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Naples smothers the Trojans for an easy 38-0 win in the Coconut Bowl
The Golden Eagles continued their dominance in this annual showdown by winning for the 11th time in the past 13 meetings - 5 by shutout. The Dollar Defense turned in one their best performances of the year, setting up the offense to hammer the Trojans into submission. While allowing only 44 total yards, Naples was able to control the clock, win the battle of field position and earn their third consecutive shutout.
The game started off slowly as both teams punted after 3 plays. The Naples punt would have been a disaster, if not for the quick thinking and athleticism of TK Okubo. The snap was too high for TK to cleanly grab, as he could only deflect it forward, right into the path of the oncoming Lely defenders. With just a split second to react, most experienced punters would fall on the ball and taken the loss. It was near midfield, but it could have given Lely the field position they needed to strike early. Other punters may have panicked and tried to pick up the ball and kick it. No time for that, as he would have been tackled or possibly had the kick blocked. Another option most of never thought of or were capable of doing was to turn into the ball and with one swift boot, launch it downfield. Okubo knew he could do it and delivered, although he was drilled in the process. As he got up off the ground, the ball continued to roll downfield, meanwhile disbelief captured the heart and soul of the Lely defenders.
The first quarter ended in a scoreless tie, but Naples was driving, thanks to runs by Manny Morgan and quarterback Billy Crook. Crook finished the drive with a 20 yard TD pass to a wide open Jeff Zieminski and Okubo added the PAT. The defense held Lely to 5 total yards on their next two series, both resulting in punts. Back on offense, Crook mixed up runs by Morgan and Steven Williams with a couple of short passes to Malacchi Esdale. Crook then kept the ball himself and worked through the defenders for a big 44 yard gain. Ike Dutes then ran into the end zone untouched for an easy score. The Trojans take to the air on their next possession where Eagle Defensive Back Isaac Lyle was lurking. He intercepts the pass and his 'pick six" pushes the lead to 28-0. The halftime show featured a tribute to our brave servicemen & women who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Trojans had to feel a like they had been ambushed as well.
The Golden Eagles received the second half kickoff and wasted little time in scoring again. Crook ran the ball twice, the second a serpentine effort that picked up 28 yards. With the defense now focused on Billy's legs, he used his arm to toss a flare to Morgan in the backfield. Manny powered his way through the Lely defenders including a well placed stiff arm on his way to a 46 yard score. Okubo was again perfect on the PAT and the running clock began, just 54 seconds after the start of the 2nd half. The Dollar Defense was impenetrable and Okubo added a field goal to close out the scoring. The 38-0 win secured the Coconut Bowl trophy, which will be proudly displayed at Naples High for the next 12 months, perhaps even longer.
Up next, a road trip to Venice High School. Venice will be a real test of the readiness of the Golden Eagles as they prepare for a first round playoff game against South Fort Myers
Andy Chery, Patrick Goodall, and Brian Donnelly harrassed the Lely QB all night long leading the Golden Eagles to another Coconut Bowl win. Photo courtesy of the Naples Daily News
