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How do you win 700 games? Key moments, players and stats as Fort Myers reaches milestone

dan deluca, fort myers news-press
·8 min read

The Fort Myers High School football program added another chapter to its storied football history last Friday, reaching the 700-win plateau with a 44-18 victory at Charlotte High School.

The Green Wave are believed to be the fifth Florida high school team to reach that lofty mark, joining Lakeland (767 wins), Bradenton Manatee (718), Lake City Columbia (708) and Hillsborough. An exact win total is not readily available for the Terriers, who started playing in 1909 and first faced the Green Wave in 1922.

Fort Myers head coach Sam Sirianni Jr. has been on the Green Wave sidelines for a number of similar milestones. In 1970, he was a waterboy for Fort Myers when it captured its 300th victory. He was an assistant coach under his father Sam Sirianni Sr. for the program's 400th (1985) and 500th (1998) wins. Finally, as the Green Wave's head coach, Sirianni Jr. helped direct the team's 600th (2010) and now, 700th victories.

Fort Myers coach Sammy Sirianni addresses his players on the field during a time-out. The Fort Myers High School football team defeated Charlotte by a final score of 44-18 on Friday, September 22, 2023. The victory marked a historic 700th win for Fort Myers. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA
Fort Myers coach Sammy Sirianni addresses his players on the field during a time-out. The Fort Myers High School football team defeated Charlotte by a final score of 44-18 on Friday, September 22, 2023. The victory marked a historic 700th win for Fort Myers. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA

“I’m just so fortunate. How lucky can you be in a world where nobody seems to stay anywhere very long anymore,” Sirianni said. “To be able to be a part of all these things in one place, it’s about the players and the coaches and the principals and the community.”

Fort Myers record by decade

1920s: 53-33-7 (.608)

1930s: 64-29-11 (.668)

1940s: 67-29-6 (.686)

1950s: 66-25-6 (.711)

1960s: 49-39-9 (.552)

1970s: 59-42-2 (.583)

1980s: 76-25 (.752)

1990s: 85-29 (.746)

2000s: 78-35 (.690)

2010s: 83-32 (.722)

2020s: 20-13 (.606)

Total: 700-331-41 (.672)

FHSAA state series record: 21-28 (.429)

Overall postseason record: 29-37 (.439)

In honor of the Green Wave's achievement, here's a collection of 70 moments, memories, and records from the Fort Myers High School football program's road to 700 victories.

The Fort Myers High School football team defeated Charlotte by a final score of 44-18 on Friday, September 22, 2023. The victory marked a historic 700th win for Fort Myers. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA
The Fort Myers High School football team defeated Charlotte by a final score of 44-18 on Friday, September 22, 2023. The victory marked a historic 700th win for Fort Myers. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA

History-making milestones

First game

Oct. 23, 1920: The Green Wave's first-ever opponent was Fort Meade, which started playing football in 1912. The game finished in a 19-19 tie.

First win

Nov. 27, 1920: Two days after Thanksgiving, the Green Wave faced Fort Meade again, defeating the Miners 41-7 at League Park on McGregor Boulevard. It was the only victory of Fort Myers' inaugural football season.

First win under the lights

Sept. 27, 1935: In the Green Wave's first home game played under the floodlights at Terry Park, Fort Myers defeated Punta Gorda (later known as Charlotte High School) 13-0 behind two quarterback Mickey Hisler's two touchdown runs.

First postseason win

Dec. 13, 1935: The Green Wave defeated Pahokee 12-6 with Buck Jeffcott’s third-quarter touchdown run proving to be the decisive score. With the victory, Fort Myers captured the Lake Okeechobee-Everglades district championship.

100th win

Oct. 15, 1937: The Green Wave defeated Wauchula 7-0 with team captain Everett Kelly scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the second half. Fort Myers held the Wildcats to four first downs and never let them inside of the 40-yard line.

200th win

Nov. 16, 1951: The Green Wave defeated Wauchula 21-12 in a steady downpour in front of 2,000 fans at Edison Park Stadium. Captain Van Hough’s 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter proved to be the difference for Fort Myers.

300th win

In 1970, the second year of Coach Sam Sirianni Sr.'s tenure at Fort Myers, the Green Wave defeated Melbourne 14-6 at Edison Stadium for the program's 300th all-time victory.
In 1970, the second year of Coach Sam Sirianni Sr.'s tenure at Fort Myers, the Green Wave defeated Melbourne 14-6 at Edison Stadium for the program's 300th all-time victory.

Oct. 9, 1970: The Green Wave defeated Melbourne 14-6 at Edison Stadium. Quarterback Ed Peres’ 4-yard touchdown run and Rocky Sutherland’s 32-yard fumble return score proved to be the difference as the Green Wave won their 300th game in coach Sam Sirianni Sr.’s second season.

