High school football: Previews, predictions for Southwest Florida Week 9 games
High School football previews and predictions for games played Thursday, Oct. 19, and Friday, Oct. 20. Rankings listed are from The News-Press/Naples Daily News weekly Top 10 poll.
Game of the Week
Estero (6-1) at No. 8 Mariner (7-0)
What to watch for — Estero: The Wildcats won their sixth consecutive game last week, a 28-9 decision over district rival Key West. Junior running back Malik Allen rushed for 225 yards, his second consecutive 200-plus-yard effort, and a season-high three touchdowns. For the year, Allen has carried 153 times for 872 yards and six scores. Estero has showcased a balanced offensive attack this season, averaging 154 rushing yards and 146 passing yards per game. Senior Matthew Wilson has completed 74-of-124 pass attempts this season for 1,024 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing an average of 9.2 points per game during their winning streak and have excelled at forcing turnovers. Estero has picked off 13 passes and recovered 12 fumbles with senior defensive back Luke Ghannum leading the way with three interceptions and six fumble recoveries. The Wildcats have already secured a winning record for the third straight season, something that hasn’t happened since 1999-2001. Mariner: The Tritons snapped a seven-game losing streak to North Fort Myers last week, defeating the Red Knights 27-23 and taking a big step toward securing their first district championship since 1997. Mariner overcame four turnovers and 12 penalties to extend its best start to a season in the program’s history. Senior quarterback Noah Tolbert returned after a three-game absence to pass for 239 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers, offsetting four interceptions. Tolbert also had five tackles and two fumble recoveries from his linebacker position. The Tritons, who allowed North to rush for 316 yards, must find a way to limit Allen if they hope to continue their unbeaten start. This will be Mariner’s toughest test of the season so far and an opportunity for them to improve its strength of schedule rating, which is the fourth-lowest in the state, according to the latest FHSAA rankings.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Mariner 24, Estero 21
Cardinal Mooney (6-1) at No. 1 Bishop Verot (7-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for — Cardinal Mooney: The Cougars are off to a 6-1 start this season, having beaten Avon Park, Lakewood Ranch, Evangelical Christian, Space Coast, Sarasota, and John Carroll Catholic. In Mooney’s latest game against John Carroll, the Rams were held to 123 total yards, as quarterback Matt Brennan was picked off three times. Mooney’s offense was potent, as quarterback Devin Mignery completed 9-of-16 passes for 207 yards, while the run game ran for 284 yards. This season, Mooney is averaging 436 yards of offense per game, but is averaging 502.3 yards per game in their last three contests. Mooney has lost the last five games against Verot by an average of 22.6 points per game. Bishop Verot: The Vikings continue to meet expectations, most recently blanking Gateway last Thursday 57-0. Verot made quick work of the Eagles, as Carter Smith accounted for his 96th to 100th total touchdowns on the year, passing for three and rushing for two. Tookie Watts scored each of his three receptions, tallying 112 yards in the game. In the seven games Verot has played on the field this year, the Vikings are averaging 408.2 yards of offense, with offensive starters being pulled in running clock wins in four of their games this season against Port Charlotte, First Baptist, Key West, and Gateway.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Bishop Verot 38, Cardinal Mooney 24
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No. 2 First Baptist (5-2) at Lemon Bay (7-0)
What to watch for — First Baptist: The Lions were dominant on the road against St. John Neumann, blanking the Celtics 47-0. First Baptist saw its offense post 385 yards of offense, led by Ethan Crossan's 18 of 31 for 284 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. Winston Watkins had eight catches for 188 yards and three touchdowns, adding a punt return touchdown as well to give him 480 yards receiving and seven total touchdowns in three games. The Lions sacked quarterback Jake Bruni nine times, while Dominick Davis and Josh Paul had interceptions for FBA. Lemon Bay: It's been smooth sailing for the most part for the Manta Rays, starting off 7-0 this season. Lemon Bay has yet to play a team that has both a winning record and a positive strength of schedule in the MaxPreps formula, but that changes this week against First Baptist. The Manta Rays are coming off a 42-6 win against Bayshore and have allowed just 13 points in their last three contests with IMG Blue, DeSoto County, and the Bruins. It's rare, but Lemon Bay will be home underdogs on Friday night.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: First Baptist 42, Lemon Bay 17
LISTEN: The Inside Southwest Florida Football podcast will get you ready for Week 9 action
No. 3 Golden Gate (5-2, 2-0) at Bonita Springs (1-6, 0-2)
