Both the North Fort Myers Red Knights and Lehigh Lightning were more than ready to do a little spring cleaning in their spring football scrimmage Friday night at Moody Field.

Both teams were looking to scrub away the residue left from their dismal 2007 seasons. North was 2-8 last season while Lehigh fared no better at 1-9.

The Red Knights not only were without starting senior quarterback Bo Billman, but also without former coach James Iandoli, who retired at the end of last season.

Barry Goettemoeller replaced Iandoli in March and wanted to lead North to its first victory, but Lehigh ruined his ideal beginning by defeating the Red Knights 24-14.

“We could have used a couple more weeks of practice,” said Goettemoeller. “We have done a lot of changes of x’s and o’s and that takes some time to put things together.”

The first quarter featured mostly junior varsity players for both schools. When varsity players took over in the second quarter there was no score.

North’s new era without Iandoli got off to a shaky start. Mike Nelson, auditioning for the starting quarterback spot, fumbled the ball on North’s 15-yard line. On the next play, Lehigh’s Otis Jiles ran in for the first score.

That was the first of North’s four turnovers, but it was expected with a new coach, quarterback, and offensive system.

“We’ve been together for a month,” Goettemoeller said. “We put together a whole new offense, defense, and coaching staff. That’s hard.

“No excuses at all, but the most important thing for our guys is to play the game the right way.”

The new shotgun offense employed by the Red Knights was not successful. North’s four turnovers translated into 18 Lehigh points and a 12-0 halftime deficit.

An interception by the Lightning’s Alvin Barnes was the second North turnover. Jiles and Hogan brought Lehigh down the field with carry after carry, but A.J. Barefield recorded the touchdown.

In the second half, North seemed a lot more composed and in sync with the new system.

“I just told our guys I’m really proud of how they played in the second half,” said Goettemoeller. “It was a big difference in how we played the game with emotion in the second half. We didn’t play with any in the first half.”

With 25 seconds left in the third quarter, North finally made the end zone on a 43-yard run by Tre’ Boston, who diminished Lehigh’s lead to 18-7.

Jose Feliciano, the other candidate for starting QB, played the fourth quarter. He quickly connected with Boston, who ran the ball in for his second touchdown of the night. North, however, could not recover from their costly turnovers.

Goettemoeller has the entire summer to get acquainted with his new squad, and he is determined for a much better showing in the fall.