Advertisement

Who's atop The News-Press/Naples Daily News Football and Volleyball rankings after Week 2?

alex martin, naples daily news
·9 min read

With the second week of the regular season behind us, we gained a better understanding of where teams in Southwest Florida currently sit.

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 3.

Records of games played through Saturday, Sept. 2

FOOTBALL

1. Bishop Verot (2-0)

Leroy Roker #10 of the of Bishop Verot football reacts with fans after a touchdown against Port Charlotte during the first football game of the season at Bishop Verot on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Bishop Verot routed Port Charlotte.
Leroy Roker #10 of the of Bishop Verot football reacts with fans after a touchdown against Port Charlotte during the first football game of the season at Bishop Verot on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Bishop Verot routed Port Charlotte.

Last week: 1

Analysis: It doesn't happen often, but a local team *finally* figured out a way to stop Bishop Verot's offense. Lehigh and Verot were supposed to play this past week, but the game was postponed with a forfeit from Lehigh on Tuesday. A huge Lee County clash against No. 2 Dunbar awaits, with the victor set to be the area's top team for the foreseeable future.

Coaches Confidential: What is the hardest part of a high school football coach's job?

2. Dunbar (2-0)

Eric Fletcher and Travaris Schley of Dunbar celebrate Fletcher's touchdown against North Fort Myers on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, in North Fort Myers.
Eric Fletcher and Travaris Schley of Dunbar celebrate Fletcher's touchdown against North Fort Myers on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, in North Fort Myers.

Last week: 2

Analysis: Dunbar showed why they're still one of the area's top teams and why preseason contests don't matter, beating North Fort Myers on the road by 26 points. The Tigers have something in East Carolina commit Eric Fletcher, who has five touchdown receptions through two games after finishing with seven last season. Dunbar will put its 18-game Lee County win streak on the line against No. 1 Bishop Verot.

3. Naples (2-0)

Naples competes against Dillard at Naples High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
Naples competes against Dillard at Naples High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

Last week: 3

Analysis: After looking shaky in the preseason and early in their Week 1 contest against Lehigh, the Golden Eagles are rounding into form. Naples trailed 19-14 to Dillard, only to score 22 unanswered in the fourth quarter to win 36-19. Shawn Simeon continues to give Naples a constant running the ball, while Kensley Faustin and Ben Bouzi are strong secondary pieces. The Golden Eagles will head inland to Immokalee as multiple score favorites.

4. Fort Myers (1-1)

Fort Myers quarterback Chris McFoley jumps over his teammate Alex Thelusma and North Fort Myers defender Byron Flemming in the first quarter on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. McFoley scored the touchdown to put the Green Wave up 7-0.
Fort Myers quarterback Chris McFoley jumps over his teammate Alex Thelusma and North Fort Myers defender Byron Flemming in the first quarter on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. McFoley scored the touchdown to put the Green Wave up 7-0.

Last week: 4

Analysis: Going into a game against an opponent that just had its 27-game win streak snapped was not the best timing for Fort Myers. The Green Wave got blanked on the road against St. Thomas Aquinas 49-0 Friday. Fortunately for the Green Wave, they'll be back on their home turf against a winless Riverdale squad with a solid chance at moving to 2-1.

5. First Baptist (1-0)

First Baptist Academy Lions wide receiver Jayden Petit (3) stiff arms Estero Wildcats safety Luke Ghannam (11) during the first quarter of the season opener at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
First Baptist Academy Lions wide receiver Jayden Petit (3) stiff arms Estero Wildcats safety Luke Ghannam (11) during the first quarter of the season opener at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

Last week: 5

Analysis: The Lions were off last week and stay at No. 5 in this poll, coming off a 40-7 win over Estero in Week 1. Expect First Baptist to move to 2-0 on Friday when it takes on American Collegiate Academy at home.

6. Golden Gate (2-0)

The Golden Gate Titans compete against the Immokalee Indians in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. The Titans won 42-10 over the Indians.
The Golden Gate Titans compete against the Immokalee Indians in a game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. The Titans won 42-10 over the Indians.

Last week: 7

Analysis: The preseason hype entering this season for Golden Gate was accurate and warranted, as the Titans clobbered Immokalee at home, 42-10. Trayvon Jean and John Lee Honorat might be the best tandem of running backs in Southwest Florida, as they've combined for 606 rushing yards and six touchdowns. The Titans will head to Bartow this week, aiming for the program's first 3-0 start in five years.

High school football: Previews, predictions for Southwest Florida Week 3 games

7. Barron Collier (2-0)

Barron Collier quarterback Niko Boyce looks to pass against Palmetto Ridge in high school football on Friday, Sept, 1, 2023. Barron Collier won 49-0.
Barron Collier quarterback Niko Boyce looks to pass against Palmetto Ridge in high school football on Friday, Sept, 1, 2023. Barron Collier won 49-0.