What to watch for — Golden Gate: This is a Class 3S-District 16 contest. The Titans put out an impressive 44-21 road win against Barron Collier, scoring 34 unanswered points to dismantle the Cougars. Sam Powell completed 10-of-14 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while Trayvon Jean ran 21 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was from 68 yards out on the first play of the game. John Lee Honorat rushed in two scores, adding 94 rushing yards and 46 receiving yards, while Bradley Martino caught Powell's two touchdown passes and had an interception. Honorat had to be carried off the field after scoring his second touchdown of the game, but regardless of his availability, it should be smooth sailing for a Golden Gate team that's inching closer to securing the top seed in Class 3S-Region 4. Bonita Springs: The Bull Sharks have had an extra week to prepare for this game, having played Gateway two weeks ago in a 28-21 loss. Bonita's run game has gone over 100 yards just four of seven times this season, after eclipsing that mark in nine of 10 games last season. The offense posted 118 yards of offense against the Eagles, while Gateway went for 483 (274 passing, 209 rushing). While the Bull Sharks would like to play spoiler here, Golden Gate's playmakers on both sides of the ball are going to be too much.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Golden Gate 47, Bonita Springs 7
No. 4 Naples (7-1, 2-1) at American Heritage (5-1, 2-0)
What to watch for — Naples: The Golden Eagles are coming off of last week’s 44-7 win over Lely in the Coconut Bowl. True to form, Naples’ rushing attack led the way to the dominant win, with Shawn Simeon tallying 260 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 19 tries. Five other ball carriers helped the Golden Eagles finish with 384 yards. They held the Trojans to just 100 yards of total offense, but now turn on film of the most potent offense they will face all year. It marks the first regular season trip to Broward County in just under 35 years for Naples, having played Stranahan on Oct. 27, 1988. American Heritage: The Patriots downed Stranahan 63-16 last week behind an efficient effort from four-star quarterback Dia Bell. Bell finished 13-of-18 for 264 yards and three touchdowns while three different rushers combined for 194 yards and five touchdowns. Expect another balanced attack to test a Naples defense that has given up three touchdowns just once this year. In last year's meeting, the Patriots doubled up the Golden Eagles, 35-17.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: American Heritage 42, Naples 21
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No. 5 Dunbar (5-2, 2-0) at East Lee County (3-4, 1-2)
What to watch for — Dunbar: This is a Class 3S-District 15 game. The Tigers are coming off a tough travel week after going on the road to face Lowndes in George, where they lost 33-7. Against the Vikings, the Tigers were limited to 167 yards of offense as quarterback Austin Price threw one touchdown against two interceptions. Dunbar controls their own destiny in the district as the only team without a loss. In their previous district contests, the Tigers have topped 35 points. Last season, Dunbar beat East Lee 39-8. East Lee County: The Jaguars earned their second win of the season and their first district win after pulling off a 12-3 win against Cypress Lake last week. East Lee broke free from a 3-3 defensive struggle late in the fourth quarter when defensive tackle Eric Thomas made a tackle in the end zone for a safety. The Jaguars extended the lead with a 6-yard touchdown run by Lazaro Rogers, his 10th rushing score of the season. Maxwell Jean-Louis led the team with 10 tackles, including two for a loss, against the Panthers last week. He is up to 70 tackles on the season.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Dunbar 35, East Lee County 12
Tampa Catholic (3-3) at No. 6 Fort Myers (5-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
What to watch for — Tampa Catholic: The Crusaders are coming off an impressive 38-17 win against a Blake team that had just one loss coming into last week. Running back Josh Andrews went for 93 yards and two scores on nine carries in the win. Despite the 3-3 record, all of Tampa Catholic’s losses have come against tough competition, including top-100 FHSAA-ranked teams Berkeley Prep and Clearwater Central Catholic. T.J. Moore, a wide receiver who committed to Clemson, has caught 21 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns so far this season. Fort Myers: The Greenies won an important district clash, defeating South Fort Myers 49-28 last week. Leading for most of the game, the team was able to put together a strong fourth quarter to deny the Wolfpack’s comeback attempt. Madrid Tucker caught three passes, of 24, 51, and 66 yards, that all went for touchdowns. Quarterback Chris McFoley threw four touchdown passes and rushed for one – a critical 62-yard scamper in the fourth quarter that helped secure the victory. The Green Wave defense forced five turnovers in the win.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Fort Myers 27, Tampa Catholic 23
