April 08, 2024 **** Vol. 11 Issue 14
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News
Our Prayers, gratitude, appreciation and endless accolades to the life and eternal memories of Mr. Walt Wesley (1945-2024) Fort Myers, FLorida
FOOTBALL
GIRLS' FLAG FOOTBALL DISTRICTS 2024
April 11th, 2024
Southwest Florida Crowns First District Flag Champions
Despite a cloudy start, it was a great day in Girls’ athletics in southwest Florida. Many were on hand to watch a truly historic event, with the crowning of the first Girls’ Varsity Flag Football, District tournament winners. The 3 divisions in our area are 1A D19, 1A D20, and 2A D16. Our feature plays of the day are from the 1A D20 final between #1 Bonita Springs High and #2 Estero High, and the 2A D16 final with #1 Fort Myers High against #3 South Fort Myers High. In ur first game 1A D20, Bonita Sprigs had the home-field advantage and crowd pulling for them. It was a long game, going into the first overtime session of the new league here to decide the winner, which would be The Estero High Wildcats 6-0. In the back and forth between the teams each seemed to get within yards of the end zone before an untimely defensive interception or penalty. As the t, teams went into the fourth quarter scoreless, both teams would have opportunities down to the last 10 seconds of the clock to score. In the overtime session, the ball is placed on the 5-yard line with each team having a chance to score in four downs of the ball. The Bullsharks had the ball first and couldn’t complete in pass and run attempts. On Estero’s third attempt, a pass was completed into the end zone for the win and the District title. In the 2A D16 final the Greenwave and Wolfpack matchup was much more definitive and started with the Greenwave taking it to them, by the end of the game their ability to execute and take advantage of a good defense, kept the energetic South Fort Myers team on its heels. While getting a few turnovers with Interceptions, the Wolfpack offense was kept out of the end zone by a strong Fort Myers. The Greenwave took the win with a final score of 28-7. In the 1A D19 Final Riverdale which has been a strong team throughout the season, won its first District title with a final score over North Fort Myers of 26-6. Regional tournament play begins on April 17, 024. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
Southwest Florida Crowns First District Flag Champions
Despite a cloudy start, it was a great day in Girls’ athletics in southwest Florida. Many were on hand to watch a truly historic event, with the crowning of the first Girls’ Varsity Flag Football, District tournament winners. The 3 divisions in our area are 1A D19, 1A D20, and 2A D16. Our feature plays of the day are from the 1A D20 final between #1 Bonita Springs High and #2 Estero High, and the 2A D16 final with #1 Fort Myers High against #3 South Fort Myers High. In ur first game 1A D20, Bonita Sprigs had the home-field advantage and crowd pulling for them. It was a long game, going into the first overtime session of the new league here to decide the winner, which would be The Estero High Wildcats 6-0. In the back and forth between the teams each seemed to get within yards of the end zone before an untimely defensive interception or penalty. As the t, teams went into the fourth quarter scoreless, both teams would have opportunities down to the last 10 seconds of the clock to score. In the overtime session, the ball is placed on the 5-yard line with each team having a chance to score in four downs of the ball. The Bullsharks had the ball first and couldn’t complete in pass and run attempts. On Estero’s third attempt, a pass was completed into the end zone for the win and the District title. In the 2A D16 final the Greenwave and Wolfpack matchup was much more definitive and started with the Greenwave taking it to them, by the end of the game their ability to execute and take advantage of a good defense, kept the energetic South Fort Myers team on its heels. While getting a few turnovers with Interceptions, the Wolfpack offense was kept out of the end zone by a strong Fort Myers. The Greenwave took the win with a final score of 28-7. In the 1A D19 Final Riverdale which has been a strong team throughout the season, won its first District title with a final score over North Fort Myers of 26-6. Regional tournament play begins on April 17, 024. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
April 9th, 2024
FHSAA District Football heating up
Day two of the FHSAA Districts’ saw the best being the best. Our featured games in lude play from Fort Myers High, against East Lee County 2A D16, and Dunbar High against North Fort Myers High 1A D19. In game one Fort Myers dominated and by the end of the game was the winner with a score of 28-0 in a shutout against East Lee County. The running game of the Jaguars was met by a timely and tough defense of the Greenwave. Fort Myers was also successful with backfield lateral passing for long throws and completions. They will host the district final on April 11, 2024, against South Fort Myers. In game two it was another shutout win but not for the favored home team of Dunbar High. North Fort Myers took the win 15-0. The Red Knights came to the game with what seemed a more spirited attitude. Their execution was more timely and as with many teams, the defense was getting flags. They will play at Riverdale High for the championship 1A D19. In the remaining 1A D20 tournament Bonita Springs High will host against Estero High.
SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
FHSAA District Football heating up
Day two of the FHSAA Districts’ saw the best being the best. Our featured games in lude play from Fort Myers High, against East Lee County 2A D16, and Dunbar High against North Fort Myers High 1A D19. In game one Fort Myers dominated and by the end of the game was the winner with a score of 28-0 in a shutout against East Lee County. The running game of the Jaguars was met by a timely and tough defense of the Greenwave. Fort Myers was also successful with backfield lateral passing for long throws and completions. They will host the district final on April 11, 2024, against South Fort Myers. In game two it was another shutout win but not for the favored home team of Dunbar High. North Fort Myers took the win 15-0. The Red Knights came to the game with what seemed a more spirited attitude. Their execution was more timely and as with many teams, the defense was getting flags. They will play at Riverdale High for the championship 1A D19. In the remaining 1A D20 tournament Bonita Springs High will host against Estero High.
SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
April 8th, 2024
FHSAA District Flag Football Quarter-Finals
Play has begun in the 1st round of post-season districts, in girls' flag football 2024. We feature action from the first round with 1A D19 #4 Island Coast High hosting #5 Mariner High in what was a great start to the postseason with an upset win by Mariner 18-6. The win by the Tritons came from capitalizing on a good defense which made big plays on turnovers when the Gator offense went to its passing game. Both teams also had good running from the QB and running backs to extend plays. On additional first-round play on the day, the 4 teams in 1A D20 had byes in the first round, and in 2A d16, #5 East Lee County High defeated #4 Lehigh Acres 12-6. The action picks up on April 9, 2024, in the semi-finals. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
FHSAA District Flag Football Quarter-Finals
Play has begun in the 1st round of post-season districts, in girls' flag football 2024. We feature action from the first round with 1A D19 #4 Island Coast High hosting #5 Mariner High in what was a great start to the postseason with an upset win by Mariner 18-6. The win by the Tritons came from capitalizing on a good defense which made big plays on turnovers when the Gator offense went to its passing game. Both teams also had good running from the QB and running backs to extend plays. On additional first-round play on the day, the 4 teams in 1A D20 had byes in the first round, and in 2A d16, #5 East Lee County High defeated #4 Lehigh Acres 12-6. The action picks up on April 9, 2024, in the semi-finals. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
With the first regular season of Varsity Girls' Flag Football completed, it's on to the post season. Herein we will give you the chance to follow these inaugural heroines, as they seek the first state championship in their sport, stay tuned for updates as available.
