Game of the Week

Fort Myers (2-1, 0-0) at Lehigh (0-2, 0-0)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Radio: 94.1 FM Fox Sports Radio in South Fort Myers, Estero; 103.3 FM Fox Sports Radio in Fort Myers, Cape Coral

What to watch for — Fort Myers: This is the District 6A-11 opener and possibly will determine the champion in the four-team district. Fort Myers was a young, error-prone mess in the first half of last week’s 40-17 win at younger, more-error-prone rival Charlotte until playing superbly starting the second half. The Green Wave scored 34 unanswered points — 28 in the second half — behind Willie Neal, Xavier Perez and Yasias Young to blow open a 6-3 halftime lead. Talented and experienced though Lehigh is, Fort Myers has never lost to the Lightning, sporting a 16-0 record against the Lightning and winning big in 2015 (40-7) and 2016 (42-7). East Lee is the only other Lee County team to face Fort Myers without a win, losing in 2015 and 2016. Lehigh: The Lightning have gotten the tough tests they wanted to prepare them for district play. But with games against Sebring and South Fort Myers erased by a power outage and Hurricane Irma, Lehigh has no momentum with only a 40-23 loss at Dunbar and Friday’s 21-13 loss to St. Pete Lakewood on the books. The Lightning offense must be better than it was against Dunbar (16 points surrendered to Dunbar defense) and Lakewood (29 yards passing) to have a chance.

The News-Press’ pick: Fort Myers 25, Lehigh 18

Game Previews

North Fort Myers (3-0, 1-0) at Port Charlotte (3-0, 0-0)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — North: This is a District 6A-10 game.The Red Knights conquered one hurdle, beating Fort Myers 34-17 in Week 2 in a non-district game after losing to the Green Wave last year. Now North Fort Myers finds out if it’s really postseason ready, facing one of two 6A-10 foes to beat it last season and keep the Red Knights out of the playoffs. Special teams, which cost North Fort Myers dearly last year in losses to Port Charlotte (38-34) and Charlotte (24-21), are greatly improved. After losing to the Pirates and Tarpons to finish behind both each of the past two seasons, will the Red Knights have the mettle on the road to finish this year? Port Charlotte: The Pirates have been mighty offensively, routing North Port (54-26), South Fort Myers (32-6) and Sarasota Booker (38-0) with a veteran squad focused on supplanting two-time reigning district champion Charlotte. But none of those opponents has the talent or defense of North Fort Myers. Senior RB Octavious Cummings (28 rushes, 270 yards) leads a ground game averaging 7.3 yards a rush (162 rushes, 1,184 yards). And senior QB Paul Barnes (11-for-21, 234 yards, six TDs, 0 INTs) throws just enough to punish defenses for overcommitting against the Pirates’ old-school triple-option rushing attack.

The News-Press’ pick: Port Charlotte 30, North Fort Myers 28

Riverdale (1-2, 0-0) vs. Gulf Coast (2-0, 0-0) at Golden Gate High

Time: 7 p.m.

What to watch for —Riverdale: This is the District 7A-12 opener. The Raiders scored an emotionally cathartic 49-6 home rout of Baker Friday after losing 40-0 at North Fort Myers and 41-14 to Palmetto Ridge. Those followed the tragic offseason death of junior offensive lineman Zach Polsenberg from heat stroke suffered during a late-June team workout. A 39-21 loss to Gulf Coast last year is virtually irrelevant given Riverdale’s fresh start under first-year coach James Delgado. In a three-team district also including South Fort Myers, there is no room to lose a district game given the state’s new playoff qualifying format. Gulf Coast: The Sharks, last year’s 7A-12 champions before being trounced by Braden River in the regional quarterfinals, crushed Lely 27-2 and Hialeah 46-6. Senior QB Kaden Frost (34-for-54, 420 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs) leads the offense, with senior WR Brandon Hannon (12 catches, 142 yards) the primary threat. Junior RB Justin Hampton (21 rushes, 152 yards) leads the supporting ground attack.

The News-Press’ pick: Gulf Coast 24, Riverdale 17

Immokalee (3-0, 1-0) at Cypress Lake (1-1, 1-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

What to watch for — Immokalee: This is a District 5A-12 game. The Indians haven't played a game in over three weeks due to Hurricane Irma. The team spent a good chunk of time volunteering in the community that was one of the hardest hit in Collier County. The 2016 Region 5A-3 finalists 53, 46 and 48 points this season behind a stacked backfield of Abraham Alce, Fred Green and Malcom Jackson. Sophomore QB RJ Rosales has thrown for 481 yards and six touchdowns. Cypress: After going winless in district play last season, the Panthers came away with a 39-14 win over Mariner last week where their dangerous running backs — Kelsey Demps and Chris Joseph — were on display. Cypress also had four touchdowns called back in the game by penalties. It will be difficult for the Panther defense to contain the Indians so a lot of responsibility will be placed on Cypress QB CJ Shedd to match Immokalee score for score. The Panthers will hold a hurricane relief drive for the Immokalee community during the game. The Indians are bringing an extra bus to transport donations of water, non-perishable items, paper products and toiletries back to Immokalee.

