What you need to know: Football regional semis at Golden Gate, Bishop Verot, Naples, FBA, CSN tonight
High school football playoff preview capsules and predictions for regional semifinal games played on Friday, Nov. 17.
Class 3S-Region 4
No. 4 Dunbar (9-2) at No. 1 Golden Gate (9-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Stream: TIGERFM.COM
Radio: 93.3 FM, 91.9 FM
What to watch for — Dunbar: The Tigers continue to find a way to complete miraculous comebacks, most recently grabbing a 21-17 come-from-behind win over Fort Myers after the Greenies led 17-0 in the second half last week. Dunbar had just 269 yards of offense in the game but sacked quarterback Chris McFoley four times while forcing two turnovers. Kye Garcia had three sacks, while Garyan Burger added an interception and a fumble recovery against his former team. Mint Edwards had a sack, and Lavaris Singleton forced the fumble that Burger recovered. Chris Singleton added another 100-plus yard rushing effort on the ground, going for 105 yards on 12 carries, including the game-winning touchdown in the closing minutes to keep Dunbar’s playoff hopes alive. “We play 48 minutes, not 47, not 46,” Dunbar coach Sammy Brown said. “We play 48 full minutes. If you’re going to beat us, you have to beat us in 48. These guys are resilient. They put in the work and obviously, it shows. I mean, they just never quit.” The Tigers will face arguably their biggest and most physical test of the season against Golden Gate, a team that’s proven it can beat quality opponents and dominate others. Friday’s meeting between the Tigers and Titans will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides. Golden Gate: The Titans dominated on Friday, eliminating Mariner from the Class 3S postseason with a 48-14 win. Golden Gate saw Trayvon Jean rush for 223 yards on 22 carries, scoring a season-high three touchdowns in the win, while quarterback Sam Powell completed 11 of 17 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns through the air. It didn’t take long for Golden Gate to strike first, as Powell uncorked a deep ball to Bradley Martino down the middle of the field, scoring an 82-yard touchdown on the Titans’ first offensive play. This season, Golden Gate has scored 39.5 points per game while allowing just 16.2 points, winning by 23 points on average. At home, those averages are 43.8 points scored and 16.3 points allowed. Friday’s win marked a bit of history for the program, as it was playing its first home playoff game in school history. The winner of Friday’s game will take on the winner of Naples and Port Charlotte for the right to go to the Final Four. “Just watching these kids over the past years, I mean this has been a long time coming for this group, and it’s amazing to watch their hard work come to light,” Golden Gate interim coach Tommy Kleinmeyer said.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Golden Gate 27, Dunbar 20
SWFL football playoffs: Immokalee stuns Gulf Coast, Golden Gate, Naples, Estero advance
No. 6 Port Charlotte (9-2) at No. 2 Naples (9-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 105.9 FM
What to watch for — Port Charlotte: The sixth-seeded Pirates are going for a second consecutive upset by seed after downing the region's No. 3 seed Barron Collier 68-31 last week. To do it, they will have to avenge last year’s playoff game against the Golden Eagles where they lost 35-3. The team is averaging 47.5 points a game, and the least amount of points they have scored in a game this season has been 21 in a loss to Bishop Verot. The Pirates are tough in the trenches, which has paved the way for a pummeling running game. Edd Guerrier and Ike Perry have combined for 33 rushing touchdowns and more than 1,700 rushing yards. On top of producing 465 yards of offense against the Cougars, the Port Charlotte defense forced three turnovers last week. Naples: The Golden Eagles trampled Parrish Community for a 42-0 playoff victory last week. Running back Shawn Simeon went for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Simeon is averaging more than 10 yards a carry for Naples this season. The win was the Golden Eagles’ third shutout this season and third in their last six games. Port Charlotte’s powerful rushing attack will provide a bigger test for the Naples, but the Golden Eagles have plenty to counter. Linebacker Khari Bendolph has posted 22 tackles-for-loss and 13 sacks this season, and the secondary has picked off 12 passes this season – Kensley Faustin is leading the way with three interceptions. Naples has lost just once at home this year.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Naples 31, Port Charlotte 30
Class 1S-Region 4
No. 4 Evangelical Christian (6-4) at No. 1 First Baptist (7-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for — Evangelical Christian: The Sentinels boast weapons of their own, with senior quarterback Tanner Helton at the helm. Helton surpassed 2,000 passing yards on the season in Evangelical Christian’s 27-26 loss to Community School of Naples on Nov. 3. Helton enters the playoffs averaging 210 passing yards per game, with a 23:5 touchdown/interception ratio. He’s been the leader of a balanced Sentinel offense all year, and head coach Mack Mitchell will rely on him to play with poise and patience. Running back LJ Blackwell will also be invaluable in the semifinal matchup. Blackwell averages 12.3 yards per carry and is liable to turn a broken play into a big gain on any given drive with his strength and ability to attack the gaps. One key piece who will be out with a shoulder injury is dual-threat athlete Jordan Rizzo. Rizzo has done it all for the Sentinels this year, going for 276 yards and three touchdowns in the air and 265 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. First Baptist: The defending 1S state champion Lions will host the Sentinels in the regional semifinal as the region’s No. 1 seed. The Lions enter this matchup well-rested, and on a five-game winning streak that includes solid wins over Golden Gate, Wekiva, and Community School. First Baptist is averaging 44.6 points per game in that stretch behind an offense loaded with talent. Quarterback Ethan Crossan is averaging 263 yards in the air this season and has an impressive 31:5 touchdown/interception ratio. Having one of the nation’s top wide receivers certainly helps, but Winston Watkins Jr. isn’t even the only wideout who has tallied over 800 receiving yards this year. While Watkins Jr. is averaging 160 yards in his five games played, Jayden Petit has been solid for Billy Sparacio and company all year, leading the team both in receiving yards (844) and touchdown receptions (14). Sam Sparacio keeps things balanced on the ground, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: First Baptist 42, Evangelical Christian 14
