There’s once again been some movement in the latest Southwest Florida high school football rankings.
The News-Press and Naples Daily News rank the Top 15 football teams each week. Rankings are determined by record, strength of schedule, strength of record, and head-to-head.
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Games played through Saturday, Sept. 13
1. Bishop Verot (1-2)
Last week: 2
Analysis: The Vikings were off last week, recovering after a tough three games to start the season against Jesuit (29th in Florida), Venice (12th) and True North Classical (95th). Verot owns the top strength of schedule in the area and owns a double transitive win over the No. 2 team in these rankings. They’ll take on another top 100 team in Homestead on Friday, aiming to climb back to .500.
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2. Community School (3-1)
Last week: 5
Analysis: The Seahawks jump from No. 5 to No. 2, coming off a decisive win over Calvary Christian on the road. A key caveat here is that CSN did not see Calvary Christian running back Lane Roberts (558 yards, 12 TD), but the offense came alive via the legs of Duke commit Jayvian Tanelus. CSN is off this week before a critical district game against St. John Neumann.
3. Naples (2-1-1)
Last week: 1
Analysis: The Golden Eagles were on the wrong end of a lopsided 42-0 loss at Sarasota Booker — their biggest loss in 331 games dating back to 1997. The Tornadoes had little problems throwing the football on the Naples secondary. Naples had just 66 yards of total offense, a program low under coach Rick Martin. Next up for the Golden Eagles is a date with Golden Gate.
4. Lely (2-1)
Last week: 3
Analysis: The Trojans were off last week, with an extra week to prepare for a stiff Sarasota Booker team that manhandled Naples the week prior. Ben Hammer’s defense will be put to the test here yet again, facing a squad that put up 29 points on Berkeley Prep, 43 on Calvary Christian, and 42 on Naples. If the Trojans can manage to put up a better result than the Golden Eagles, the No. 3 spot is theirs for the taking.
5. Riverdale (4-0)
Last week: 4
Analysis: The Raiders are now handling business as expected, most recently coming off a 42-3 win against Mariner. Riverdale’s allowed just 3 points over their last eight quarters of action, a welcoming sign for Kendoll Gibson and company. Next up is a tricky test against Cypress Lake on the road.
6. Immokalee (2-1)
Last week: 6
Analysis: The Indians got back in the win column following a tough loss to Naples, with a 43-7 beatdown of Lemon Bay. Cherlin Michel and Youvensley Methelus both averaged a first down per carry, rushing for a combined 233 yards and 4 touchdowns. Expect Redwood to dominate the line of scrimmage against Gateway on Friday.
7. Cape Coral (4-0)
Last week: 7
Analysis: The Seahawks got a huge win on Friday, beating Island Coast 60-6 on senior night. Caleb Cobb made plenty of defenders miss, rushing for two scores and going for 120-plus yards on just eight touches. Cape begins a three-week road trip on Friday, starting with a trek down to a strong Estero squad.
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8. Dunbar (3-0)
Last week: 8
Analysis: The Tigers lost plenty of pieces from last year’s team, but the unit continues to win, most recently coming off a 19-7 decision facing Treasure Coast. Eddie Gore tossed a touchdown pass to Andre Moss, while Caleb Curls and Derrell Paul also scored for the Tigers. Gore and Jorell Tassy each left the game with injuries, making their availabilities against East Lee County uncertain.
9. Estero (3-1)
Last week: 9
Analysis: The Wildcats continue to win after a tough season-opening loss to Riverdale, beating Barron Collier 29-7 on the road. Maddox Stewart has been beyond impressive this season, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark with 12 touchdowns along with two more on the ground. His play will be put to the test this week against a solid Cape Coral defense that features 3-star defensive back and Illinois commit Almirian Thomas.
10. Gulf Coast (2-2)
Last week: 10
Analysis: The Sharks were also to run the ball effectively against Golden Gate, averaging 12.8 yards per carry in a 35-6 win. Gio Marenco ran for 226 yards and a score, while Javien Altine ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 touches. Next up for Gulf Coast is a road date with Aubrey Rogers. Expect Manny Evans’ group to be favored by multiple touchdowns.
11. St. John Neumann (3-1)
Last week: 11
Analysis: It’s been pretty easy for the Celtics since a season-opening loss to IMG Junior National, outscoring ECS, Coral Springs Charter, and Oasis by a combined margin of 129-2. In Neumann’s win over the Sharks, Peyton Frontino threw for six touchdowns, three of which went to Wisconsin commit Jayden Petit. Neumann will be tested this week, taking on a good Orlando Christian Prep team.
12. South Fort Myers (3-1)
Last week: 13
Analysis: The Wolfpack went on the road and dominated Fort Myers, winning 42-7 and triggering a running clock late. It’s the biggest win for any Lee County public school on the Greenies since 2009, when Riverdale beat Fort Myers 35-0. Arthur Gallishaw eclipsed 300 yards in the game and will aim to keep the momentum going following the team’s bye week against Port Charlotte.
13. Cypress Lake (2-2)
Last week: 12
Analysis: The Panthers had little problem with East Lee County, winning handily, 53-6. Jaydon Henderson completed 9 of 12 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, adding a third rushing score on the ground. Cypress Lake only ran for 65 yards on the Jags, something they’ll need to improve on heading into a critical clash with Riverdale.
14. Lehigh (2-2)
Last week: 15
Analysis: The Lightning won sloppy in the rain against North Fort Myers, coming away with a 19-10 decision to move to .500 against a tough schedule. Lehigh’s quarterback play has been strong with Ja’Kiee Robinson, who ran for 82 yards on six attempts while passing for 82 yards. His legs will be critical in two weeks against Venice in district play, especially after Kendrick Major went down with a leg injury.
15. LaBelle (5-0)
Last week: NR
Analysis: Welcome to the rankings, Cowboys! LaBelle’s managed to shut out each of their five opponents they’ve faced this year, while showing an identity on offense, averaging 37.4 points per game. Marquay Bradshaw has been essential, rushing for 579 yards on 57 touches with 12 touchdowns. Maurice McClain’s group will aim to stay perfect on defense against Lake Placid on Friday.