The Cape Coral Seahawks won each of their first three high school football games this season, against longtime rivals Mariner, Fort Myers and North Fort Myers. The strong start has been enough to keep the Seahawks ranked among the Top 10 teams in the state in Class 4A.

The Seahawks also know they’ve been a bit fortunate. Their explosiveness has allowed them to overcome a whopping 14 turnovers in the first three games.

Clearly, the search for turnover therapy is on the agenda as the Seahawks (3-0) head to Port Charlotte (0-3) Friday night.

“I need to be held accountable,” Seahawks coach Mike Goebbel said. “Last week being a short week, we neglected to approach the turnover problem. I tried to get them ready more mentally than fundamentally. We’ll try to get corrected what we’re doing wrong.”

Turnovers were an issue for several teams in Week 3 and they’ll look to cut down on the mistakes in Week 4, which ushers in the start of district play.

Mariner (0-3) entertains Riverdale (2-1) in a District 3A-11 clash Thursday at Tony McKenna Field. In the same district Friday, North Fort Myers (1-2) travels to Sam Sirianni Field to meet Fort Myers (1-2), and Bishop Verot (2-1) plays at South Fort Myers (3-0).

The Island Coast Gators (1-2) make a road trip to Clewiston (0-3) for their inaugural district game in 2B-6.

Cape and Ida Baker belong to the four-team 4A-12 with Gulf Coast and Palmetto Ridge. Those district games don’t begin until Oct. 9.

Baker (3-0) can post the best start in school history Friday with a win at Lakewood Ranch (2-1)

Cape prevailed 25-20 in a thrilling game at North last Friday. Though the Seahawks had five turnovers, they made some pivotal defensive plays.

Senior Larry Gary Jr. intercepted a pass late in the first half and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, and senior Jaylen Watkins picked off a pass in the closing seconds to seal the win.

Goebbel said he didn’t want the mistakes to overshadow a scrappy performance from his team on the road.

“The other night it was a tribute to our kids,” he said. “We went down a couple times and were able to come back and then hold on. That’s a football game. It wasn’t a blowout. That’s the way games are played between two competitive teams.”

A dilemma the Seahawks face in trying to cut down on the turnovers is doing so without hindering their own big-play potential.

“Basically, it’s a backyard offense,” Goebbel said of the shotgun-spread the Seahawks run. “We try to get people in space and let them run around. Some high-risk plays have been eliminated.”

Riverdale Raiders (2-1) at Mariner Tritons (0-3): Despite some encouraging play from several different players this season, the Tritons have been unable to record a victory.

They’ve faced a difficult schedule, but it doesn’t get any easier as they host Riverdale Thursday. The Raiders went 7-4 and reached the playoffs last year, and figure to be a contender in the new district.

The Tritons fought hard last week, but ultimately were overmatched in a 49-7 loss to state-ranked Charlotte.

Ole Miss recruit Eric Mitchell scored on a 67-yard touchdown run. Senior Mario Perone intercepted a pass, while Michael Swearingen and J.J. Mendoza each forced fumbles.

The Tritons continue to benefit from the play of Colt Masters and Andrew Dukas. They each returned kickoffs for touchdowns in the first two games, and are making plays on defense.

Ida Baker Bulldogs (3-0) at Lakewood Ranch Mustangs (2-1): The Bulldogs’ impressive start has been largely defined by defense, and perhaps more specifically, the way the players on that side of the ball have responded to the philosophies and encouragement from defensive coordinator Dwayne Mack.

Mack’s voice could be heard loud and clear throughout last Friday’s 20-3 win over Island Coast, delivering both constructive criticism and positive reinforcement.

The Bulldogs nearly delivered their third straight shutout, allowing only a field goal near the end of the first half.

“Only giving up three points, I know coach Mack is disappointed about that, because he wanted to keep the streak going,” Baker coach Brian Conn said, “but (the defense) has kept us in these games. If they keep playing like this, swarming to the ball, we’ll have a good shot every week.”

The Bulldogs didn’t put the ball up much as they grinded out the win, but junior Sean Francis was able to throw some nice touch passes over the defense in key spots.

Their nondistrict opponent Friday – Lakewood Ranch – is coming off a 23-20 win over East Lee County.

Island Coast Gators (1-2) at Clewiston Tigers (0-3): Gators coach Joe Bowen came away pleased after last Friday’s loss to Ida Baker, despite the team being held to only three points.

The Gators matched the Bulldogs for four quarters in the trenches, but lost the turnover battle and the Bulldogs took advantage of the short field.

Aaron Lynch, a 6-foot-5 junior, finished with a sack and a fumble recovery, leading a strong effort from the defensive front.

The Gators hope to build off of the positives in this week’s district opener.

“Of course, every coach wants to win every single game,” Bowen said after last Friday’s game, “but our focus is on getting better for districts.”

North Fort Myers Red Knights (1-2) at Fort Myers Green Wave (1-2): Both the Red Knights and arch-rival Green Wave have lost back-to-back games, setting up a pivotal district opener where both teams are looking to gain confidence as well as a leg up in the standings.

North senior Tre Boston returned to the field in last Friday’s loss to Cape Coral and scored two touchdowns. The Knights, again, will look for Boston to be a difference maker whether at receiver or quarterback.

The teams played a nailbiter last season, which the Wave won 18-14.

Bishop Verot Vikings (2-1) at South Fort Myers Wolfpack (3-0): Both teams are out to make an early statement in this new district rivalry.

The host Wolfpack scored in bunches through their first three games, averaging 46 points per game in wins over East Lee County, Estero and Cypress Lake.

They could receive a stiffer test from the Vikings, who limited their last two opponents, Lemon Bay and LaBelle, to six points.

Breeze Area Football Poll

Breeze sports staffers rank area teams each week. Rankings are listed with record through Sept. 18 & last week’s ranking:

Rec. Prev.

1. Cape Coral 3-0 1

2. Dunbar 2-1 2

3. Riverdale 2-1 3

4. South FM 3-0 4

5. Ida Baker 3-0 5

6. North FM 1-2 8

7. Fort Myers 1-2 6

8. Evangelical Christian 2-0 7

9. Bishop Verot 2-1 9

10. Island Coast 1-2 10

11. East Lee County 0-3 11

12. Mariner 0-3 12

13. Cypress Lake 0-3 13

14. Lehigh 0-3 14

15. SWF Christian 2-0 16

16. Estero 1-2 17

17. Gateway Charter 0-3 15