Island Coast's offense lines up to run a play against Evangelical Christian Friday night on the Gators' turf. CJ HADDAD

The Gators (1-1) picked up its first victory of the young season at home, pitching a shutout where the defense was stout, and the offensive line opened many lanes for Leaphart, who also created plenty of opportunity on his own.

Island Coast opened the scoring with just over 4 minutes to play in the first quarter, as they took over at midfield after an Evangelical Christian (1-1) punt.

On the first play of the drive, Leaphart broke off a 40-yard run down to the ECHS 10, and two snaps later following a penalty, took a run up the middle, juking Sentinel defenders, and scored from 17 yards out.

After forcing a Sentinel punt, Island Coast took over at its own 10-yard line, wasting little time moving into opponent territory. A pair of huge passing plays from the arm of Dominic Rosado brought them down to the ECHS 7, where, you guessed it, Leaphart fought his was through the line and fell into the end zone, giving the Gators a 14-0 lead heading into the half.

Island Coast senior running back Gervaris Leaphart (4) breaks into the clear against Evangelical Christian Friday night. Leaphart scored four touchdowns on the night, including on on a 95-yard run. CJ HADDAD

“It feels good after last week,” said Island Coast head coach Tyran Jones of his team’s performance. “It was a big adjustment. It showed us what talent looks like.”

Early in the third quarter, the Gators were backed up on their own 5 yard line following a penalty, and that’s when history happened.

Leaphart took a hand-off up the middle, broke a tackle and cut to the outside where he turned on the jets. He then cut back into the middle of the field, and weaved his run path to keep defenders just out of reach, finishing the play in the end zone.

“All thanks to God,” Leaphart said. “He blessed me with the talents that I have. And I put in the work.

“It means a lot to me (to have the record), because that was my uncle’s record, and now I have something to brag to him about. I saw the linebacker come down and had to break his tackle. After that, I knew I was going to be gone.”

Of his standout senior, Jones said, “I said this before, I think he’s the best back in Southwest Florida. I think because he plays for us, he gets a little bit overshadowed. But as you see, you know he’s serious.”

With just over 2 minutes to play in the third, Leaphart scored his fourth touchdown of the game, this time a 3-yard run where he kept his legs driving and dove outstretched across the line.

“It feels great to show everyone that we belong here, and that we’re back. We changed the program around,” Leaphart said.

As for the Gators defense, pitching a shutout any given week is not easy feat. The Island Coast unit forced four turnovers, and allowed just 110 yards of offense.

“We wanted to fly around. That’s what we preached this week,” Jones said. “We ran. We ran. We ran. Conditioning was an issue (last week). The biggest thing tonight was to make sure we ran around, every quarter.”

He also praised the job done by his offensive and defensive lines.

“Assign the line,” Jones said. “That’s what we preach over and over. We want to be the first ones off the ball at all times.”

Next week, Island Coast takes on Dunbar (1-0) at home.

As for how his team can keep the momentum going?

“Don’t get comfortable. Don’t ever get comfortable. That’s all it is,” Jones said.

1 2 3 4 F

ECHS 0 0 0 0 — 00

ISLAND COAST 7 7 13 0 — 27

1st Quarter

IC: Gervaris Leaphart, 17-yard run (Xavier Jackson kick); 4:36

2nd Quarter

IC: Leaphart, 7-yard run (Jackson kick); 4:18

3rd Quarter

IC: Leaphart, 95-yard run (Jackson kick); 8:30

IC: Leaphart, 3-yard run (kick failed); 2:11