April 2nd, 2024
FMH Greenwave and RH Raiders in Battle of Best Flag Football As Girls’ Flag Football comes to the end of its first regular season schedule, our feature game has the last two undefeated teams of the county, against each other to see who is the best. Host Fort Myers High comes into the game at 5-0 with Riverdale High at 8-0. By night's end, it would be the Raiders calming the wave with a decisive 26-0 win and top seed for the district. The Greenwave had too much difficulty hanging onto the ball to stop a tough Raider defense, which took away passes of the Greenwave attack for scores and held onto theirs for more scoring. Riverdale ends its stellar season with this game, while Fort Myers has one remaining. District play begins on April 8, 2024. THE FIRST Flag Football State Championships will be held in Tampa on May 10-11, 2024. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells |
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April 2nd, 2024
DH Tigers tangle with CLH Panthers Flag Football The inaugural regular season of Girls' Varsity Flag Football in Florida, comes to an end on April 4, 2024, as the season ends teams will try to find their way, into the postseason as the first of the first. With only days to go teams wrap up their efforts and put their all into winning. In our feature game, Dunbar High hosts Cypress Lake High. Dunbar is at 6-2, and Cypress 0-6 coming into the game and it would be the better record and team to get the win with Dunbar taking it 12-2 in regulation. The game would go scoreless in the first half with the Tigers rallying to get scores on the board in the 3rd and 4th quarters of play in the second half and controlling for the win. This game finishes the regular season for Dunbar while Cypress has one more against Ida S. Baker High, stay tuned for District updates. WFSNP/Darryl A. Wells |
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LACROSSE
BOYS' / GIRLS LACROSSE DISTRICTS 2024
April 10th, 2024
FHSAA Lacrosse District Tournaments kickoff
The 2024 Boys and Girls Lacrosse postseason has begun with District tournaments. We feature action from the girls’ and boys’ 1A D12 with Naples High playing Aubrey Rogers, and Bishop Verot playing Aubrey Rogers. It’s the first competitive season for Aubrey Rogers High which is the newest Collier County School after opening this school year. In the boys’ game held at Bishop Verot stadium, the Vikings posted a big win with a final score of 22-3. Experience was a dominant factor in this game, #24 (Sr) Trey Toscano led the way with 8 goals, followed by #20 (Jr) Jake Rodriguez with 4 goals. The Vikings posted 63 ground balls, 11 takeaways, they won 23 of 29 face-offs and had only 11 turnovers in the game. The game was a quarterfinal matchup with Bishop Verot ranked #2. The semi-final round will be against Canterbury or Naples. In game two the girls had Naples High playing Aubrey Rogers in their first round of postseason play, with experience again delivering a hard lesson to the newcomers, with the Eagles taking the win 19-0. Naples seemed to never give a chance to their opponent from the opening faceoff which they won and continued winning through the game. The Patriots' defense was going against one of the best in the district for many years and could do little to slow them down. By the half, Naples was ahead 12-0 and dominated in every offensive and defensive statistic for the win. The Eagles now move into the semifinal round against Gulf Coast High who also won on the day against Lely. They will play on April 16, 2024. Additional FHSAA District schedules are posted below. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
FHSAA Lacrosse District Tournaments kickoff
The 2024 Boys and Girls Lacrosse postseason has begun with District tournaments. We feature action from the girls’ and boys’ 1A D12 with Naples High playing Aubrey Rogers, and Bishop Verot playing Aubrey Rogers. It’s the first competitive season for Aubrey Rogers High which is the newest Collier County School after opening this school year. In the boys’ game held at Bishop Verot stadium, the Vikings posted a big win with a final score of 22-3. Experience was a dominant factor in this game, #24 (Sr) Trey Toscano led the way with 8 goals, followed by #20 (Jr) Jake Rodriguez with 4 goals. The Vikings posted 63 ground balls, 11 takeaways, they won 23 of 29 face-offs and had only 11 turnovers in the game. The game was a quarterfinal matchup with Bishop Verot ranked #2. The semi-final round will be against Canterbury or Naples. In game two the girls had Naples High playing Aubrey Rogers in their first round of postseason play, with experience again delivering a hard lesson to the newcomers, with the Eagles taking the win 19-0. Naples seemed to never give a chance to their opponent from the opening faceoff which they won and continued winning through the game. The Patriots' defense was going against one of the best in the district for many years and could do little to slow them down. By the half, Naples was ahead 12-0 and dominated in every offensive and defensive statistic for the win. The Eagles now move into the semifinal round against Gulf Coast High who also won on the day against Lely. They will play on April 16, 2024. Additional FHSAA District schedules are posted below. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
