Prep Report: First clash for Gators, Bulldogs
The Island Coast Gators, in their first varsity season, knew they wouldn’t be able to measure success in terms of winning a district title or challenging for a playoff berth. They’re currently a nondistrict independent and ineligible for postseason play.
They also didn’t set a goal of winning a certain numbers of games. Coming off a 7-1 record as freshmen last year, there was much uncertainty about moving up to the varsity level.
“One of the goals we had was developing a team atmosphere,” Gators coach Joe Bowen said, “and we’ve done that. The kids are sticking up for each other and realizing what it is to be a team.”
Another goal was to be competitive and they’ve accomplished that, too. The Gators (3-2) are coming off a 47-14 romp over Moore Haven, and will try to secure a winning season Friday night when they host the Ida Baker Bulldogs (4-5).
Baker, on the other hand, challenged for the District 5A-12 title until last week’s 35-28 double-overtime loss to North Fort Myers.
That result meant this week’s game at Island Coast is the season-ender for both squads.
The Bulldogs began their varsity football program four years ago. They had their first winning season last year, going 6-4, and had their best showing in district play this year.
“This will be our toughest opponent all season,” Bowen said of the Bulldogs. “We have the utmost respect for that team and we have our work cut out for us going against them.”
The matchup wasn’t part of the Gators’ plan when they constructed their first six-game varsity schedule. Lemon Bay backed out of a game with Baker, leaving an opening on the schedule. The Gators filled that spot against the Bulldogs.
The Gators opened their season with a 22-7 victory over Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy. They had their roughest outing the following week in a 31-0 loss to Evangelical Christian. They’ve added victories over St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep, 28-0, and Moore Haven, 47-14, and lost to Lemon Bay 13-6 in overtime.
LaBelle (0-9) at Mariner (3-6): The Tritons have lost three straight to district opponents — North Fort Myers, Baker and Cape Coral. They’ll look to end the season with a victory over winless LaBelle at Tony McKenna Field.
Despite losing 23-10 to Cape High last week, the Tritons hung tough after falling behind 20-0 in the first quarter.
The defense was as steady as it’s been for much of the year. Among the leaders is senior defensive end Josh LaGrace, who has tallied nine sacks.
Offensively, the Tritons are dealing with injuries to key starters, junior quarterback Gabby Rojas and senior fullback Ryan Schneider.
A key two-way performer is senior Jesse Crilly. He’s among the leading tacklers and has seen increased playing time in the offensive backfield.
Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (6-3) at Bishop Verot (6-3): The Vikings met their match last week, losing to District 2A-5 champion Tampa Catholic 56-0.
They’ll try to close out with a victory against Sarasota Cardinal Mooney at Viking Stadium.
Boys Soccer
Ida Baker 2, Barron Collier 1: The host Bulldogs jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead and upended Barron Collier. It was a season-opener for both teams, but a District 5A-15 contest.
Senior Joe Johnson put the Bulldogs on the board and sophomore Nick Presti added a second goal late in the first half. Junior Harvey Rincon set up both goals.
The Bulldogs host Port Charlotte Thursday.
Cape Coral 2, North Fort Myers 1: It was an impressive debut for Seahawk freshmen Kevin Lopera and Rush Manterola in a district win over visiting North.
Lopera made his first start at midfield and assisted a goal by Shane Pacheco. Manterola had eight saves in his first start in goal. Guillermo Duque scored the other Seahawk goal.
Cape hosts Mariner and North hosts Cypress Lake Thursday.
Mariner 2, Gulf Coast 2: Christian Marin assisted on both Triton goals in a tie at Gulf Coast.
Travis Edward had a goal and Julio Perez scored to put the Tritons (0-1-1) ahead 2-1 at halftime. Renato Proia made seven saves.
Girls Soccer
Cape Coral 1, North 0: Senior Nina Antonacci broke a scoreless tie with six minutes remaining, lifting Cape High to its first win of the season. Carrie McDonald assisted the goal. Goalkeeper Shelby Rowe recorded the shutout.
Cape (1-0-1) hosts Fort Myers Friday. North (2-2) returns to action Thursday at Cypress Lake.
Gulf Coast 2, Mariner 0: After opening the season with a victory over Evangelical Christian Monday, the host Tritons dropped their first match of the season to Gulf Coast.
Barron Collier 1, Ida Baker 0: Host Barron Collier scored in the first half and held off Baker in a rematch of last year’s District 5A-15 championship. Baker goalkeeper Libby Schuls made 11 saves.
Baker plays at East Lee County next Tuesday.
Girls Basketball
Mariner 44, Gateway Charter 30: Midway through the third quarter, senior Chastity Carter turned it on and the Mariner Tritons pulled away from Gateway Charter in a preseason classic game.
Carter finished with 27 points. Senior Maggie Swistak pulled down five rebounds.