Cape football fades in second half, losing to St. Georges 28-18
Cape lost 28-18 to the St. Georges Hawks at home on Senior Night Nov. 4. The game was tied at 13-13 at the half. The previous week, Cape was tied at halftime against Appoquinimink, only to lose 21-14. The Vikings will play at powerhouse Smyrna Friday, Nov. 11.
“The last two weeks were tough losses for the program,” said coach Mike Frederick. “The players gave us all they had. Both games were tied at half, and we felt good as a staff about our chances to win those games at home. Unfortunately in both instances, we got worn down physically and mentally.”
Cape’s three scores came on a breakaway, a broken play and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Maurki James, a moving target for defenses, slipped through the line in the first quarter and raced to the end zone. St Georges was leading at the time 7-0 after a long run by quarterback Donovan Brooks.
Cape went unbalanced on the two-point conversion, throwing back the weak side to Thomas Gibbs on a tackle-eligible play, and although Gibby caught the ball, his progress after catch was zero. Cape trailed 7-6.
Late in the second quarter, trailing 13-6, a busted play was salvaged when quarterback Joe Coveleski found Lucas Stevenson along the left sideline. The speedy wide receiver hugged the sideline and turned it into a 50-yard touchdown.
The disjointed game was tied at the half 13-13.
L.T. Messick returned a fumble for a touchdown for Cape’s only score of the second half.
“The staff is already discussing ways to help these student-athletes have more left to give in the future. This includes how we attack the off-season and close the gap between our starters’ abilities and their backups,” Frederick said. “Again, they have given their teammates, school and community everything they have to give. There are no excuses and no regrets. I was surprised we struggled to move the ball on offense in the second half against St. Georges. All credit to them and their coaches. Messick’s TD return on the [Ryan] Betins’ caused fumble cut it to 21-19 with eight minutes to play in the fourth, but we didn’t have enough left in the tank. That ultimately is my job, to figure out how to make sure we do have enough. It is really our next hurdle.”
Frederick looked on with enthusiasm to close out the season with a game at 8-1 Smyrna Nov. 11, and then the likelihood of facing the Eagles again the following week in the Tier 3 playoffs.
“The players are vested,” Frederick said. “They are doing all we are asking. Now we must help them continue to close the gap. As for Smyrna, they are extremely talented and well coached. They stress you in all areas. Our coaches and players are committed to finishing the season as strong as we began. Their heads are held high, and they should be. We will hold nothing back and let our kids play free and fast.”
