High school football: Week 10 previews, predictions for all Southwest Florida games

Here are our previews and predictions for high school football games being played Thursday and Friday, Oct. 27 and 28.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Bishop Verot (5-2, 1-0) at Estero (7-0, 2-0)

What to watch for – Bishop Verot: The Vikings will face their biggest battle in Class 2S-District 16 yet. Fresh off holding off Cardinal Mooney for a 27-24 win last week, the Verot offense didn’t have its best day with quarterback Carter Smith throwing two interceptions but also building the lead with a pair of touchdown passes. Smith also converted on key third down plays to help chew the clock as the Cougars were making their comeback. Ryan Gadson returned a Mooney punt 71 yards for a touchdown and grabbed a key interception to set up the team’s final score of the game. Smith is just under 300 yards away from his second 2,000-yard season. Estero: The Wildcats' defense came through with their fifth shutout of the season in a 48-0 win against Gateway. Quarterback Matthew Wilson threw two touchdown passes and Jonathan Quintanilla ran for a couple scores. Kyle King and Chris Scott came through with defensive scores, while Justin Trometer blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. Jason Duclona has been Wilson’s go-to target this year, hauling in six touchdown passes. Based on Verot’s record and strength of schedule, this will be the Wildcats’ toughest test this season.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Bishop Verot 34, Estero 20

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Gulf Coast (6-2, 2-0) at Immokalee (4-3, 2-0)

What to watch for – Gulf Coast: This is a District 4S-16 game. The Sharks have had a solid third season under Todd Nichols, posting a 6-2 record with the possibility of more wins coming down the stretch. Most recently, Gulf Coast is coming off a 42-19 win over Moore Haven, in a game where Konner Barrett threw for 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one apiece going to Jack Griffith and Joe Miller. Defensively, the Sharks have been beyond impressive in their last four games, allowing just over 11 points per game during that stretch. Chris Jimenez has a lot to do with that, as he leads the team with 63 tackles and 4 interceptions. He also has 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Barrett’s confidence has to be sky-high this season, completing two-thirds of his passes with just one interception in 100 passing attempts. Immokalee: The Indians were 2-14 in the previous two seasons, but are now in position to lock up a district championship in James Delgado’s first season. The running game has been explosive this season, as Trannon Villarreal, Luck Jean-Baptiste, and Justin Compere are averaging between 6.7 and 8.6 yards per carry, while combining for 1,500 yards even and 15 touchdowns. Villarreal also has 895 yards passing with 6 passing touchdowns to 6 interceptions. Immokalee is essentially in must-win territory to make the postseason, which is something that can bode well for them playing at home, where they’re 2-0 this season.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Gulf Coast 31, Immokalee 20

Lehigh (2-3, 1-0) at Riverdale (4-1, 1-0)

What to watch for – Lehigh: This 27th annual Battle for the Bowl between these crosstown rivals will also play a large role in determining the District 4S-15 champion. The Lightning lead the all-time series 15-11 and have defeated Riverdale three years in a row. Lehigh is coming off a 19-14 win over district foe Charlotte on Oct. 14. Senior running back Richard Young rushed for 175 yards and three scores in last year’s 42-6 win over the Raiders. Riverdale: The Raiders have already surpassed their win total for  2021 under first-year coach Frank Hepler. Riverdale defeated Ida Baker 24-10 last week to win its district opener behind three touchdowns by senior Terry Jackson. The running back/wide receiver leads the team in rushing (325 yards), receiving (12 catches, 113 yards) and total touchdowns (7). The Raiders are a run-first attack, averaging just over 10 pass attempts per game. But they may need to throw it a bit more against a Lehigh defense that is strong up front but has had its problems defending the pass this season.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Lehigh 23, Riverdale 20

Naples (6-2, 3-0) at Bonita Springs (2-4, 0-2)

What to watch for – Naples: This is a District 3S-16 game. The Golden Eagles tried to hang with nationally ranked American Heritage, but couldn’t score a win at home, falling 35-17 Friday night. The score could’ve been worse if it weren’t for a recovered fumble in goal-to-go territory by Thompson Defhommes and an interception by Kensley Faustin right after Naples fumbled the football in the third quarter. Naples’ lone bright spot was Arkansas commit Isaiah Augustave, who finished with 147 yards on 13 attempts with a 72-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2 to start the fourth quarter. Ben Bouzi ran back a kickoff 67 yards for a score after American Heritage jumped out to a 21-3 lead. Expect Naples to allow far fewer than the 407 yards they surrendered to the Patriots, which included 241 yards on the ground. Bonita Springs: Since Hurricane Ian hit, the Bull Sharks couldn’t find their footing in a 47-10 loss to Golden Gate in a game where Bonita averaged 3.8 yards per carry, just a tad lower than the 4.8 yards per carry they average as a team. Josiah Sessler ran for 177 yards in the game, continuing his streak of nine straight 100-plus yard games dating back to last year. In three consecutive losses, Bonita has allowed 35.3 points per game compared to 27.3 in the first three contests.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Naples 48, Bonita Springs 10