Last week: 6

Analysis: The Cougars drop a spot in the poll only because of Golden Gate's dominance over Immokalee. Barron itself was dominant, posting 49 points at halftime against Palmetto Ridge before the game was called due to weather. Mark Jackson's run game is averaging 7.6 yards per carry and will be off this week before playing host to Bonita Springs on Thursday.

8. North Fort Myers (0-2)

Andre Devine of North Fort Myers looks to get by Jaylon Christmas of Dunbar on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, in North Fort Myers.
Andre Devine of North Fort Myers looks to get by Jaylon Christmas of Dunbar on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, in North Fort Myers.

Last week: 9

Analysis: The Red Knights may have started 0-2, but that was almost expected facing a pair of top five teams in No. 4 Fort Myers and No. 2 Dunbar to open the season. The good news for David Pasquale's group is that if North returns to its ways of winning, it could be looking at running the table from here on out. That starts with South Fort Myers this week, which is coming off a 35-0 win over Riverdale.

9. Mariner (2-0)

Justin Lewis runs the ball for Mariner during their game against Desoto on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Mariner High School in Cape Coral.
Justin Lewis runs the ball for Mariner during their game against Desoto on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Mariner High School in Cape Coral.

Last week: 10

Analysis: The Tritons had an extra day to rest and prepare this week, as the team blanked DeSoto County 49-0 at home last Thursday. With so much experience returning for Josh Nicholson this season, these early-season results aren't surprising or unexpected. Expect Mariner to be heavy favorites against Ida Baker this Friday, which has managed to score just six points in 96 minutes of game action.

10. Gulf Coast (2-0)

Christopher Jimenez of Gulf Coast runs the ball against Lely on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, at Lely High School. Gulf Coast won 14-9.
Christopher Jimenez of Gulf Coast runs the ball against Lely on Friday, Sept 1, 2023, at Lely High School. Gulf Coast won 14-9.

Last week: NR

Analysis: The Sharks continue to find ways to win games, which is impressive because of the complete overhaul of last year's offensive scheme. Gulf Coast has shifted to a run-heavy approach and Chris Jimenez and RJ Williams have answered the call. The two lead the Sharks in rushing, combining for five touchdowns while also both playing the defensive side. Expect a physical battle in the trenches on Friday against Port Charlotte on the road.

First Five Out: Immokalee (1-1), Lely (1-1), Evangelical Christian (2-0), South Fort Myers (1-1), Cape Coral (2-0)

VOLLEYBALL

Records of games played through Wednesday, Sept. 6

1. Seacrest Country Day (3-0)

The Seacrest Country Day Stingrays compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in the season opener at Seacrest Country Day in Naples on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. The Stingrays won in three sets.
The Seacrest Country Day Stingrays compete against the Bishop Verot Vikings in the season opener at Seacrest Country Day in Naples on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. The Stingrays won in three sets.

Last week: 3

Analysis: Outside of all the inconsistency in Southwest Florida among top volleyball programs, Seacrest might be the one constant in the area. Despite losing Breanah Rives to Missouri State, the Stingrays are still legit title contenders in Class 2A, with sweeps over ranked squads in Bishop Verot and SFCA, along with King's Academy. Seacrest should be heavily favored to go 5-0 this weekend at the Gene Gorman Invitational at Charlotte.

2. Canterbury (5-4)

Canterbury Cougars outside hitter Madison Hammermeister (10) and the rest of the team celebrate winning the first set against the Estero Wildcats during a preseason jamboree at the Canterbury School in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.
Canterbury Cougars outside hitter Madison Hammermeister (10) and the rest of the team celebrate winning the first set against the Estero Wildcats during a preseason jamboree at the Canterbury School in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.

Last week: 1

Analysis: The Cougars struggled in the secondary bracket at the Nike Tournament of Champions, going 2-4 in Tampa last weekend. Canterbury's four-set win against Estero was impressive initially, but that changed when Bishop Verot swept the Wildcats Tuesday night. Clinging to the No. 2 spot in our rankings, the Cougars will take on Riverdale before partaking in the Private 8 tournament next week.

SWFL HS Roundup: Volleyball, golf, swimming and bowling results from Sept. 4-9

3. Barron Collier (2-2)

The Barron Collier volleyball team practices at Barron Collier High School in Naples on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.
The Barron Collier volleyball team practices at Barron Collier High School in Naples on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.

Last week: 2

Analysis: Despite falling in four sets to Venice Wednesday night, the Cougars are closing the gap on Canterbury for the No. 2 spot. Barron handed Canterbury a total of 53 points between service errors, aces surrendered, and hitting errors in their loss to the Cougars but appear to have righted the ship.

