Next week’s District 4A-11 baseball tournament boils down to one simple question.

Can anyone spoil the championship run for the top-seeded Estero Wildcats (21-2, 9-0 district)?

Several opposing coaches think it is possible.

Cypress Lake knocked the Wildcats out in the semifinal round last year.

Who’s turn is it this year?

The Wildcats’ first test is Tuesday night in the quarterfinals against either Lemon Bay or South Fort Myers.

“I definitely see some spoilers in the district,” said Cape Coral coach Mike Gorton. “Estero simply played the most consistent all year.”

Gorton’s Seahawks (11-11) were locked in a close game when the Wildcats erupted for nine runs over the last three innings to win 14-2.

“From two to seven (seeds) I think anybody can surprise anybody,” said Baker coach Ryan Jackson. “They (Wildcats) are 21-2 for a reason. Of course, the goal is you want to beat the No. 1 seed.”

Jackson’s Bulldogs built a 4-0 lead and seemed headed to an upset win when the Wildcats scored four runs in back-to-back late innings to escape with an 8-4 win.

“Our goal is to continue to hit the ball very well and pitch very well,” said Jackson. “We are getting hot at the right time with five wins in a row. Our boys are excited about the tournament. The key for us will be to put the ball in play.”

The Bulldogs (14-9) go into their first game, a quarterfinal match against Riverdale on Tuesday, well rested. They started their last two games this week, but both ended up canceled by rain in the early innings, giving them eight days between their last full game and the district quarterfinals.

“Estero’s one-two pitchers are very good,” said Jackson. “We will throw (Sean) Brady against Riverdale because we have to and if we get to the next game (Branden) Gutierrez. Our two best guys are ready to go with a week’s rest.”

The Bulldogs’ pitching has been nothing short of outstanding all season, even in defeats. Their worst losses all season were by five runs (once) and four runs (twice).

The Bulldogs likely will run into the Wildcats in Wednesday’s semifinals.

Mariner is in the opposite bracket and would not see the Wildcats until the championship game, assuming they get past the likes of Cape Coral and Fort Myers first. The Tritons (18-7) dropped a 6-3 decision to the Wildcats early in the season.

“You are dealing with high school kids, so anything can happen,” said Tritons coach Steve Larsen. “Estero certainly has the ability. We still have not gained consistency. We haven’t had it all year, so I’m not extremely confident. I know we can, but I have not seen it.”

Cypress Lake, Baker and Fort Myers all are capable of the breakout performance that could deny the Wildcats a championship. The Wildcats were kept out of the regional playoffs last year for just the second time in 10 seasons.

The tournament gets under way at 7 p.m. Monday at Terry Park when Cape Coral takes on North Fort Myers and Lemon Bay faces South Fort Myers.

The Seahawks (11-10) open postseason play with a severe handicap. They lost junior pitcher Derek Pandolfi for the second time this season to a chronic elbow problem.

“Having to play an extra game one pitcher down is a challenge,” said Gorton. “We can’t take North lightly. They got their first win last week, they’re a young team and can spoil someone’s season real quick. The challenge as a coach is who to pitch – go strong or gamble because it is one-and-done time.”

The Seahawks beat North three times this season by wide margins, the closest being 7-3.

“We have to cut down on our mental errors on defense,” said Gorton. “Innings are killing us in the last few games. We are not driving in runners in scoring position. You get a guy on second base with no outs or one out, you should be able to produce a run somehow.”

Mariner (17-7) awaits the winner in Tuesday’s quarterfinals.

“Mariner presents a difficult task for us,” said Gorton, “trying to manage the North game and maybe not having the pitcher on the mound you want to against them.”

In the other quarterfinal games Tuesday, Baker meets Riverdale and Fort Myers takes on Cypress Lake.

The semifinals are Wednesday night with the championship game set for Friday night.

In District 3A-12, hosted by top-seeded Bishop Verot, the Island Coast Gators (19-5) open against LaBelle at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the semifinal round.

“Game one is important to get to the regionals and Friday’s championship,” said Gators coach Clinton Montgomery. “We are going to lay it all out there because (LaBelle) is not an easy match to open with. We will start Tanner (Renegar) against LaBelle and anyone else we have to.”

Gateway Charter and Dunbar collide in the opening game at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The winner goes against Verot in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The championship game is Friday night.