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Cypress Lake (2-6, 1-2) at Fort Myers (5-2, 2-0)

What to watch for – Cypress Lake: This is a District 3S-15 game and the 55th all-time meeting between the Panthers and the Green Wave. Cypress Lake is just 6-47-1 against Fort Myers, last winning in 2019. The Panthers have scored 10 or fewer points in six of their eight games this season. They’ll have to put together their best offensive performance of the season if they hope to stick with the Green Wave. Fort Myers: The Green Wave have won five games in a row after starting the season with consecutive losses to North Fort Myers and St. Thomas Aquinas. This will be the third game in seven days for Fort Myers, which defeated district rival East Lee County 48-0 on Monday. Junior quarterback Christopher McFoley has continued to improve in his first year as a starter, passing for 792 yards and eight touchdowns with just two interceptions. Sophomore Madrid Tucker leads the team with 520 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Fort Myers 42, Cypress Lake 12

Barron Collier (5-2) at East Lee County (0-7)

What to watch for – Barron Collier: The Cougars were shellshocked last week, losing 40-0 to Lely in a game where the Trojans totaled 501 yards of offense – with 449 of it coming on the ground. Tommy Mooncotch had his worst game of the season, completing less than 33 percent of his passes (10-for-33) for 100 yards with three interceptions. Barron managed just 1.5 yards per carry on the ground, the second lowest this season behind their game against Naples (0.3 YPC). Fortunately for the Cougars, this is perhaps the best “get right” game possible, as the Jaguars are ranked 442nd in the state. East Lee County: It hasn’t been a good season since P.J. Gibbs left the post to become Golden Gate’s defensive coordinator, as East Lee is averaging five points per game, and allowing 29.6 points per game. Victor Georges is the lone bright spot offensively for the Jaguars, as he has 751 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. East Lee will be closing out a three-game stretch in a week, where it already lost 39-8 to Dunbar and 48-0 to Fort Myers.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Barron Collier 37, East Lee County 10

First Baptist (4-2, 1-0) at CSN (4-1, 1-0)

What to watch for – First Baptist: This is a District 1S-8 game. The Lions’ offense looked back to normal with a 35-7 win over Lemon Bay. Ethan Crossan returned at quarterback and had a game to remember. The sophomore completed 19-of-24 passes for 315 yards with four touchdowns. Three of them went to Clemson commit Olsen Patt Henry (8 receptions, 64 yards), while a fourth went to Preston Shemansky (7 receptions, 213 yards). This was a game where Jaden Booker did not play, so it’ll be worth monitoring what his status is heading into this rivalry clash. In the interim, Sam Sparacio ran for 48 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown as the team’s starting running back. The Lions have yet to lose to the Seahawks in this series. CSN: In a surprise, the Seahawks needed a comeback to get past Gateway Charter, winning 33-32 after trailing. The Griffins had a pair of kickoff returns go for scores, but touchdowns from Grayson Kerscher, Penn-bound Darius Beauvoir, Decker Crosby, and Luke Murphy proved to be critical in the win.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: First Baptist 52, CSN 31

Ida Baker (3-2, 0-1)  at Charlotte (0-7, 0-1)

What to watch for – Ida Baker: This is a District 4S-15 game and a must-win for each team if they hope to stay alive in the title race. The Bulldogs surrendered two fourth-quarter touchdowns to district foe Riverdale in a 24-10 loss last week. Ida Baker’s running game must find a way to get going against a Tarpons defense that has struggled to stop opposing ball carriers this season.  Charlotte: This is the third game in seven days for the Tarpons who remained winless after a 41-21 loss to visiting Sarasota Riverview on Tuesday. Charlotte is guaranteed its first losing season since 2007 when it finished 4-6. The offense has been the biggest problem for the Tarpons, who are averaging just 15 points per game.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Ida Baker 20, Charlotte 17

Island Coast (3-2, 1-0) at North Fort Myers (4-1, 1-0)

