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Final 2024 SWFL Football Rankings: A Season of Excellence
As the 2024 Southwest Florida high school football season comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the standout teams and performances that made this year truly memorable. Here are the key highlights, perfect for social media posts and a comprehensive WordPress article.
Top 5 Teams of 2024
1. Naples Golden Eagles (11-3)
- "The Naples Golden Eagles soared to the top of the 2024 SWFL football rankings with an outstanding defensive performance, limiting opponents to just two scores per game. This stellar defense propelled them to their first Final Four berth since 2018. #SWFLFootball #NaplesGoldenEagles #DefenseMatters"
- Notable Games:
- "Naples secured their first Final Four berth since 2018 with a hard-fought 17-10 win over Port Charlotte. #NaplesGoldenEagles #FinalFour"
- "In a thrilling matchup, Naples edged out Dunbar 21-20 in overtime, ending a streak of playoff losses to the Tigers. #NaplesGoldenEagles #DunbarTigers"
2. Bishop Verot Vikings (9-4)
- "Despite a tough schedule and an injured Carter Smith, the Bishop Verot Vikings managed a strong finish to the season. Their resilience and depth were key factors in their success. #BishopVerot #SWFLFootball #Resilience"
- Notable Performance:
- "Bishop Verot's Deshon Jenkins stood out with impressive performances against top programs like Cardinal Mooney and Venice. #BishopVerot #DeshonJenkins"
3. First Baptist Lions (9-3)
- "Under the guidance of Billy Sparacio, the First Baptist Lions had another solid season, with freshman quarterback Brady Quinn leading the way in passing yards and touchdowns. #FirstBaptist #SWFLFootball #FreshmanPhenom"
- Challenges Ahead:
- "While the Lions have a solid foundation, they will miss key players like Bradley Martino and Logan Bartley in 2025. #FirstBaptist #2025Preview"
4. Dunbar Tigers (8-3)
- "The Dunbar Tigers finished the season strong with notable wins against Cypress Lake and North Fort Myers. Their consistency and team spirit were evident throughout the year. #DunbarTigers #SWFLFootball #Consistency"
5. Riverdale Raiders (10-3)
- "The Riverdale Raiders achieved the best year-to-year turnaround in Lee County history, thanks to the dynamic duo of Cole Hayes and Lovensky Blanchard. Their remarkable improvement is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. #RiverdaleRaiders #SWFLFootball #Turnaround"
- Notable Game:
- "Riverdale took down South Fort Myers 36-35 in a nail-biting Week 2 matchup, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. #RiverdaleRaiders #SouthFortMyers"
Way-Too-Early 2025 Top 10
1. Bishop Verot Vikings
- "Bishop Verot looks strong for 2025 with Austan Cristiaan ready to take the reins from Carter Smith. The Vikings have the momentum and replaceable pieces to make another deep run. #BishopVerot #2025Preview"
2. Naples Golden Eagles
- "Despite losing key players, the Naples Golden Eagles are optimistic about their defensive makeover. Coach Rick Martin's leadership will be crucial in the upcoming season. #NaplesGoldenEagles #2025Preview"
3. First Baptist Lions
- "First Baptist has a solid foundation but will need to adjust to the loss of key players like Bradley Martino and Logan Bartley. Freshman QB Brady Quinn will be a player to watch. #FirstBaptist #2025Preview"
4. Riverdale Raiders
- "Riverdale returns key defensive players and will have Lovensky Blanchard leading the offense. Coach Kendoll Gibson’s team is set for another strong season. #RiverdaleRaiders #2025Preview"
Best Games of 2024
Venice vs. Bishop Verot
- "In one of the most explosive games of the season, Venice and Bishop Verot combined for 1,177 yards in a 71-56 thriller. This game will be remembered for its high-scoring offense and intense competition. #SWFLFootball #BestGames"
Naples vs. Port Charlotte
- "Naples secured their first Final Four berth since 2018 with a 17-10 win over Port Charlotte, a game that highlighted their defensive prowess. #NaplesGoldenEagles #FinalFour"
Naples vs. Dunbar
- "The Naples Golden Eagles edged out Dunbar 21-20 in overtime, marking a significant victory and ending a streak of playoff losses to the Tigers. #NaplesGoldenEagles #DunbarTigers"
Riverdale vs. South Fort Myers
- "Riverdale's 36-35 win over South Fort Myers in Week 2 was a nail-biter that showcased the team's ability to perform under pressure. #RiverdaleRaiders #SouthFortMyers"
Best Performances of 2024
Shawn Simeon, Nino Joseph, Ty Collins, Cole Hayes
- "These standout players dominated the field with multiple 300-yard rushing games, highlighting their exceptional skill and endurance. #SWFLFootball #BestPerformances"
- Shawn Simeon:
- "Naples' Shawn Simeon, a Toledo commit, rushed for 163 yards and four touchdowns against Barron Collier, showcasing his impressive running abilities[3]."
Deshon Jenkins
- "Bishop Verot's Deshon Jenkins delivered key performances against top programs like Cardinal Mooney and Venice, solidifying his position as one of the top players in SWFL. #BishopVerot #DeshonJenkins"
Joey Dube-Garrett
- "Cypress Lake's Joey Dube-Garrett broke the Lee County single-season passing touchdown record with 31 TDs, an achievement that underscores his exceptional quarterback skills. #CypressLake #JoeyDubeGarrett"
Best Coaching Performances of 2024
Rick Martin, Naples Golden Eagles
- "Coach Rick Martin led the Naples Golden Eagles to the Final Four for the first time in his five-year tenure, a testament to his leadership and coaching prowess. #NaplesGoldenEagles #RickMartin"
Kendoll Gibson, Riverdale Raiders
- "Coach Kendoll Gibson achieved the largest single-season turnaround in Lee County history with the Riverdale Raiders, a remarkable feat that highlights his coaching abilities. #RiverdaleRaiders #KendollGibson"
Joey Mendes, Cypress Lake Panthers
- "Coach Joey Mendes turned the season around for Cypress Lake, leading the team to six wins after a tough start, including road playoff victories. His strategic coaching was instrumental in their success. #CypressLake #JoeyMendes"
This summary captures the essence of the 2024 Southwest Florida high school football season, highlighting the top teams, games, performances, and coaching achievements. It is designed to be engaging, SEO-oriented, and highly professional, making it perfect for publication on WordPress and social media platforms.