BOYS
GIRLS
April 5th, 2024
GH Eagles Close season with Sr. Night win against RH Raiders Night On Friday with the final game of the 2023-24 season, Gateway High hosted Riverdale High for a senior night finale celebrating 9 graduating players. In addition to the seniors honors it was also a win for Gateway with a final score of 5-3. The Eagles would have to push hard to take the win with strong contributions from its senior core. Riverdale scored first in the game but was quickly countered within minutes by Gateway at 1-1. The teams held each other defensively, staying tied until halftime. They again would reach a tie at 2-2 in the second half; but once the Golden Eagles were able to score the next point, they would maintain the lead through the end. They finish the season at 4-7, and the Raiders at 2-8. Graduating seniors of Gateway include #2 Cynthia Simon, #4 Cierra Gill, #7 Alyssa York, #8 Makayla Garay, #13 Ellie Vertrees, #17 Maria Carvajal, #22 Layla Ahmad, #24 Hallie Green, and #30 Emma Boyce. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells |
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April 4th, 2024
FMH Greenwave and EH Wildcats closeout season Fort Myers High and Estero High played their last game of regular season Boys’ lacrosse at Fort Myers on Thursday. The wildcats of Estero would take the win with a final score of 11-6. They finish the regular season standings at 10-2 overall and in the #2 spot of 1A D12. Fort Myers is 6-5 overall and also at #2 in 2A D12. In the first half of play Estero started the scoring late in the 1st period, Fort Myers would stay close keeping pace until the Wildcats began to drive harder, taking a 6-3 lead at the half. The trend continued through the 2nd half of play through the finish. Estero had #1 (Sr) Eli Dunford, #5 (Sr) Jacob Kretovic, and #30 (Sr) Andrew Eller with 3 goals each in the game. The team posted 27 ground balls, 6 faceoff wins on 20 attempts, and 24 saves on 30shots on goal by goalie #18 (Sr) Noe Bonilla. District tournament play begins on April 10, 2024. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells |
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April 3rd 2024
FM Greenwave rallies vs CLH Panthers The Girls’ lacrosse teams of Fort Myers High and Cypress Lake High, had the early game on Wednesday at Sam Sirianni Stadium. It was a good thing for them because heavy rains started as they got into the 4th period, which would end the night of play for them and the Boys’ teams that were waiting. However, even before the stoppage, it was a win for Fort Myers with a final score of 17-1, and 10-2 on the regular season as teams finish this week. They await seating in the district tournament 1A D11, which they currently lead. The Greenwave had contributions from #3 (Sr) Dona Johnson with 5 goals, #6 (Jr) Annabelle Marsh, and #10 (Jr) Annie Mertz with 3 goals each. 5 other players also put in scores. Fort Myers had a total of 19 ground balls with the defense holding Cypress Lake to only 3 shots on goal for the night. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells |
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RUGBY
April 13th, 2024
HammerHeads Rugby Club out of the semifinals
The Naples Hammerheads Rugby Club have had some close last-minute wins this season. However, it would end in today’s semi-final round of the Florida Rugby Association D2 State Tournament against the St. Petersburgh Pelicans, it came to an end. The Hammerheads lost in a close comeback game with a final score of 38-36 Pelicans. The Pelicans started strong and by the half had a 24-5 lead in the game. The Hammerheads came out in the second half quickly gaining momentum and looked like they would pull it off again, but the Pelicans scored for the lead with a kick in the final minutes and held for the win. Disappointment is an understatement for what had been a great season. The Hammerheads finished the season ranked #2 in their division. Rugby 7’s series play is on the horizon though, and more chances for wins. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
HammerHeads Rugby Club out of the semifinals
The Naples Hammerheads Rugby Club have had some close last-minute wins this season. However, it would end in today’s semi-final round of the Florida Rugby Association D2 State Tournament against the St. Petersburgh Pelicans, it came to an end. The Hammerheads lost in a close comeback game with a final score of 38-36 Pelicans. The Pelicans started strong and by the half had a 24-5 lead in the game. The Hammerheads came out in the second half quickly gaining momentum and looked like they would pull it off again, but the Pelicans scored for the lead with a kick in the final minutes and held for the win. Disappointment is an understatement for what had been a great season. The Hammerheads finished the season ranked #2 in their division. Rugby 7’s series play is on the horizon though, and more chances for wins. SWFSNP/Darryl A. Wells
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