No. 3 Moore Haven (6-3) at No. 2 Community School (8-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for — Moore Haven: The Terriers offense has a tall task facing a Seahawks defense that is allowing just 11 points per game (which includes a 40-point loss to First Baptist), and has produced four shutouts. Moore Haven’s offensive output has declined after back-to-back 50-point outings, and have managed just 24 points across their last three contests. Community School: The one-loss Seahawks have put it all together this year, culminating in their most recent 27-26 win over ECS that saw CSN overcome a 20-0 deficit. Quarterback Cale Austin slowed things down, and the Seahawks stayed true to form as they methodically chipped away the lead. The balanced and patient CSN offense is able to capitalize on miscues well and will look to do the same against a Moore Haven squad that was blanked 37-0 by ECS. The secondary is a threat and has had several games with multiple interceptions and pick-sixes. They’ll be key in their matchup with the Terriers, who have struggled against solid defenses this year.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Community School of Naples 35, Moore Haven 12
Class 2S-Region 4
No. 4 Estero (9-2) at No. 1 Bishop Verot (10-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for — Estero: No one on Estero’s roster was born the last time the Wildcats won a playoff game in 2001, but that drought was snapped with a 26-6 win over Hardee on the road last week to set up this Class 2S-District 16 rematch. Estero held Hardee to its lowest point total of the season, containing dual-threat Kellon Lindsey. Wildcats quarterback Matt Wilson turned in a solid effort, completing 14 of 26 passes for 205 yards with three touchdowns, one apiece going to Owen Maurizi, Drew Arrington, and Fletcher Kean. Wilson spread out his passes, as five Estero receivers had two or more receptions. Maurizi also recovered a fumble on defense, as did Justin Trometer. Malik Allen rushed for 92 yards and a score on 17 attempts. “I felt like in the second half we made enough big plays and timely third down conversions when we needed it,” Estero coach Darren Nelson said. Bishop Verot: The Vikings continue to roll, downing Mulberry 47-6 in a game that saw the Vikings score 28 points in the second quarter to lead 31-0 at halftime. Deshon Jenkins had a career night, rushing for 257 yards on just 18 touches with two scores, leading a Verot rushing attack that went for 347 yards on the ground. Jenkins' 257 yards were the most by a Verot running back this millennium, passing William Scott's 241 yards in 2015, and the most since Keith Williams had 277 nearly three decades ago. Carter Smith didn't have to do much on Thursday but completed 11 of 20 passes for 138 yards with a touchdown to Matthew Turner, adding another rushing touchdown and 37 yards on the ground. “If you look across the board, our stats aren’t up with most guys, whether it's passing, receiving or rushing, all our guys have played half games,” Bishop Verot coach Richie Rode said. “We're going to take what teams give us. A lot of times, they're going to stack the box to stop Carter (Smith) and Shon from running. And we have the ability to throw the ball and we're a very selfless team and they're all ready when their number’s called." Leroy Roker grabbed his area-leading seventh interception of the season. In the last two meetings between these two teams, Verot has outscored Estero 109-10.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Bishop Verot 45, Estero 10
Class 4S-Region 4
No. 5 Immokalee (6-5) at No. 1 Venice (9-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for — Immokalee: Coming off a huge win against Gulf Coast in the first round, the Indians are ready to turn the page to the tall task they’ll be facing on Friday. “We all know what’s in front of us,” head coach James Delgado said. “There’s work to be done.” Last week, Immokalee built a 21-0 lead against Gulf Coast that collapsed as the Sharks made a comeback. With less than a minute remaining and the game tied at 30-30, Gilbert Charles intercepted Jace Seyler. This gave the Indians a shot at a miracle play in the final seconds when backup quarterback Chris Germinal found Rodenel Anthony for a 57-yard touchdown to seal the win. To score an upset this week, quarterback Trannon Villarreal will need to build on his successful season in which he has thrown for nearly 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 543 yards and four touchdowns. The defense, which has given up an average of 31 points a game this year, will be tested. “Our guys have to be ready to play assignment football and do their jobs,” Delgado said. Venice: The perennial powerhouse put together another strong season, winning nine consecutive games after an 0-2 start. Last week, they decimated Lakewood Ranch 53-6. The Indians scored five rushing touchdowns in the win. Jamarice Wilder and Alvin Johnson III have combined for more than 1,600 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Quarterback Jadyn Glasser has thrown for 2,117 yards and 21 touchdowns against four interceptions – his favorite target has been CJ Lewis. Defensively, the Indians have a first-rate secondary featuring Florida State commit Charles Lester III, USF commit Deylen Platt and Cincinnati commit Chris Lee Jr., who has recorded 117 tackles this season.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Venice 49, Immokalee 10
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers and Naples area regional semifinal football previews, predictions
