For the 12th time in school history and the first since 2018, Naples football played in the state semifinals on Friday night. The Golden Eagles took a trip up to Orlando to take on undefeated and second-seeded Jones.
Jones scored on the opening play of the game, but Naples answered right back with a Shawn Simeon touchdown. The Golden Eagles took at 7-6 lead into halftime.
After the break, the Fightin' Tigers turned it on. They scored back to back touchdowns and shut down the usual high flying Golden Eagles offense. Jones held Naples scoreless in the final two quarters to secure an 18-7 win.
“Hats off to Jones, they're a great football team," Naples head coach Rick Martin said. "But we belong and I think that was a big thing. Our kids will have some perspective on it later on. I was really really proud of them.
"They reset the standard here," Martin continued. "They made these juniors, sophomores and young freshmen know that this is what Naples High School Football is about. I’m indebted to them for that. This is such a big deal. I refuse to be upset. I’m so thankful to be where I’m at right now.”
With the loss, Naples ends the season at 11-3.