Dunbar-North Fort Myers postponed by lightning, rescheduled for Saturday

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dunbar and North Fort Myers will have to wait one more night to settle their Week 2 matchup after lightning and heavy rain forced officials to postpone Friday night’s game.

The Tigers and Red Knights, both 1-0 entering the night, are now scheduled to play Saturday at 9 a.m. at North Fort Myers High School.

Lightning delays affected high school football games across Lee County on Friday, repeatedly pushing back kickoff as players remained under shelter and bands tried to stay dry.

Dunbar entered the matchup with plenty of momentum after a 70-0 win over Cypress Lake in Week 1.

Despite the lengthy delay, Dunbar running back Eddie Gore said the Tigers were ready to play whenever they were given the opportunity.

“We're ready to get out there on the field and dominate as a tiger,” Gore said. “Tiger’s still gonna be tigers no matter what.”

Dunbar wide receiver J’Zaya Brown said the weather did little to change the Tigers’ mindset.

“The vibe was still the same,” Brown said. “Just like when we got here before the rains started, we still have the same goal. We’re gonna go out there and play ball.”

Brown added that the team was prepared to play through whatever conditions came its way.

“It doesn’t matter,” Brown said. “Rain, storm or shine, baby we ready to play.”

After officials ultimately postponed the game, North Fort Myers head coach Ira Riggins said his players were disappointed but would turn their attention toward Saturday morning.

“The kids are really disappointed,” Riggins said. “They were looking forward to play tonight, but they have that opportunity tomorrow at 9 o’clock.”

North Fort Myers is also trying to snap a long drought against Dunbar. The Red Knights have not beaten the Tigers since 2018.

Riggins said his team viewed the matchup as an opportunity to reestablish itself among Southwest Florida’s top programs.

“We talked about all week about reclaiming our name, reclaiming our stake in Southwest Florida, and we thought this would be a game that helps us put our name back on the map here,” Riggins said.

“We’re always looking to get a win against one of the best teams in the area,” he added. “But our kids were ready for the challenge.”