4. First Baptist (3-0)

The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Cypress Lake Panthers during a preseason jamboree at the Canterbury School in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.
The First Baptist Academy Lions compete against the Cypress Lake Panthers during a preseason jamboree at the Canterbury School in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.

Last week: 4

Analysis: The Lions continue to show that they're a dominant squad within the area, opening their season with sweeps of Naples, LaBelle, and St. John Neumann. The Lions will log a handful of more games between now and next Thursday, taking on Charlotte, Lake Worth Christian, and playing in the Private 8 tournament.

5. Gulf Coast (4-0)

Action from pre season high school volleyball games at Bishop Verot on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Gulf Coast High School and Ida Baker High School played in the first game with Gulf Coast taking two sets to one set for Ida Baker. Bishop Verot won two sets to one set over Port Charlotte in the second game.
Action from pre season high school volleyball games at Bishop Verot on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Gulf Coast High School and Ida Baker High School played in the first game with Gulf Coast taking two sets to one set for Ida Baker. Bishop Verot won two sets to one set over Port Charlotte in the second game.

Last week: 6

Analysis: The Sharks are off to an encouraging start to 2023, grabbing a comfortable three-set win over Lely on Tuesday. Gulf Coast is still a formidable opponent locally, which will likely be shown again on Thursday against Palmetto Ridge and next Tuesday against Naples.

6. Bishop Verot (6-2)

Bishop Verot hosted Estero in volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Marissa Peck makes a dig. The Vikings won in three close sets on what was billed at Neon Night.
Bishop Verot hosted Estero in volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Marissa Peck makes a dig. The Vikings won in three close sets on what was billed at Neon Night.

Last week: 9

Analysis: The Vikings scored arguably their biggest win of the season to date, sweeping Estero and doing it decisively. The program continues to see results under first-year head coach Christy Curtis, making Verot a potential dark horse in a district featuring No. 2 Canterbury and No. 4 First Baptist. The Vikings are well ahead of schedule to post more than our projected win total of 13 wins in the preseason and should have little problem grabbing their seventh win against Oasis on Thursday.

7. Estero (3-2)

Bishop Verot hosted Estero in volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 5. The Vikings won in three close sets on what was billed at Neon Night.
Bishop Verot hosted Estero in volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 5. The Vikings won in three close sets on what was billed at Neon Night.

Last week: 5

Analysis: The ebbs and flows of this Wildcat team are tough to read early on, as they've had their moments just five games into the season. Estero hung around with No. 2 Canterbury for two sets at home last week, only to fall apart and score a combined 17 points over the final two sets. On Tuesday, the team got swept by No. 6 Bishop Verot. Until the Wildcats can show that they can handle adversity and display mental toughness against a similarly skilled opponent, it could be a rough second half for a team that was projected to post 17 wins in the preseason.

8. Community School (4-1)

First Baptist Academy plays Community School of Naples in the third place match of the Private 8 Volleyball tournament on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at The Canterbury School in Fort Myers.
First Baptist Academy plays Community School of Naples in the third place match of the Private 8 Volleyball tournament on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at The Canterbury School in Fort Myers.

Last week: 7

Analysis: The Seahawks take a dip in this week's poll down to No. 8, still lacking a quality win. The potential for this team is sky-high, with Kelly McAuley, Sophia Baer, and Mia Ringhofer leading it. Community School will get a chance to prove their worth over the next week and a half, with the Private 8 tournament along with contests against No. 7 Estero and No. 4 First Baptist on back-to-back nights.

9. Fort Myers (4-0)

Fort Myers plays Riverdale in the Class 6A-District 12 Volleyball Championship on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Fort Myers.
Fort Myers plays Riverdale in the Class 6A-District 12 Volleyball Championship on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Fort Myers.

Last week: 8

Analysis: The Greenies have done everything that's been expected of them to this point, winning in games in which they were favored. A four-set win on the road against Riverdale gives the program some big momentum heading into Thursday night's clash with Bonita Springs and the Gene Gorman Invitational at Charlotte.

10. SFCA (8-1)

The SFCA volleyball team held its final home match on Tuesday, Oct. 6 against Moore Haven.
The SFCA volleyball team held its final home match on Tuesday, Oct. 6 against Moore Haven.

Last week: 10

Analysis: The King's have rattled off six straight wins dating back to Aug. 25, dropping just one set over the stretch. The program leads the area with eight wins but lacks a resumé to warrant a higher ranking. SFCA has a chance to change that next week in the Private 8 tournament but will face Evangelical Christian, Don Soffer, and Sagemont before that.

First Five Out: St. John Neumann (2-2), Riverdale (2-2), Bonita Springs (3-0), Aubrey Rogers (4-3), North Fort Myers (3-2)

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

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who leads The News-Press/Naples Daily News Football and Volleyball rankings?