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NAPLES — For inspiration in tonight’s game against defending Class 3A champion Naples, the Gulf Coast football team has to look no further than Cape Coral.

Using a fast-paced, no-huddle spread offense, Cape Coral nearly upset the fourth-ranked Golden Eagles in Week 3. The Seahawks held an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter before Naples rallied, scoring a two-point conversion with no time left to win 36-35.

Two weeks later, Gulf Coast (3-0) comes to Staver Field touting a similar offense, hoping to do what the Seahawks couldn’t — something the Sharks have never done. Gulf Coast is 0-10 all-time against Naples.

“Cape Coral uses the same spread, and that was a close game,” Sharks quarterback Jeff Schmidt said. “We have to come out throwing and try to find holes in the secondary.”

Opponents have had success against Naples’ young secondary this season. Two teams have thrown for more than 200 yards against the Eagles (3-1), who give up 183.5 yards a game through the air.

That total was higher before Naples limited Immokalee to 99 yards passing last week. More than half of the Indians’ yards came on two big completions in the first half.

Schmidt is coming off a game in which he threw for 277 yards, three less than the senior’s career best, against East Lee County in a 35-17 victory last week. Against Naples, Cape Coral quarterbacks completed 15 of 24 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns.

With Schmidt’s arm keeping opposing defenses on their heels, Gulf Coast can run the ball, too. The Sharks average 115.7 yards on the ground, led by sophomore Sebastian Zuluaga’s 267 total rushing yards.

“It’s pick your poison with the spread,” Naples coach Bill Kramer said. “They’re trying to get the ball to athletes in space. They do a good job of that. That’s why they’re undefeated.”

While the Eagles and defensive coordinator Sam Dollar try to figure out how to control Gulf Coast, the Sharks will have to contend with Naples’ relentless rushing attack. At 300 yards per game, the Eagles lead the area in rushing offense.

Kramer’s offense seems to be steadily improving. Each week Naples has rushed for more yards than the previous week, culminating in a 341-yard effort against Immokalee. The Eagles average 7.8 yards per carry.

“As a team, you gain momentum,” Kramer said. “But every new opponent creates new problems.”

Last week, Gulf Coast held East Lee County to 10 yards rushing on 38 carries. The Jaguars’ James Holland and Keandre Smith each averaged more than 100 yards a game, but managed a combined 25 yards against the Sharks.

Gulf Coast’s defense has given up some yards this year (407 against Immokalee), but has held all three opponents to fewer than 20 points.

“We’re confident our defense can get the job done on the ground,” Schmidt said.

Kramer was a bit more cautious in his assessment.

“I don’t know if you can stop the spread,” the Naples coach said. “We’re going to do our best to contain it.”