400th win

Fort Myers quarterback Mike McQuagge threw three touchdown passes, all to Bernard Edwards (shown) to power the Green Wave to a 27-0 win over Cypress Lake at Edison Stadium in 1985. The victory was the 400th all-time win for Fort Myers.
Fort Myers quarterback Mike McQuagge threw three touchdown passes, all to Bernard Edwards (shown) to power the Green Wave to a 27-0 win over Cypress Lake at Edison Stadium in 1985. The victory was the 400th all-time win for Fort Myers.

Nov. 15, 1985: Quarterback Mike McQuagge tossed three touchdown passes, all to wide receiver Bernard Edwards, and rushed for another score as the Green Wave shut out Cypress Lake 27-0 at Edison Stadium.

500th win

In 1998, Fort Myers topped Naples 35-6 at Edison Stadium behind three touchdown passes by quarterback Andre McGill. The victory was the 500th in the history of the Green Wave.
In 1998, Fort Myers topped Naples 35-6 at Edison Stadium behind three touchdown passes by quarterback Andre McGill. The victory was the 500th in the history of the Green Wave.

Oct. 9, 1998: Quarterback Andre McGill threw three touchdown passes and the Green Wave took advantage of six turnovers to beat visiting Naples 35-6.

600th win

Fort Myers High School head football coach Sam Sirianni Jr. celebrates after winning the school's 600th win in 2010.
Fort Myers High School head football coach Sam Sirianni Jr. celebrates after winning the school's 600th win in 2010.

Oct. 29, 2010: Running back Quinton Smith rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Green Wave to a 35-16 win at Mariner.

Memorable games

1926: Fort Myers 7, Hillsborough 6

The Green Wave overcame a 6-0 deficit to hand the defending state champion a 7-6 loss. Reace Smith’s third-quarter touchdown and Warren Bylaska’s extra point proved to be the difference. Hillsborough went on to win the rest of its games and captured its second straight state championship.

10/8/48 – Fort Myers 20, Miami Tech 19

The Green Wave were victorious in the first game at Edison Stadium played before a sold-out crowd of 3,216 fans. Richard Yanke had three touchdown catches and team captain Eddie Howell secured the win with a late tackle for loss that ended a Miami Tech scoring threat.

1950: Fort Myers 26, Bartow 14

The Green Wave wrapped up the first undefeated season in school history behind two touchdown runs by Mort Woodson. Fort Myers finished the regular season with a 10-0 record.

1975: Fort Myers 28, Lely 12

The Green Wave (5-1) traveled to Lely (7-0) to play for the district and conference championship before a crowd of 4,500. Running back Taylor Timmons rushed for 249 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries to power Fort Myers.

1992: Fort Myers 15, Barron Collier 0

In 1992, Fort Myers defeated Barron Collier 15-0 before more than 8,000 fans at Edison Stadium.
In 1992, Fort Myers defeated Barron Collier 15-0 before more than 8,000 fans at Edison Stadium.

The Cougars entered the game with the state’s most prolific offense, averaging a tick under 50 points per game. The Green Wave, which finished the season as the top defensive team in Southwest Florida, completely suffocated Barron Collier in a game that ultimately decided the district championship before 8,000-plus fans at Edison Stadium.

1999: Fort Myers 7, Estero 0

1999 - Fort Myers 7, Estero 0: Sam Sirianni Sr. and longtime assistant Joe Hampton had some battles in the late 1990s after Hampton built Estero into a power. Edison Stadium opened at 5:30 p.m. for this one and was full by 6 p.m. As Fort Myers quarterbacks went out to warm up they received a roaring ovation. The Greenies turned in another signature defensive performance against a Wildcat team that had played in a state championship game the previous year to sew up a district championship.

This matchup of 9-0 teams took place before more than 9,500 fans at Edison Stadium. The Greenies turned in another signature defensive performance, holding an Estero team that had played in a state championship game the previous year to less than 100 total yards. Cory German caught seven passes for 85 yards and the game’s only touchdown for Fort Myers, which sewed up the district championship and what was then the program’s third 10-0 regular season.

2017: Fort Myers 7, North Fort Myers 6

The only playoff edition of the Caloosahatchee Rivalry lived up to all the hype. The Greenies appeared to have the game wrapped up running out the clock before North linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay recovered a fumble and lateraled it to Joe Wilkins, who took it back 65 yards for a touchdown. North elected to go for the win with a 2-point conversion, but the Fort Myers defense closed the gap on Gotay, who pitched it back to North quarterback Toby Noland whose pass fell incomplete. North recovered the onside kick but Fort Myers was able to hold on by bringing Wilkins down inbounds with eight seconds left to avenge a regular-season loss and advance to a regional final.

