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By now, it’s no secret that even with multiple weapons at Bill Kramer’s disposal, the Naples High offense is steadied by one player: Carlos Hyde.

Ohio State figured that out, and after this season the running back will join the Buckeyes backfield. Last week against Cape Coral, the Seahawks knew it too, but they couldn’t do anything about it.

Hyde rumbled for 167 yards, and though he didn’t log a touchdown in the dramatic 36-35 win, he punched in the game-winning two-point conversion with no time left.

While any number of running backs in the area would have loved to finish a game with that stat line, for all of Hyde’s talent, his night was exemplary of the role he plays with the team: Chew up yards, let his teammates help him, and give credit where credit is due.

“The goals I have for this season are to rush for over 1,000 yards and win another state championship,” Hyde said. “But I can’t do it without my offensive line; they do a great job blocking for me.”

His trust in his offensive front, and the combination of a backfield that also has running back Greg Pratt and quarterback Juno Prudhomm certainly helps. Despite so many playmakers in one backfield, Hyde has no problems keeping his production high, something his head coach attributes to his high football IQ.

“Carlos and Greg can both run, catch and block, and they will tell you that Juno and the other players around them make them better,” Kramer said. “Carlos has a lot of football savvy and understands our offense, and understands opponent’s defenses, and it’s great to have a conversation with him about those things during a game.”

Not that he has much time to chat on the sidelines.

Against Cape Coral, he carried the ball 21 times, and Kramer stayed true to feeding Hyde the ball even after the Seahawks scored 21 straight points in the third quarter to take and take a 21-14 lead.

Naples managed to sneak its way back into the game on a Prudhomm touchdown pass, but when the game was on the line, and Kramer could have kicked an extra point to tie, he instead showed no hesitation in calling Hyde’s number for the winning two-point conversion.

“He’s a big part of our game plan every week and we try to get him as many touches as we can,” Kramer said. “Against Cape, they hadn’t stop that play all night long, so it was kind of a no-brainer.”

With a simple off-tackle stretch play to the left side, Hyde had worked his way over the goal line and Staver Field — and all of the fans in its bleachers — erupted.

“I wasn’t thinking that we were going to lose,” Hyde said. “When we got the ball back with a minute left, I knew that we were going to make it into the end zone some way, and that’s all I could think about.”

OTHERS CONSIDERED

Erick Montoya, Estero, cross country: Finished second in 16:56 at Saturday’s 24-team Optimist Invitational. His finish was the best among local runners.

Taylor Peliska, St. John Neumann, cross country: Won the 17-team Venice Invitational in a personal best 16:14 on Saturday.

Quin Thornton, Barron Collier, football: Had four first-half touchdowns Friday in a 61-0 victory over Golden Gate. Finished with 168 yards rushing and 59 yards passing.

Sebastian Zuluaga, Gulf Coast, football: Ran 19 times for 103 yards Friday in a 24-14 win over Immokalee. Also caught three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.