Fort Myers, Florida – High school football was in full swing this past week with several Kickoff Classics showcasing the talents of local teams. One of the most thrilling matchups featured Dunbar and Riverdale, who engaged in a defensive battle that kept fans on their toes.
Dunbar emerged victorious with a narrow 19-14 win at home, thanks in part to a last-minute interception by Ken’Dahrius Green. The Tigers got on the scoreboard first after Jeremy Ware’s interception led to a touchdown pass from Austin Price to Kalonji Hamilton. Riverdale fought back with a seven-yard touchdown run by Theodis Harris Jr. after blocking a Dunbar punt.
Both teams displayed a strong defensive front, forcing turnovers and limiting each other’s rushing games. Dunbar’s coach, Sammy Brown, expressed confidence for the coming weeks. “We showed we can run the ball with some consistency. Now we just got to get the ball in some playmakers’ hands,” he remarked.
Naples dominated their matchup against Gulf Coast with a convincing 45-0 shutout. Naples showcased their high-octane running game and strong defensive abilities, evidenced by their overpowering 313 rushing yards compared to Gulf Coast’s mere 25. Coach Manny Evans acknowledged the challenges faced by Gulf Coast: “We knew it was coming; we missed some tackles. But breakdowns in our run fits are uncharacteristic for us,” he stated.
Fort Myers made a significant statement with a robust performance, finishing the night with a combined score of 48 points across two games at a jamboree. They highlighted their balance through both air and ground attacks while managing to contain their opponents defensively. “We played assignment-sound football,” said Fort Myers coach Sam Sirianni.
Meanwhile, Immokalee rallied against South Fort Myers and won with a final score of 22-7. The Indians showed resilience, especially with their running back Abel Salazar and his two touchdown runs. Coach James Delgado praised his team, saying, “You know it’s always good to come up with a victory even if it’s an ugly one.”
As the preseason rolls on, teams are gearing up for their regular season openers, looking to sharpen their skills and build momentum from these initial outings. Fans can expect more exciting matchups in the weeks to come as they cheer on their homegrown athletes.
