Knights throttle Gators 45-27
North Fort Myers and Island Coast dueled in a scoring fest where 62 points were scored in the first half. In the end, North pulled away to win 45-27.
Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place, but at Moody Field Friday night, lightning seemed to strike numerous times. Both teams were scoring quickly and often. The Red Knights duo of Nathan McIntosh and Tre’ Boston hooked up for three touchdowns. Meanwhile, teammate Marcus Lewis had two quick hitters through the Island Coast defense and sprinted for scores of 45 and 49 yards, respectively.
Island Coast had a little bit of lightning of its own. On two consecutive kickoffs Mario Pender broke free for long touchdown returns of 82 and 90 yards. Pender also had a three-yard rushing touchdown.
All but one of these were in the first half. That first half was a game of ebb and flow. Each time North thought it had gained an advantage, Pender brought the Gators back. After the second kickoff, it looked like the Gators would tie the game again, but a 15-yard penalty made the extra-point longer. Kyle Fitzgerald’s kick hit the goalpost and bounced off, leaving the score 28-27 North.
With only two minutes left till half, it looked like it would be a one-point game, but Lewis scored his first touchdown with 51 seconds left.
North kicker Evan Sargent shortened his kick-offs to keep the ball from Pender. The half ended with North up 35-27.
After Lewis’ second touchdown early in the third quarter, the game settled down to a defensive struggle. North did score again on a 22-yard field goal, but the Knights seemed to be content to run the ball and the clock. North’s defense also held the Gators offense scoreless the rest of the game.
North coach Barry Goettemoeller was pleased with the balanced attack of his offense. “We mixed it up well, with quick hitters and play action passes.”
North’s McIntosh was 8-of-12 for 203 yards. The Knights had 236 yards on the ground, led by Lewis with 137.
“I can’t say enough about my offensive and defensive lines. All around we had a great effort!” Goettemoeller said.
Although he scored three times, Boston was quick to praise his teammates. “I’m thankful for our line for protection, our quarterback, and our running backs for making good yardage.”
Attaining a 200-yard passing game is “something amazing,” said McIntosh. “All those years of playing Pop Warner football-this is what you dream of doing!”
When told of his rushing totals, Lewis showed a great sense of surprise and joy in his face. “That’s my first 100 yard game,” he replied.
Up next for the Red Knights is a trip to Ida Baker while Island Coast hosts Cypress Lake next Friday.
Island Coast 14 13 0 0 – 27
North FM 14 21 10 0 – 45
First Quarter
NFM – Tre’ Boston 16 pass from Nathan McIntosh (Evan Sargent kick)
IC – Michael Dumas 53 run (Kyle Fitzgerald kick)
IC – Mario Pender 3 run (Fitzgerald kick)
NFM – Boston 60 pass from McIntosh (Sargent kick)
Second Quarter
NFM – Boston 45 pass from McIntosh (Sargent kick)
IC – Pender 82 kickoff return (Fitzgerald kick)
NFM – McIntosh 10 run (Sargent kick)
IC – Pender 90 kickoff return (kick failed)
NFM – Marcus Lewis 45 run (Sargent kick)
Third Quarter
NFM – Lewis 49 run (Sargent kick)
NFM – FG, Sargent 22.