What to watch for – Island Coast: This is a District 3S-14 game. The Gators have been competitive in every game this season under first-year coach Chris Burnett. However, the Red Knights will present their biggest challenge of the season. Island Coast is averaging just 14.6 points and 210 yards of total offense per game, numbers the Gators must surpass if they plan on upsetting North Fort Myers. Senior defensive end Anthony Belton, who leads Island Coast with 10 sacks, will need to be a disruptive force in the Red Knights’ backfield. North Fort Myers: The Red Knights have been absolutely lights-out on defense this season, posting three consecutive shutouts, including last week’s 38-0 win over Mariner. North held the Tritons to less than 50 total yards and just three first downs. That defensive dominance has helped the Red Knights overcome some uneven performances by its offense, which has struggled with consistency. That hasn’t been the case for senior Bo Summersett, who leads the team in rushing, receiving and scoring. North will be without junior wide receiver Jaiden Jones, who suffered a knee injury last week against Mariner.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: North Fort Myers 28, Island Coast 6

Jordan Christian Prep (1-5) at LaBelle (2-4)

What to watch for – Jordan Christian Prep: The Seahawks are coming off of last week’s 77-8 loss to Zarephath Academy. Their one win came from a forfeit in the season opener, and have since allowed 269 points in five straight losses. The Seahawks will have their hands full in LaBelle’s explosive offensive. LaBelle: The Cowboys enter this week after losing to Avon Park 26-13 last Friday. Isaac Santamaria was a bright spot in the loss, rushing for 160 yards with one touchdown on 17 touches. Ty Murray was held to 75 passing yards on 3-of-11 passing, so keep an eye on how Murray bounces back. Wyatt Milks tallied 10 solo tackles, so expect a strong performance against a struggling Seahawk offense.

The News-Press/Naples Daily Pick: LaBelle 35, Jordan Christian Prep 0

Key West (2-5, 0-1) at Gateway (1-5, 0-2)

What to watch for – Key West: This is a District 2S-16 game. The Conchs are coming off of last week’s 25-13 win over Coral Shores. The Conchs have struggled defensively this year, allowing opponents to score 39 points per game. Key West will have to find a way to contain Jamarion McElroy, who had a strong outing last week, if they want to stop the bleeding. Gateway: The Eagles enter this week after being shut out by Estero 48-0. Jamarion McElroy was a bright spot in the loss, throwing for 190 yards on 19-of-34 passing. Gateway tallied just 56 rushing yards between four rushers, so keep an eye on how they look to improve their efficiency on offense. On defense, they allowed six different WIldcats into the endzone, highlighted by Matthew Wilson’s 109 yards and two touchdowns on 5-of-8 passing.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Key West 21, Gateway 8

Evangelical Christian (6-0, 1-0) at SFCA (2-4, 0-1)

What to watch for – Evangelical Christian: This is a District 1S-7 game. The Sentinels are coming off of last week’s thrilling 27-23 win over Canterbury. Tanner Helton threw the game-winning touchdown pass and finished the night with 197 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 18-of-23 passing. On the ground, LJ Blackwell helped keep Evangelical Christian’s offensive attack balanced, notching 168 yards and a touchdown on 18 touches. Expect the Sentinel offensive to carry over some momentum from last week’s big win. Evangelical Christian’s defense has been dominant this year, putting up four shutouts across their six wins. Last week’s victory was the most points they’ve allowed this season, and they face off against one of the most talented quarterback-wideout tandems in the area. Keep an eye on defensive adjustments made by the Sentinels to help contain Eli Moore and his talented targets. SFCA: The King’s enter this week after losing to St. John Neumann 26-17 last Friday. Eli Moore connected on 32-of-53 passes for 354 yards and one touchdown but also threw three interceptions. Four different receivers tallied over 50 reception yards, highlighted by Cole Ingole’s 132 yards on nine catches. Sheadon Cadore tacked on 80 yards on 10 catches. Despite a solid night throwing the ball, the King’s found little success on the ground, rushing for 23 yards across eight carries.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: ECS 28, SFCA 17

Canterbury (5-1) at Lake Highland Prep (7-0)

What to watch for – Canterbury: This is an SSAC State Championship Series tournament game. The Cougars are coming off a 27-23 loss to Evangelical Christian. Leroy Roker continues to be an offensive mainstay for the Cougars after tallying 246 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. In addition, Chase Alley was 3 for 3 on field goal attempts. They will have their hands full against yet another undefeated opponent with a strong defensive resume this week, so watch for how Roker and company rebound from the loss. Lake Highland: The Highlanders defeated St. Andrew’s 42-28 last week to keep their perfect record intact. The Highlanders did allow two rushers to average 5-plus yards a carry last week and could be in for a wake-up call against Roker in a matchup worth keeping an eye on.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Lake Highland 33, Canterbury 31