The News-Press' pick: Immokalee 45, Cypress Lake 20

More: Cypress Lake starts fast to knock off Mariner 39-14 in high school football district opener

Lely (0-3, 0-1) at Dunbar (2-1, 0-0)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — Lely: This is a District 5A-12 game. Under first-year coach Fritz Jacques, the Trojans have struggled to score points, managing eight through three games. The loss of playmaking QB Jacquez Carter, who transferred to Palmetto Ridge, has hit Lely hard. Now, the Trojans are coming off a three-week layoff against a team it upset early in the 2016 season. Dunbar: The Tigers should be in for a major bounce-back week following a 48-0 loss at powerhouse Venice. It will be difficult for the Trojans to handle all of the speed in the Tiger receiving corps with Tennessee commit Shocky Jacques-Louis, Seneca Milledge and Deven Thompkins. Expect Dunbar to go up big early and the pass rush to feast on Lely's passing attack.

The News-Press' pick: Dunbar 49, Lely 13

Cape Coral (1-1, 0-0) at Ida Baker (0-2, 0-0)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — Cape: This is a District 6A-10 game and the first game for the Seahawks in a month. They opened the season with an upset of South Fort Myers before miscues killed any momentum it had in a 14-9 loss to Estero. The key will be keeping Baker's playmakers like Shomari Mason off the field. That means Cape running backs Rickey Anderson, Anthony Cody and Adrien Canty will need to move the chains consistently. Baker: The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times in a 49-6 loss to Riverdale last week. They also fell victim to the big play. The defense will need to key on Cape QB Dwayne Emilus, who is capable of breaking the game open with his feet.

The News-Press' pick: Cape Coral 17, Ida Baker 14

East Lee County (1-0, 0-0) at Estero (1-1, 0-0)

Time: 6:30 p.m.

What to watch for — East Lee: This is a District 6A-11 game. It's been a month since Cortavius Lee threw four touchdowns to lead the Jaguars to a 31-28 win over Cypress Lake in their season opener. East Lee returned to practice on Friday so conditioning could be an issue. But it's not likely Estero can match the Jaguars' athleticism once they get rolling. Estero: That proved to be the case last week in a 37-13 loss to South Fort Myers where the Wildcats gave up a handful of big plays. Tanner Elliott completed 17 of 39 passes for 158 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions for Estero. He also ran for a 5-yard score. Receiver Carson King hauled in 7 of those passes for 52 yards and a touchdown.

The News-Press' pick: East Lee County 24, Estero 17

Charlotte (1-2, 0-0) at Island Coast (0-2, 0-1)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — Charlotte: This is a District 6A-10 game. The Tarpons committed four turnovers in their 40-17 loss to Fort Myers last Friday. To make matters worse, Charlotte will likely be without running back Andrew Grace and quarterback Alex Muse, who each suffered leg injuries, but the young Tarpons still have weapons. Savorion Warren will be counted on to be the focal point of the Charlotte offense going forward. This will be the second of three games in a span of 11 games, as Charlotte will take on Ida Baker Tuesday. Island Coast: The Gators have had it as rough as any team in the area in 2017, losing 65-0 to North Fort Myers last week and is yet to score a point this season. Island Coast may have it easier with some key pieces on offense unavailable for Charlotte, but where will the points come from? The Gators will also have the task of playing three games in a short amount of time, with a matchup with Cypress Lake looming Monday.

The News-Press’ Pick: Charlotte 32, Island Coast 13

South Fort Myers (1-2) at Jupiter Christian (4-0) at Jupiter High

Time: Friday, 7 p.m.

What to watch for —South Fort Myers: The Wolfpack erased some of the sting of 17-2 and 32-6 losses to Cape Coral and Port Charlotte, respectively, in a span of only four days in Week 2 with last week’s 37-13 win at Estero. Senior star wideout Jeshaun Jones, taking snaps at quarterback to breathe life into the South offense, and junior RB Freddie Ward were too much for Estero. Previously scheduled for a bye this week, South’s addition of Jupiter Christian to the schedule will not count toward the new points-based playoff qualifying process because the game was not on the original schedule. Jupiter Christian: The Eagles, members of an independent school not classified by the FHSAA, have big wins over all small schools: Boynton Beach Somerset Academy (41-0), Winter Haven All Saints’ Academy (36-0), West Palm Beach Berean Christian (49-8) and Vero Beach St. Edward’s (34-0).

