The Naples Golden Eagles are taking a road trip to challenge the Port Charlotte Pirates at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Naples gave up the first points on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They took down Lely 38-24.
Alijah Molina
| 10/17/25 @ Lely | 2 |
| 08/29/25 @ Barron Collier | 4 |
Alijah Molina was nothing short of spectacular: he rushed for 102 yards and a pair of scores, and also threw for 56 yards and one TD. What's more, he posted two rushing touchdowns, the most he's had since back in August. Jamar Jerome was in the mix too, providing Naples with two touchdowns.
Naples didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Lely to a completion percentage of just 44.7%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from three players: Andres DiGrigoli, Eli Chery, and Jonathan Eugene, who each logged one passes deflected. Sadly, that's becoming something of a trend for Naples; they were averaging 62.5%completion percentage earlier this season, but in their last three games they've fallen to only 62.5%.
Meanwhile, Port Charlotte came tearing into Friday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12 points), and they left with even more momentum. They breezed past the Fightin' Tarpons to the tune of 35-7. The Pirates might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by 28 points or more this season.
Naples better keep an eye on Logan Flaherty. He was instrumental in Port Charlotte's win, rushing for 74 yards and two TDs, while also throwing for 145 yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Port Charlotte's defense and their three sacks. The team can thank two different players for their defensive prowess: Kadyn Palmer and Bruce Blanden, who each picked up one sack apiece. Blanden got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Naples' record is now 6-2-1. As for Port Charlotte, their record now sits at 7-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Naples has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 236.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Port Charlotte struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 169.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Naples was able to grind out a solid win over Port Charlotte in their previous meeting back in November of 2024, winning 17-10. Will the Golden Eagles repeat their success, or do the Pirates have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
