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Heading into Week 8, who leads The News-Press/Naples Daily News Football and Volleyball rankings?

alex martin, fort myers news-press
·7 min read

Week 7 in the high school football and volleyball landscapes across Southwest Florida continued to provide more answers.

The News-Press and Naples Daily News will rank the Top 10 football and volleyball teams in Collier and Lee counties and LaBelle each week. The power rankings are based on record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head matchups for the area's 30-plus schools.

Here are the Top 10 teams in The News-Press/Naples Daily News Football Rankings heading into Week 8.

FOOTBALL

Records of games played through Saturday, Oct. 7

1. Bishop Verot (6-1)

The Bishop Verot Vikings compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Verot won 49-22.
The Bishop Verot Vikings compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Verot won 49-22.

Last week: 1

Analysis: Nothing's changing here anytime soon. The Vikings hung tough and erased a 28-7 deficit in the second half against a very strong Jesuit team, taking a 29-28 lead before falling in the final minute of action. Verot will look to move to 7-1 this Thursday against Gateway in district play.

2. First Baptist (4-2)

The Golden Gate Titans compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The Lions won 48-46.
The Golden Gate Titans compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The Lions won 48-46.

Last week: 3

Analysis: It was mentioned in last week's rankings that if First Baptist defeated Wekiva, the No. 2 spot was theirs. The Lions defeated the Mustangs 42-35 on the road, moving to 4-2 on the season with the gauntlet of their schedule being in the rear-view mirror. Expect a much lighter challenge this week when FBA travels to St. John Neumann.

3. Dunbar (5-1)

Fort Myers and Dunbar face off in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Dunbar High School. Dunbar won 40-39 in double overtime.
Fort Myers and Dunbar face off in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Dunbar High School. Dunbar won 40-39 in double overtime.

Last week: 2

Analysis: The Tigers drop by virtue of First Baptist's win over Wekiva, but Dunbar can reclaim the spot. Sammy Brown's group has to travel to Lowndes to take on a very good Vikings team that's among the best in Georgia. If Dunbar can get redemption this time around, there will be a real conversation for the No. 2 spot in these rankings.

4. Golden Gate (4-2)

The Golden Gate Titans compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The Lions won 48-46.
The Golden Gate Titans compete against the First Baptist Academy Lions in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The Lions won 48-46.

Last week: 4

Analysis: The Titans were idle last week, recovering from a 48-46 loss to First Baptist. This week, Golden Gate is back in action, taking on Barron Collier on the road in The News-Press/Naples Daily News Game of the Week.

5. Naples (6-1)

Action from Naples High SchoolÕs 24-0 win over Barron Collier at Barron Collier on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
Action from Naples High SchoolÕs 24-0 win over Barron Collier at Barron Collier on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023

Last week: 5

Analysis: The Golden Eagles continue to do everything right, posting back-to-back shutouts, this time against Palmetto Ridge. Naples scored on nine of its 23 offensive plays, hitting paydirt nearly 40 percent of the time against the Bears. Next up is the 50th edition of the Coconut Bowl against Lely.

6. Barron Collier (5-1)

The Barron Collier Cougars visited the South Fort Myers Wolfpack on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA
The Barron Collier Cougars visited the South Fort Myers Wolfpack on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA

Last week: 7

Analysis: The Cougars jump back up to No. 6 in this poll following a 20-19 win against South Fort Myers. Barron won the game with backup quarterback Brian Williams, who started in place of injured starter Niko Boyce. The Cougars' defense has been stout this season, and it will be put to the test once again versus No. 4 Golden Gate.

7. Fort Myers (4-2)

Fort Myers and Dunbar face off in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Dunbar High School. Dunbar won 40-39 in double overtime.
Fort Myers and Dunbar face off in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Dunbar High School. Dunbar won 40-39 in double overtime.

Last week: 6

Analysis: The Greenies didn't play last week, but nonetheless hit their low water mark in this poll at No. 7. Fort Myers has shown vulnerability on defense as of late, allowing a combined 34 points to Charlotte and East Lee County, not to mention 40 to Dunbar, 49 to St. Thomas Aquinas, and 14 to Riverdale. The Green Wave will look to keep their playoff hopes alive against South Fort Myers in district action.

8. South Fort Myers (4-2)

Justin White of the South Fort Myers football team picks up a huge reception during a game against North Fort Myers at North Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Andre Devine of North Fort Myers is defending him.
Justin White of the South Fort Myers football team picks up a huge reception during a game against North Fort Myers at North Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Andre Devine of North Fort Myers is defending him.

Last week: 8

Analysis: The Wolfpack hold at No. 8 despite losing to No. 6 Barron Collier, being within one score in the closing stages. South's playoff probability went down following last week's loss, but have a chance to improve their standing this week in a must-win game against Fort Myers. If South wins, the Wolfpack control their own destiny to a district title.

9. Mariner (6-0)

Last week: 9

Analysis: The Tritons have been off and will have their biggest game of the season to date, a contest with North Fort Myers that's likely to determine the district champion in Class 3S-District 14. Mariner and North must win the district to make the postseason, making this game even more appetizing in the lead up.

10. Community School (6-0)

CSN hosts SFCA in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Naples.
CSN hosts SFCA in a high school football matchup on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Naples.

Last week: 10

Analysis: The Seahawks continue to win, most recently a 49-0 rout of ABF Academy out of Hialeah. CSN is 6-0 under first-year coach Michael Stannard and should have zero problems moving to 7-0 this week when the program takes on Canterbury at home.

