For two teams that struggled to get into the end zone all night, it was fitting that the game’s pivotal play occurred a few feet from the goal line.

A potential game-tying drive by Estero was halted at the 2-yard line with 77 seconds left in the fourth quarter when North Fort Myers linebacker Arthur Green pounced on a turnover that he caused.

The Red Knights, who clung to a slim lead for most of the game, emerged from Estero’s homecoming with a 16-8 non-district victory Friday night.

“What a great battle on both sides of the ball. Both teams fought hard,” said Red Knights coach Barry Goettemoeller. “I’m proud of our players’ resolve to find a way to get it done at the end on the road.”

North’s Zane LaPaugh caught nine passes for 91 yards to snap Estero’s three-game winning streak and doused the spirits of a lively Wildcats crowd.

Red Knights quarterback Chase Wildman (13-of-21, 136 yards) completed a 40-yard fleaflicker in the final quarter that led to three points and helped eat up crucial time.

Estero wasn’t as sharp as it had been in recent weeks. The Wildcats (3-2) committed four turnovers.

“We beat ourselves,” said Estero coach Rich Dombroski. “I’m not taking anything from North. Coach Goettemoeller does a great job with his kids. They’re well-coached. They play hard. We beat ourselves tonight. Our offense is not focused. They’re making too many mistakes. The defense is giving up third-and-30 and that can’t happen.”

Due to long drives by North, Estero only had two possessions in the second half.

After the third field goal of the game by Evan Sargent gave North an eight-point cushion, Estero responded behind Josh Copeland.

Estero’s final drive was ignited when Copeland returned a kickoff 42 yards. With Christian Phillips in for his first series at quarterback, Copeland picked up 39 more yards on two rushes. On second-and-goal at the 2-yard line, Copeland (10 carries, 78 yards) tried to plow into the end zone after initially getting stopped. That’s when Green stripped the ball and took a seat.

“I actually kind of sat on it. The ball was under me and then I got it,” Green said.

North broke through first when Rod Forvil knocked the ball loose from Estero quarterback Ryan Sides on a scramble. Linebacker Joey Agnello scooped it up and raced 54 yards for a touchdown.

A field goal by Sargent and an Estero safety when a bad snap rolled out of the end zone were the only points in the second quarter.

The Red Knights (3-2) go up against District 3A-11 juggernaut South Fort Myers (4-0) next Friday.