Relying on tough defense and a quick-strike offense, the Island Coast Gators defeated the North Fort Myers Red Knights 54-7 Friday night.

In the first District 6A-11 action for both teams, the Gators established themselves as early favorites to win this newly aligned district.

Two early mistakes cost the Red Knights dearly. After recovering an Island Coast fumble deep on the Gators’ 33, the Knights moved the ball to the 26. Instead of hitting one of his receivers, North QB Brandon Makar hit the Gators’ Trey Boyd, who ran it back 80 yards for the first score.

On the very next series, Makar was picked off again, this time by T.J. Johnson, who ran it in for a touchdown.

Just like that, the Knights were down 13-0. They did not give up hope. In fact, they scored the first touchdown by a Southwest Florida opponent against Island Coast. On a nice six-play drive, the Knights gained 57 yards, the last seven by Johnny Garrow for the TD.

The second quarter turned into the Mario Pender show. The Gators senior, who has committed to Florida State, ran for four touchdowns in the quarter – 13, 71, 5, and 41 yards, respectively.

The backbreaker for the Red Knights was the fourth one. Island Coast had just intercepted the third North pass. After the pick, North was flagged with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Gators had time for only one play from the 41 before the end of the half.

As is their usual offensive set, Pender lined up alone behind the quarterback. He received the pitch and weaved his way through defenders and outran them into the end zone.

The Gators dominated both sides of the ball. On offense, they gained 431 yards to 104 yards for North. The speed at which the Gators score is amazing. Three different times it took just two plays to score.

“North is a physical team,” said Island Coast coach Joe Bowen. “I was pleased with our defense tonight. All in all, our defense hasn’t been getting credit so far this year. And our offensive line has been doing great things for our running backs.

“Even with this win, we need to cut down on our mistakes. We had way too many penalties out there tonight.” Bowen added.

North sustained several injuries during the game, the most notable to runningback Terrell Neal, who left in the second quarter. Early reports were he suffered a high ankle sprain.

North coach Barry Goettemoeller noted that several players had to shift to different positions because of the injuries.

“We really didn’t have any wide receivers in the second half because they were playing elsewhere.” he said. “I am proud of the way they hung in there. I’m proud of the leadership of my seniors in the second half.”

Next week North hosts South Fort Myers while Island Coast travels to Ida Baker.

North FM 7 0 0 0 – 7

Island Coast 13 27 14 0 – 54

First Quarter

IC – Trey Boyd 80 interception return (Kevin Vigne kick)

IC – T.J. Johnson 57 interception return (kick failed)

NFM – Johnny Garrow 7 run (Conner Black kick)

Second Quarter

IC – Mario Pender 13 run (Vigne kick)

IC – Pender 71 run (Vigne kick)

IC – Pender 5 run (pass failed)

IC – Pender 41 run (Sean Gartlan kick)

Third Quarter

IC – Mike Dumas 72 run (Vigne kick)

IC – Nick Ghigliotty 51 pass from Dumas (Gartlan kick).