Most common foes for Fort Myers

Charlotte – 68 meetings (44-23-1)

North Fort Myers – 56 meetings (42-14)

Cypress Lake – 54 meetings (47-6-1)

Riverdale – 41 meetings (37-4)

Cape Coral – 30 meetings (23-7)

Estero – 26 meetings (23-3)

Lely – 24 meetings (16-8)

Team records

2014 (12-1): Featuring standouts Dylan DeGroot, James Brunson and Terrance Moore, Sam Sirianni Jr.'s team was the program's fifth and last team to finish undefeated in the regular season. Offensively, there was no better team in school history as it set records for points (519), points per game (39.9), touchdowns (72), 50-plus point games (4), 40-plus point games (7), 30-plus point games (11). The Greenies beat Melbourne and Charlotte in the playoffs before losing to Tarpon Springs East Lake.

Most wins: 12 (1992, 1999, 2000, 2014)

Most points scored in a season: 519 (2014)

Most points in a game: 92 (1930 vs. Fort Meade)

Fewest points allowed: 31 (1933 in 9 games)

Most rushing yards in a season: 3,872 (2000)

Most passing yards in a season: 1,963 (2018)

Most total offense in a season: 5,137 (2000)

Single-game record holders

Most touchdown passes: Andre McGill (1997), Rob Longoria (2000), Dylan DeGroot (2014 twice) – 4

Most touchdowns scored: Joe Renfroe (1940), Buck Armeda (1940), Rodrick Eady (1998) – 5

Most rushing yards: David Church (1994) – 277

Most passing yards: Carson Esposito (2021) – 319

Most receiving yards: James Brunson (2014) – 202

Most tackles: Sam Sirianni Jr. (1982), Greg Wade (2008) – 24

Most sacks: Ray Thompson (1986), Matt McGee (1991), Josh Long (2005) – 4

Season record holders

Most touchdowns: Joe Renfroe (1940) – 26

Most rushing yards: Darrian Felix (2016) – 1,477

Most passing yards: Dylan DeGroot (2014) – 1,930

Most receiving yards: James Brunson (2014) – 765

Most tackles: Lewis Cannon (1988) and Dino Magas (1991) – 170

Most interceptions: Solomon Cole (2000) – 8

Most sacks: Zach Lecius (2014) – 11.5

Top career passers

Andre McGill is the Greenies' all-time leading passer with 4,045 yards and leader in career touchdown passes with 58. His teams went 29-7 and won conference, county and district championships in 1998 and 1999. The Oklahoma State signee later played at Bethune-Cookman.
Andre McGill is the Greenies' all-time leading passer with 4,045 yards and leader in career touchdown passes with 58. His teams went 29-7 and won conference, county and district championships in 1998 and 1999. The Oklahoma State signee later played at Bethune-Cookman.

Andre McGill (1997-99): 4,045 yards

Rod Gadsden (1989-92): 3,178 yards

Dylan DeGroot (2012-14): 3,155 yards

David Travis (1993-95): 3,101 yards

Logan Huslander (2006-07): 2,687 yards

Top career rushers

Terrance Moore, a 2014 News-Press Offensive Player of the Year finalist, became the second-leading rusher in program history (3,142 yards) during his senior year in 2014 when the Green Wave went 12-1, won a district championship and a regional championship. He is fourth all-time in touchdowns (32) and is tied for the school record for 100-yard rushing games (17).

Clyde Allen (1986-88): 3,649 yards

Darrian Felix (2013-16): 3,463 yards

Terrance Moore (2012-14): 3,142 yards

Yasias Young (2016-19): 2,784 yards

Dalvin Battle (2008-11): 2,718 yards

Top career receivers

Richard Washington, the Greenies' all-time leading receiver finished his career with 1,339 yards and a record-setting 23 receiving touchdowns. In 2000, he was named a first- team all-state receiver and second-team all-state defensive back. The North Carolina State signee was nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Richard Washington, the Greenies' all-time leading receiver finished his career with 1,339 yards and a record-setting 23 receiving touchdowns. In 2000, he was named a first- team all-state receiver and second-team all-state defensive back. The North Carolina State signee was nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Richard Washington (1999-2001): 1,339 yards

Milan Tucker (2016-18): 1,212 yards

Nicky Powell (1971-74): 1,162 yards

John Coleus (2017-19): 1,051 yards

James Brunson (2012-14): 1,058 yards

Top career all-purpose yards

Darrian Felix (2013-16): 5,276 yards

Rod Gadsden (1989-92): 5,205 yards

Andre McGill (1997-99): 4,543 yards

T.J. Douglas (2009-12): 4,061 yards

Clyde Allen (1986-88): 3,865 yards

Top career touchdowns scored

Darrian Felix (2013-16): 63

Joe Renfroe (1938-40): 42

Clyde Allen (1986-88): 40

Buck Armeda (1926-29): 33

Terrance Moore (2012-14): 32

The News-Press would like to thank Bobby Sizemore and Stephanie Sirianni for assisting with the research for this story.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Road to 700: How the Green Wave became the 5th Florida team to reach the win milestone