North drubs Mariner 42-28
In a physical game where both teams lost some key players, North Fort Myers defeated Mariner 42-28 Friday night in an offensive onslaught at Tony McKenna Field.
The Red Knights were led by the play of senior Tre Boston, who switched from his wide receiver role to quarterback after North starter Nathan McIntosh went down with an injury early in the game.
“We had one guy go down, and another one stepped up,” said North coach Barry Goettemoeller. “That’s what a team does. We were well prepared and believed in each other. I’m happy for our coaches and our players.”
After McIntosh’s injury, Boston’s first carry ended up in Mariner’s hands by way of a fumble. Following that drive, Boston accounted for five of North’s touchdowns, the first through the air and the rest on the ground. He also added a defensive interception in the fourth quarter. The Red Knights did not commit another turnover.
“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Boston said. “Our line did an amazing job blocking tonight. When I though I was down, they picked me back up. I hope we can keep playing as one big family.”
Boston finished the night with 281 rushing yards on 27 carries.
“I saw holes,” said Boston. “Our line was opening up holes in their defense all night.”
“He (Boston) can play anywhere,” said Goettemoeller. “He could play left tackle for us, and he’d still play great.”
The win gives the Red Knights a morale boost as they take on Bishop Verot next week.
“This was our first district win of the season,” said Goettemoeller. “Our guys were committed to winning the football game. We had to overcome a lot tonight. I’m proud of our players to fight like this on the road.”
North jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and kept that cushion into halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, both teams tacked on 14 points each to end the game.
The fourth quarter began with the Red Knights facing third-and-one from the Tritons’ 31-yard line. Boston took the snap, faked a dive, then ran a bootleg to the outside for his third touchdown of the night.
Later in the quarter, the highlight of the night occurred when Boston from the shotgun took off like a bullet through the middle of the field for a 65-yard score. Boston’s four touchdown runs alone combined for 126 of his rushing yards.
“It’s a team game,” said Goettemoeller. “Our offense kept the pace going, and our defense stopped them when they had to.”
North FM 14 14 0 14 – 42
Mariner 0 14 0 14 – 28
First Quarter
NFM – Marcus Lewis 7 run (Evan Sargent kick)
NFM – Mike Rosario 14 pass from Tre Boston (Sargent kick)
Second Quarter
M – Colt Masters 9 run (run failed)
NFM – Boston 23 run (Sargent kick)
M – J.T. Etnoyer 2 run (Eric Mitchell run)
NFM – Boston 7 run (Sargent kick)
Fourth Quarter
NFM – Boston 31 run (Sargent kick)
M – George Ruesca 23 pass from Etnoyer (Matthew Isherwood kick)
NFM – Boston 65 run (Sargent kick)
M – Mario Perone 4 pass from Etnoyer (Donovan McAmis kick)