Lely Loses in Shootout

With a 32-13 halftime lead Lely High School fans were probably speculating whether the visiting Trojans might score 60 points for the third time in four games. Or whether a running clock in the second half was a mere formality. Instead, by the end of the game, both fanbases were collectively catching their breath after watching Gulf Coast turn the tables on Lely, scoring 37 second-half points and holding on to upend the Trojans 50-46. 

The loss overshadows a pair of outstanding performances by Lely’s Nino Joseph and Carter Quinn. 

Joseph, only a sophomore, scored five touchdowns for the third time in four games this season (including the preseason game against Palmetto Ridge) and gained 242 yards rushing. Quarterback Quinn threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 46 yards and a touchdown, and did the punting for the Trojans. 

But in some ways, Friday’s loss seemed more about the Trojans who were missing from action. 

Defensive leaders Noah Brown and Ivan Cisneros were both lost early in the game with suspected ankle and knee injuries. Offensively the Trojans were missing playmakers Gage Rice and Ty Collins. Coach Hammer is not sure of the status of his players. 

“I’m not sure on the injuries,” Hammer said, “Ty Collins is a district-level decision.” 

Collins, who moved over from Naples High, apparently has an eligibility issue that kept him sidelined this week. He has been an outstanding performer for the Trojans early this season, filling many of the same roles as Rice, who is hoping to return soon from a hip injury. 

Gulf Coast seemed to change the momentum of the game when they stopped the Trojans on fourth down on their own 20-yard line early in the second half. Gulf Coast scored on the next play and played inspired football from that point forward. The Sharks scored with 10:17 to close the gap to 32-21, then scored again with 10:04 left to make it 32-29. With 7:10 left in the third quarter the Sharks scored again, completely turning the tables on the shellshocked Trojans, in taking a 36-32 lead. 

The Trojans fought back, actually taking the lead at 46-43 with 2:35 left in the third quarter, but could not put away the resilient Sharks. 

Lely head coach Ben Hammer did not have a lot to say following the game. 

“We shot ourselves in the foot a lot,” Hammer said. “We've got to keep working to get better. We’re a young team.” 

The Trojans (1-2) have a bye week before hosting state power Gulliver Prep (0-3) on Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM.  Hammer looks to see steady improvement from his squad. 

"Same as always - we're going to work to get one percent better,” said Hammer. “Do our jobs and continue to work. That's the only thing we know how to do."