The 2009 Football Rewind: District 1-1A (See Archives, Photos, Standings)

Massive state district realignment went into effect last season, creating more “super” groupings. District 1-1A was one of these, with an area-high nine teams in the district. Area teams Sneads, Bozeman, Vernon and Holmes County tried their hands at winning a district title.

However, it was Freeport’s to lose, as the Bulldogs finished 8-0 in district games and edged South Walton for the title. A 43-21 victory over the Seahawks on Oct. 9 was the deciding game.

The Seahawks locked up the runner-up spot, beating out Bratt Northview with a 7-1 mark. The district opener for both teams, a 14-6 South Walton win on Sept. 11, gave the Seahawks the upper hand.

Northview was a game better than Sneads (5-3) and the next four teams were closely bunched. Bozeman and Vernon were both 3-5 in district play, followed by 2-6 finishers Jay and Holmes County. Baker, which made the postseason a year before, didn’t win a game in district or overall.

Sneads had the best overall record among area teams at 5-5, with losses in three of its final four games.

Bozeman and Vernon were each 4-6. The Bucks won three in a row after starting 0-4, but couldn’t get to .500 with losses in two of their final three games. Vernon also struggled down the stretch with four straight losses after starting 3-0, with wins over Chipley, Bozeman and Baker.

Holmes County was 3-7 overall. Wins came against Vernon, Baker and Franklin County in the season finale for both teams Nov. 13.

Freeport had the deepest run of the two 1-1A playoff teams. It opened with a 48-12 win over Blountstown, beat Liberty County 35-20 for the Region 1-1A championship then was ousted by Jacksonville Trinity Christian 36-14 in the state semifinal to finish 11-2.

South Walton ended the season at 8-3 with a first-round loss at Liberty County, 24-17.

Click here for a recap of last year’s standings (click on each team name for rosters and stats).

Next week: A recap of action from District 1-1B and 1-2B.

The 2009 Football Rewind schedule

• July 13: District 1-1A
• July 20: District 1-1B and 1-2B
• July 27: District 1-3A
• Aug. 3: District 2-1A, 2-4A