No. 7 Barron Collier (5-2, 1-2) at Lely (4-3, 1-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for — Barron Collier: The Cougars had a rough outing on Friday, falling to Golden Gate 44-21. Barron Collier surrendered just under 300 yards rushing compared to 173 yards passing, the Titans saw their playmakers go off in Trayvon Jean, John Lee Honorat, and Bradley Martino. Niko Boyce had his roughest outing of the season coming off of concussion protocol, completing 7 of 23 passes for 137 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, but did connect with Brody Graham on an impressive 58-yard touchdown to give Barron a brief lead that lasted under two minutes. The Cougars took a surprising stumble down to No. 7 in the FHSAA rankings in Class 3S-Region 4, furthering the stakes of Friday's road tilt. Lely: The Trojans saw few things go right for them in a 44-7 loss to Naples last week in the Coconut Bowl, as the drought moved to 14 straight losses. Naples controlled the ground game and did virtually whatever it wanted, as Shawn Simeon ran for 260 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 touches in the win. Kensley Faustin, Eric Porter, Andre Ferdinand, and Evan Odom all picked off Lely quarterback Colin Raymond, who completed 5 of 29 passes for 112 yards. Lely scored its lone touchdown on a Raymond pass to Gage Rice, who caught three passes for 53 yards. Lely must win this game to remain alive in the postseason chase. A loss here would make it next to impossible for the team to clinch a spot in the postseason.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Barron Collier 34, Lely 21
IMG Academy Blue (0-4) at No. 9 Community School (7-0)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
What to watch for — IMG Blue: This is the first meeting between the programs. IMG Academy Blue has not played since a 48-7 road loss at Lemon Bay on Sept. 21. QB Alex Nuera leads the Ascenders in both passing yards (230) and rushing yards (258). Community School: Community School beat Canterbury 52-0 last week and has outscored its opponents 253-25, including five shutouts. QB Cale Austin has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensive back Ehrme Pray had three touchdowns, two on interception returns, and one on a punt block, last week in the win over the Cougars.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Community School 51, IMG Academy Blue 6
Cypress Lake (2-6, 0-2) at South Fort Myers (4-3, 1-1)
Time: 7 p.m. Thursday
What to watch for — Cypress Lake: This is a Class 3S-District 15 game. The Panthers dropped their sixth consecutive game after falling 12-3 to East Lee last week. The team’s offense has been struggling of late as they have not topped 6 points in five of their last six games. Last week, Junior Joey Dube-Garrett made his first varsity start at quarterback and completed 10-of-22 passes for 148 yards. The defense was able to limit the explosive Jaguar offense, keeping them to 3 points until late in the fourth quarter. A late safety was key for East Lee to get the win. South Fort Myers: The Wolfpack fell to Fort Myers 49-28 last week, but the final score doesn’t tell the full story. With some early mistakes, South went down 14-0 against the Green Wave but struck back to get two scores on the board – a Victor Jenkins touchdown run and a Chase Enguita goal line sneak – to head into halftime trailing 21-14. The Wolfpack twice got within a score of Fort Myers in the fourth quarter but gave up a couple of big plays before the game was iced when Enguita threw a pick-6 in the final minutes. Jenkins finished with 129 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: South Fort Myers 32, Cypress Lake 7
Lehigh (1-6) at North Fort Myers (1-6)
What to watch for – Lehigh: The Lightning lost 28-0 at district rival Charlotte last week, turning the ball over four times and allowing the Tarpons to rush for 219 yards and three touchdowns, including a 99-yard score by senior Aaronte Wesley. In its five on-field losses this season, not including a forfeit to Bishop Verot, Lehigh has allowed an average of 41.2 points per game. North Fort Myers: The Red Knights dropped a hard-fought 27-23 decision to district rival Mariner last week, securing the program’s first losing season since 2013. Of North’s six losses this season, four are by seven points or fewer. Seniors Virgil Maloy and Andre Devine have combined for 1,670 total yards of offense this season (1,369 rushing, 301 receiving) and 12 touchdowns. Tackles Adrian Stone and James Johnson have been defensive forces for the Red Knights with a total of 27 tackles for loss and 12 combined sacks.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: North Fort Myers 27, Lehigh 15
Island Coast (3-4) at Gateway (1-6)
What to watch for — Island Coast: The Gators got back in the win column after defeating district opponent Cape Coral 12-9 last week. The defensive battle was scoreless in the first half. Running back Gervaris Leaphart rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Leaphart is up to six touchdowns and nearly 700 yards rushing on the season. In the game’s final minutes, Xavier Jackson picked off a pass in the end zone to help seal the win. This will be the first meeting between Gateway and Island Coast. Gateway: After getting their first win of the season against Bonita Springs, the Eagles ran into their district opponent Bishop Verot, and got beat, 57-0. Gateway gave up 353 yards of offense while struggling to produce, only gaining 100 yards in the contest. Turnovers have been a struggle for the team, as they lost three fumbles in the game and sophomore quarterback Ty Williams threw his eighth interception of the season. However, the Vikings were the toughest opponents on Gateway’s schedule, and they should have opportunities the rest of the way, starting with the 3-4 Gators.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Island Coast 21, Gateway 20
St. John Neumann (3-4, 0-2) at SFCA (2-5, 0-1)