Oasis (1-4) at Bell Creek (1-7)

What to watch for – Oasis: This is an SSAC Class 2A tournament game. The Sharks are coming off of last week’s 35-12 loss to St. Stephen’s Episcopal. Oasis struggled to move the ball on the ground, finishing with minus-4 rushing yards across 19 carries. They allowed St. Stephen’s to notch 321 total yards of offense, highlighted by Luke Donley’s 137 passing yards and two touchdowns on 5-of-5 passing. Keep an eye on how the Sharks’ offense rebounds from last week’s loss. Bell Creek: The Panthers enter this week after losing to Central Florida Christian 45-7. They allowed 391 total yards of offense, so keep an eye out for any defensive adjustments that help improve on that number.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Oasis 35, Bell Creek 18

THURSDAY

Golden Gate (4-4, 1-1) at Lely (3-4, 0-1)

What to watch for – Golden Gate: This is a District 3S-16 game. The Titans are coming off of their 47-10 win over Bonita Springs last Thursday. Wesley Jean was dominant rushing the ball, notching three touchdowns and 264 yards on 17 touches. Jean and company will face off against a hard-nosed Lely defense coming off of a statement shutout in a matchup worth keeping an eye on. On defense, Golden Gate allowed Josiah Sessler 177 yards on 42 carries last week. They face a Trojan offense with their own mainstays in the backfield, so keep an eye on how they try to contain the Trojan’s dynamic rushers. Lely: The Trojans are coming off of last week’s 40-0 statement win over Barron Collier. Lely’s defense was swarming in the win, picking up three interceptions, four sacks, and seven deflected passes. They held Tommy Mooncotch to 10-of-33 passing, while holding five different rushers to 55 yards. Keep an eye on how the Trojan defense builds on the momentum. Lely had an impressive night on the other side of the ball, highlighted by Guershom Guerrier’s four touchdowns and 172 yards on 26 carries. Guerrier also had two sacks in the win. Jakeem Tanelus added 247 yards and a touchdown in the air and on the ground. 

The News-Press/Naples Daily News Pick: Golden Gate 28, Lely 21

Mariner (3-3, 0-1) at Cape Coral (2-3, 0-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

What to watch for – Mariner: This is a District 3S-14 game. The Tritons fell to North Fort Myers 38-0 in the team’s return to action last Friday. Mariner was held to less than 40 yards of offense, converting just three third downs. The team struggled with field position in the game, starting most their drives inside the 15-yard line. Justin Lewis leads the team with 430 all-purpose yards. Against Bonita Springs, the team’s last game before the hurricane, he caught six passes for 108 yards. The defense is giving up an average of 22 points a game. Cape Coral: The Seahawks lost a low-scoring contest to Island Coast last week. Many of their games have played out this way as their defense has impressively held opponents to an average of 15 points a a game. The team got on the scoreboard with a Kalonji Hamilton 60-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Seahawks attempted a 26-yard field goal to try to take the lead, but it was blocked and returned for a touchdown. The Cape defense now has nine interceptions on the season from five different players. Rex Williams leads the team with four picks. 

The News-Press/Naples Daily News pick: Mariner 18, Cape Coral 14

Bradenton Christian (2-6) at Gateway Charter (1-5)

Time: 7 p.m.

What to watch for - Bradenton Christian: This is a SSAC Class 4A tournament game. The Panthers are coming off of last week’s 37-21 loss to Out-of-Door Academy. They allowed 432 rushing yards in the loss, with Griffin Derusso putting up 179 yards on 27 touches. The Panthers will face another backfield threat in Lazaro Rogers this week, so keep an eye on how, if at all, they are able to contain him. The Panthers struggled to move the ball in the loss, picking up 149 yards of total offense. Watch for how they look to improve on their efficiency on offense. Gateway Charter: The Griffins enter this week after losing to CSN 33-32. Lazaro Rogers highlighted the Griffins’ offensive effort in the loss, tallying 108 yards and a touchdown on 14 touches. Rogers also had 60 receiving yards on three catches, so keep an eye on how the Griffins use their main weapon this week, as well as how they get others involved. Gateway Charter is currently allowing opponents to score 30 points per game, so watch for what adjustments they make to lower that number. 

The News-Press/Naples Daily Pick: Gateway Charter 27, Bradenton Christian 20

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SW FL area previews, predictions for high school football games