The News-Press’ pick: South Fort Myers 31, Jupiter Christian 10

Canterbury (2-0) at Evangelical Christian (1-1)

Time: Friday, 7 p.m.

What to watch for — Canterbury: The Cougars had little trouble with Oasis last Friday, putting up 49 first-half points en route to a 56-9 victory. Danny Cunningham threw for three touchdowns and took an interception 93 yards to the house, and Mitchell Hueniken caught two touchdowns. Fast starts have been the theme for Canterbury in their two games, as they have scored 70 points combined in first halves in their two contests. ECS: The Sentinels had an impressive showing on the road, traveling to Berean Christian and coming away with a 42-6 victory on Saturday. Logan Pearlman hooked up with receiver Correy Massey four times in the first half for touchdowns, and ECS did not allow a touchdown defensively. With depth and firepower, the Sentinels should present a big challenge to a Canterbury team that hasn’t been tested thus far in 2017.

The News-Press’ Pick: ECS 41, Canterbury 27

Southwest Florida Christian (2-0) at Oasis (0-2)

Time: Friday, 7 p.m.

What to watch for — SFCA: The King’s did not play last week, and are the area team who has been off the field the longest going a full four weeks since they won 52-0 against Village Academy. Getting back to game speed will be a tough task, but given the ability for the King’s to get on the practice field, SFCA should rely on a strong offensive front and quarterback Jairus Johnson to make plays with his arm and with his feet. Oasis: The Sharks struggled offensively to put the ball in the end zone in their 56-9 loss to Canterbury last Friday. Multiple drives crossed the 50-yard line, but finishing drives with points haven’t come easy for Oasis, which has scored just 12 points in two games played. This will be the first home contest for the Sharks in their return to 11-man football.

The News-Press’ Pick: SFCA 51, Oasis 10

Gateway Charter (0-1) at Bradenton Christian (0-3)

Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — Gateway: The Griffins have also gone four weeks since last stepping on the field, losing 30-12 to Bell Creek Academy. Having just played one game, establishing any type of rhythm will be very difficult for a team that has struggled to put points on the scoreboard. Bradenton Christian: The Panthers dropped a heartbreaker two weeks ago, falling 7-6 to Out-of-Door Academy, and have yet to taste victory not the season. Bradenton Christian quarterback Zach Seagreaves has yet to throw a touchdown this season and has thrown seven interceptions. Ball security will be critical in a matchup of clubs looking for their first win of the season.

The News-Press’ Pick: Bradenton Christian 26, Gateway Charter 23

LaBelle (1-3) at St. John Neumann (2-0)

Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

What to watch for — LaBelle: The Cowboys struggled moving the ball offensively in their 9-6 defeat to Bishop Verot last Friday. Their bread and butter is to feed running backs Fred Davis and Maynard Blackmon, but opening up the offense through the air to mix things up could work to the advantage of LaBelle. Trick plays are also in the repertoire for the Cowboys as they pulled off two successful fake punts last week. Neumann: The Celtics are much improved under head coach Damon Jones, and throttled Marco Island 42-0 last Saturday. Dual-threat quarterback Jensen Jones was responsible for four touchdowns against the Manta Rays, including two runs of 50-plus yards for touchdowns. Generating points may come hard for LaBelle, as the Celtics have kept their two opponents off the scoreboard in 2017.

The News-Press’ Pick: St. John Neumann 31, LaBelle 23

Miami Westminster Christian (2-1) at Bishop Verot (1-2)

Time: Friday, 7 p.m.

What to watch for — Westminster Christian: The Warriors have given up just seven points this season. They've made the playoffs four straight seasons. Verot: Vikings QB Cole Ames and WR Tequon Chatman have become a potent combo this season. The two hooked up for 53 yards on Verot's game-winning drive against LaBelle last week. Expect a defensive struggle that comes down to the last few minutes.

The News-Press' pick: Westminster Christian 10, Bishop Verot 7

The News-Press Fab 5

1. North Fort Myers (3-0): This is the best Red Knights team in over a decade. A win over Port Charlotte puts them in the driver's seat for the District 6A-10 title.

2. Dunbar (2-1): This is a bad spot for Lely showing up on Tigers' schedule following Dunbar's 48-0 loss to Venice.

3. Fort Myers (2-1): Any win at Charlotte is a huge win even one against a depleted Tarpons team. When all is said and done, Thursday's matchup with Lehigh will be looked at as the District 6A-11 title game.

4. Lehigh (0-2): A winless team in the No. 4 spot? Name a better team from Lee County outside of the top 3 above.

5. South Fort Myers (1-2): If your answer to the above question is South, it would be nice if the Wolfpack and Lehigh could reschedule their Sept. 8 game so they can prove it on the field.