What to watch for - St. John Neumann: The Celtics suffered their first shutout loss of the year at the hands of First Baptist last week 47-0 loss. This week, the focus has been getting healthy after several starters went down against the Lions. They allowed Ethan Crossan to go 18-of-31 in the air for 284 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. St. John Neumann faces another talented gunslinger in Eli Moore and will have to find ways to make him uncomfortable in order to keep a handle on the game. SFCA: The King’s last-minute, go-ahead touchdown wasn’t enough in their 29-26 loss to Glades Day last week. Moore finished the loss 18-of-32 for 219 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Balancing the strong offensive effort was Isaac Tanner, who tallied 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. The duo will be key again against a Celtics defense that has allowed just over a touchdown per quarter in their last three games.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: St. John Neumann 28, SFCA 21
Saint Stephen’s (5-2) at Oasis (5-2)
What to watch for - Saint Stephen’s: The Falcons downed St. Pete Catholic 24-20 two weeks ago, and will now turn to the Sharks after a bye week. Evan Brown went 9-of-19 passing for 193 yards with one touchdown and one interception and rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Oasis: The Sharks breezed past Santa Fe last week 45-7. Parker Smith went 11-of-21 in the air for 221 yards two touchdowns and one rushing touchdown as the defense kept big gains to a minimum. Colin Anderson deflected four passes and took a punt return 90 yards for a house call.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Oasis 28, Saint Stephen’s 21
Aubrey Rogers (1-6) at Canterbury (1-6)
What to watch for - Aubrey Rogers: The Patriots enter this week’s contest with plenty of wind in their sails after defeating Dr. Joaquin Garcia 16-8 in the program’s first-ever win last week. The offense will have a chance to build on last week’s growth against a struggling Canterbury defense that is allowing over 31 points per game. Freshman Romeo Sararo caught seven passes for 49 yards, while Brady Stewart and Simon Hincapie combined for 101 rushing yards on 22 carries. Canterbury: The Cougars are coming off of last week’s 52-0 loss to Community School of Naples, marking their fifth straight loss. Canterbury’s offense managed 183 yards in the loss as Brenden Daller finished 2-of-10 passing for 53 yards, with three interceptions, and no touchdowns.
The News-Press/Naples Daily Pick: Aubrey Rogers 21, Canterbury 7
Gateway Charter (1-6) at Marathon (2-5)
What to watch for - Gateway Charter: The Griffins enter the week on a four-game skid after falling to Tradition Prep 24-16 last week. In those four losses, Gateway Charter has been shut out three times. One bright spot in the loss was seventh-grader Chance Reeves’ rushing performance, as he tallied just under 100 yards and one touchdown. Marathon: The Dolphins come off a week of rest before facing the Griffins. Marathon has been outscored by 35 or more points four times this year and tallied just 85 yards of total offense against Coral Shores in a 42-7 loss on Oct. 6. They now will try to find some offensive rhythm against a Gateway Charter defense that is allowing just under 30 points per game.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Gateway Charter 28, Marathon 7
LaBelle (5-2) at Avon Park (0-7)
What to watch for - LaBelle: The Cowboys fell to St. Pete Catholic 23-13 last week. LaBelle held the Barons to just 121 yards of total offense, while Isaac Santamaria and Zach Campbell combined for 129 rushing yards. LaBelle tallied nine tackles for loss, but costly turnovers and penalties added up. They’ll have a chance to clean things up against a winless Avon Park squad. Avon Park: The Red Devils fell to Hardee 54-13 last week. Their average margin of defeat is over 40 points, and they have been shut out in four of their seven losses. Tayon Jones finished 9-of-17 in the air for 144 yards, one touchdown, and one interception agianst Hardee.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: LaBelle 35, Avon Park 0
Mulberry (5-2) at Ida Baker (0-7)
What to watch for - Mulberry: The Panthers downed Frostproof 14-7 last week behind an efficient ground game. Dyvonique McWilliams led the charge with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, while DJ Duvalt added 92 rushing yards on 16 touches. The duo will likely have another strong night against an Ida Baker defense that has struggled this year. Ida Baker: The Bulldogs were shut out by Riverdale, 37-0, last week. Ida Baker has managed more than six points just once this year and is allowing over 41 points per game. Last week, they conceded 295 rushing yards to the Raiders and will have to contain another solid rushing attack from the Panthers this week.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Mulberry 42, Ida Baker 6
Bayshore (3-4) at Marco Island (1-4)
What to watch for - Bayshore: The Bruins lost to an undefeated Lemon Bay squad 42-6, and enter Week 9 on a three-game skid. Bayshore conceded 34 points to the Manta Rays in the first quarter alone and struggled to move the chains as in weeks past. They face a much different Manta Ray team this week and will have a good chance at getting back to .500 on the year. Marco Island: The Manta Rays have had a week of rest after losing to Bradenton Christian 72-0. They allowed 10 different Panther ball carriers to combine for 201 rushing yards and six touchdowns as eight different players found the end zone.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Bayshore 35, Marco Island 12
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Previews, predictions for Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Myers area Week 9 football games
