MIA Runs into Buzzsaw at Community School

Photos by Scott H. Shook | Kyler Howard had plenty of pursuers all night.

Matt Vergo has a lot of open space ahead of him on this long pass play.

Marco Island Academy’s 15-man roster ran into a well-oiled machine Friday night when it lost a 49-0 road game to undefeated Community School of Naples. 

“I’m disappointed,” said MIA Head Coach Steven Kaplan. “But Community School is a great team. Well-coached, well-disciplined, great players. We had to play a lot of freshmen. Some of them haven’t played football ever before. So, it was good for them; getting in there, not being so afraid, sticking their nose in there and realizing what it takes to play high school football.” 

As if the Rays were not already at a disadvantage with their small roster, one of their top big men has been sidelined. Two more starters went down during the game. 

“Nick Baker… that’s a huge loss, on the offensive line and at nose tackle,” Kaplan remarked. “We lost two of our starters during the game. With a team of 15 players, we don’t have anybody after them. That’s how it goes. The kids played tough. They play iron man football. They go both ways. Special teams, everything. There’s no breaks.” 

The Rays offense goes through Senior Quarterback Kyler Howard who either passes or runs the ball on every play.  

“Kyler Howard is a fantastic player, kid, young man,” Kaplan said. “He’s very impressive, calls his offense. He’s got a high football IQ. I can’t say enough about him.” 

Kaplan also praised the Morales brothers. “I can’t say enough about Peter and Troy Morales in this game. The two brothers played lights-out—left everything out on the field. We’re lucky to have them all. 

“Matt Vergo is very talented offensively and defensively. He’s got speed. He’s able to make plays. He’s great.” 

CSN is 4-0 and looking strong going into the second half of their season. 

CSN Coach Paul Selvidio was respectable to the Marco players as he said, “I give credit to Marco. They played hard. They never gave up. They didn’t give in.” 

MIA falls to 0-3 on the season. Next Friday, they play their only home game of the season when they host Southwest Florida Christian in the homecoming/senior night game. 

“We have eight seniors on a team of 15,” Kaplan said. “So, it will be a big night for them. I think it’s all in one, homecoming and senior night.” 

Diminutive Ever Davis never backs down from contact for the MIA Rays.