams coordinator Keith Hendrix, who has built a reputation as one of the state’s best.
Beasley attributes the team’s success to a combination of talent and culture.
“We have really good players. It’s a player driven game and if you have really good players and a really good staff that gets them moving in the right direction and coaches them really hard, you’re probably going to do pretty well,” Beasley said. “We also have a good group of seniors that do a good job making sure that we’re heading in the right direction and they practice at a high level.”
With expectations set high, Choctaw’s season kicked off against Gulf Shores in week 1. Despite wave after wave of adversity – two lightning delays, the absence of Legree, Keller going down with an ankle injury in the first half, and the numerous errors by both teams – The Big Green grinded out a 21-14 victory.
The following week against Navarre was a rout from the start. Zabetakis completed 100% of his passes and had 2 touchdowns, Marracco added 2 rushing touchdowns, and the defense picked off Navarre twice while holding them to 0.6 yards per carry. The backups were in before halftime in a 42-0 victory.
The following week at Crestview, the defense pitched its second straight shutout, primarily by putting Bulldogs QB Zy Tassin under pressure for most of the game and shutting down Crestview’s rushing attack. CB Jordyn Long intercepted Tassin twice, and Mario Alloway and Alonte Reese both forced fumbles. Zabetakis, Marracco, Keller, Legree, and Whidbee all contributed on offense in a 28-0 win.
The Indians returned to Joe Etheridge Stadium to face Pine Forest, and the defense pitched their third straight shutout. The defense recorded seven sacks, and the special teams unit proved why it is one of the state’s best, as Jordan Figueroa pinned the Eagles inside their own 10 yard line 3 times. Despite Zabetakis throwing two interceptions, the rushing attack showed up in a 28-0 shutout.
Breaking the Niceville curse
The following week was one of the most memorable moments in school history. At Eagle Stadium, the Big Green did what they hadn’t done in 13 years, beat Niceville. Zabetakis bounced back with a 75% completion percentage and two touchdowns. The defense recorded seven sacks, forced three turnovers, and didn’t allow the Eagles to cross midfield until the final play of the first half.
The final score: 42-7.
The Big Green Indians traveled to Panama City Beach to face Arnold and open district play. The offense had perhaps its best game of the year, with Zabetakis and Keller both scoring 4 touchdowns. Choctaw picked up 376 yards on the ground in a 40-7 rout.
Choctaw was on the road again the following week against South Walton, winning 38-6 behind Keller’s 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Big Green returned to Joe Etheridge for the first time in a month to face Rickards for homecoming. The defense forced another shutout, largely by shutting down the Raiders’ ground game. Mario Alloway had a solid day at the office. Zabetakis and Keller once again shined for the Big Green.
Championships secured
After a bye week, the Indians returned for the 53rd edition of “The Game” against Fort Walton Beach. Despite trailing 3-0 after the first quarter due to fumbles, poorly timed penalties, and shanked punts that gave the Vikings good field position, the Indians awoke and scored 42 unanswered points.
Zabetakis threw 3 touchdown passes, and Keller, Legree, Spence, and Whidbee all found the endzone. On defense, Amir Reese forced two turnovers. Choctaw won 42-3, marking their fifth straight win over their archrival and 9th time beating the Vikings in the last 10 years.
Following that win, the Indians won their third straight district championship, a turnaround from when the streak started in 2023, which marked their first since 2014 and only the third time they had done so since winning the state title in 1990. In addition, Choctaw also clinched the Okaloosa County championship with this win.
For Beasley, those achievements stand out above the rest.
“I think the highlight is winning the district championship and the county championship,” he said.
After that victory, the Indians were one win away from an undefeated season, something that hadn’t been done since the 1977 state runner-up team. It appeared that nothing could stop the Indians.
Perfection almost
Unfortunately, Enterprise had other plans. On senior night, and with the #1 overall seed in the state on the line, the Indians fell to the Wildcats.
“Enterprise is probably the best team we played all year,” Beasley said.
Choctaw was without Mario Alloway before kickoff and lost Whidbee to injury early in the game.
The offense struggled for much of the game, with the only touchdown being a strike from Zabetakis to Legree, which put Choctaw ahead 13-7 at halftime. Coming out of the half, Enterprise forced a 3 and out and scored to take a 14-13 lead.
The rest of the game was dominated by defense. Choctaw managed a field goal late in the game to go up 16-14, but the defense finally broke. Enterprise went on a drive highlighted by a key 4th down conversion followed by a crucial pass interference penalty that put the Wildcats deep in Indian territory. The defense appeared to hold, with 3 straight go-ahead field goals by Enterprise blocked. But all three were nullified due to offsides penalties by the Big Green. This allowed for Enterprise QB Mason Burkhardt to score on a go-ahead rushing TD for a 20-16 final.
Playoff bound
However, this one blemish doesn’t take away from what was a terrific season for the Indians. Beasley pointed to the team’s development as the most impressive aspect of the year.
“The growth of the team and the way we operate — every team’s a little bit different every year and you gotta figure out what makes them tick and the things that you have to do,” Beasley said. “But they’ve grown and will continue to grow and get better and just see what they can do in the playoffs.”
Heading into the playoffs, this is the best chance since 1990 that Choctaw has to win a state title. It remains to be seen if the Indians can get the job done. But, if the defense continues to perform as they have all year, and the offense can play up to potential and avoid a repeat from Enterprise, a state title could be in the cards.
Beasley identified several areas that need attention before the postseason begins.
“We need to fit upfront. We didn’t play well the other night but they were pretty good so on the offensive line we need to get that going,” Beasley said. “We need to get our run game going – which we have a plan to do – and make sure that we’re efficient there and we really just need to get healthy. That’s the biggest thing and make sure that we have all hands on deck heading into the playoffs.”
If all these things happen, one would be foolish not to expect the second state title in school history.
Publisher’s note: At the time of this printing, FHSAA has just announced that the Indians are the #2 seed in the Class 4A Region 1 Bracket. They will play Booker T. Washington.
Photos courtesy of Holly Howard Photography
