The regular season for high school football in Southwest Florida has come to an end — 11 weeks are in the books! The final week of the regular season was full of games that would determine the postseason. Barron Collier quarterback Niko Boyce helped his squad pick up a final regular season W and is named the ABC 7 Player of the Week.

“I worked really hard for the things that I earn and for the games that I play,” said Boyce. “We all do it together, and I have a lot of guys who push me, and I push those guys as well. So it means a lot to me.”

The Cougars battled Gulf Coast in the annual Catfish Bowl, and Barron Collier was really wanting the trophy back in their locker room.

“Since I’ve been in high school, we haven’t won it,” added Boyce. “It’s just great to be a part of this, like that kind of history, and bring it back to Barron Collier.”

They did just that! A 28-21 final booster BC to finish the regular season with an 8-2 record. Boyce played a big part in it, racking up 314 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, and was also the leading rusher with 102 yards on the ground and another score.

“He’s a leader,” said Barron Coller head coach Mark Jackson. “He’s tough. And like I said, it starts with all the hard work he’s put in.”

But just as the whole team claims the Catfish trophy, Niko and Jackson say it’s the same thing with the Player of the Week award.

“You know what, it’s not an individual award to me,” said Jackson. “It’s a team award. He can’t do anything by himself. He needed the offensive line; he needed his receivers. But he’s been putting in week after week of great performances. I’m proud of the whole team.”

The Cougars received an at-large bid for the postseason and will face Port Charlotte in the first round this week.

“I’m pretty excited, and I think we’re ready to go,” said Boyce. “Then we get it going. Start working really hard and just get prepared for Friday.”