First Five Out: Immokalee (3-4), Gulf Coast (4-2), Estero (5-1), Lely (4-2), East Lee County (2-4)

VOLLEYBALL

Records of games played through Tuesday, Oct. 10

1. Barron Collier (15-4)

Students pose with the Barron Collier Cougars team after winning the CCAC championship over the Gulf Coast Sharks on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.
Students pose with the Barron Collier Cougars team after winning the CCAC championship over the Gulf Coast Sharks on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Last week: 1

Analysis: The Cougars went 3-2 at Venice's Battle at the Beach, losing to Viera and Bishop Kenny before beating Clearwater Central Catholic, Florida High, and Venice. Barron tacked on another resumé win Tuesday night against No. 3 First Baptist, winning in four sets. Next for the Cougars is the Warrior Invite in Miami this weekend, facing Doral Academy, Boca Raton Christian, and Divine Savior in pool play.

2. Seacrest Country Day (16-2)

Seacrest and Canterbury play in the Private 8 Volleyball championship game on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at First Baptist Academy in Naples.
Seacrest and Canterbury play in the Private 8 Volleyball championship game on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at First Baptist Academy in Naples.

Last week: 2

Analysis: The Stingrays continue to churn out results, most recently a sweep of a CSN team that entered the game winning their last nine contests. Seacrest has a tune-up game against Naples on Thursday before joining Barron in Miami, taking on Cypress Bay, St. Brendan, and University School in pool play.

3. First Baptist (16-4)

The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in a district game at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.
The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in a district game at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Last week: 3

Analysis: The Lions had a chance to down the No. 1 team in Southwest Florida, but came up short against the Cougars in four sets. Last week, First Baptist did defeat Bishop Verot in what could be a rematch in the district semifinals. Before that, FBA will also head to Miami, playing Westminster Christian, Boca Raton, and Southwest in pool play on Friday.

4. Community School (16-6)

Area volleyball teams faced off during Estero's Wildcat Invite at Estero Rec Center on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Community School of Naples took first place.
Area volleyball teams faced off during Estero's Wildcat Invite at Estero Rec Center on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Community School of Naples took first place.

Last week: 4

Analysis: The Seahawks saw their nine-game win streak conclude with a sweep by No. 2 Seacrest. Sitting at 16-6, Alicia MacIntyre Ewerth's group has one more game against Neumann come Thursday before districts are to be played next week.

5. Canterbury (14-8)

Seacrest and Canterbury play in the Private 8 Volleyball championship game on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at First Baptist Academy in Naples.
Seacrest and Canterbury play in the Private 8 Volleyball championship game on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at First Baptist Academy in Naples.

Last week: 5

Analysis: The Cougars grabbed a big win before the season concluded, winning in four sets over a feisty Verot team that nearly took the match to the fifth set. Canterbury has one more regular season game before districts, a road contest at Gulf Coast on Thursday.

6. Gulf Coast (16-6)

The Barron Collier Cougars compete against the Gulf Coast Sharks in the CCAC championship game at Barron Collier High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.
The Barron Collier Cougars compete against the Gulf Coast Sharks in the CCAC championship game at Barron Collier High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Last week: 6

Analysis: The Sharks have had a good season under John Alvarez, winning 15 games at this point in the season. Gulf Coast is poised to make a run in Class 5A, and a win over Canterbury on Thursday would further solidify that belief.

7. Bishop Verot (18-6)

The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in a district game at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.
The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in a district game at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Last week: 7

Analysis: The Vikings are making progress, but it is not where it needs to be just yet should the team want to surprise teams locally. Verot nearly went to a fifth set with Canterbury, falling in four sets in a competitive match. The Vikings will get LaBelle at home on Wednesday, before possibly seeing the Cougars for a third time in the district semifinals next week.

8. Estero (14-9)

The Estero Wildcats compete against the Riverdale Raiders during a game at Estero High School on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.
The Estero Wildcats compete against the Riverdale Raiders during a game at Estero High School on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Last week: 8

Analysis: The Wildcats did what they were supposed to do Thursday night, and that was to beat North Fort Myers. John Ban's group has one more regular season game to go, a tilt with Ida Baker. If Estero wins that game, they'll be a perfect 10-0 in LCAC play this year, having not dropped a single set to an LCAC opponent.

9. Riverdale (13-9)

The Estero Wildcats compete against the Riverdale Raiders during a game at Estero High School on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.
The Estero Wildcats compete against the Riverdale Raiders during a game at Estero High School on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Last week: 9

Analysis: The Raiders are seeking consistency before next week, as the team was able to beat Fort Myers at the Wildcat Invite 11 days ago, but has been in some surprisingly close matches against inferior opponents. Riverdale has one more game against Bonita Springs on Thursday before district play.

10. Fort Myers (16-6)

Scenes from Gulf Coast High School volleyball 3-1 set win over Fort Myers at Gulf Coast in Naples on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.
Scenes from Gulf Coast High School volleyball 3-1 set win over Fort Myers at Gulf Coast in Naples on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.

Last week: 10

Analysis: The Greenies are sitting at 16-6, with a pair of games against Bonita Springs and Charlotte still on the docket before districts. It's likely to expect a split here, giving Fort Myers a regular season record of 17-7. That would the best mark under coach Shannon Puder in her third year leading the program.

First Five Out: St. John Neumann (13-7), North Fort Myers (17-6), Bonita Springs (14-7), SFCA (18-7), Marco Island (17-5)

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Verot football, Barron Collier volleyball hold top spots in SWFL rankings