Cape unified flag football tops Highlanders 47-23

Cape unified flag football is in top form heading into Senior Night after beating McKean 47-23 Oct. 26. The victory was the team’s third in a row. The Vikings have averaged 50 points during the streak.

“Four years ago, we were begging people to be out here, and now we have 40 kids,” said coach Andrew Messick.

Messick said some of his 12 seniors have been on the team all four years, while others may only have one year of experience. He believes the team's growth signals the commitment members have to the community and the positive impact the team’s success can bring.

“It’s great to see everybody working together for one common goal, which is not so much winning as it is putting a smile on everybody’s face. That’s all that matters,” Messick said.

Against the McKean Highlanders, however, the Vikings grabbed victory early and held tight. Cape senior Tony Palmer set the tone right away on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. Palmer is not only lightning fast with the ball, he is also as tenacious as fellow senior Connor Pencek rushing the passer.

“The first thing I do to train is get the right mindset. It's always good to have a great mindset. My team helps me with my mindset and gets me motivated,” Palmer said.

In addition to disrupting the McKean passing game, Palmer raced into the end zone four times during the contest. All of his runs were from at least 15 yards out, and the senior was able to get to the outside edge before going into second gear and blistering down the sideline.

“I don’t think it's about me, though. Honestly, it’s the entire team and they support me. Whenever I go out there and I score, I do it for my team. I don’t do it for me,” Palmer said.

In addition to Palmer’s four scores, Pencek crossed the goal line twice and senior Garrett Thawley added another score to give the high-powered offense its 47 points. 

Cape will honor its 12 seniors for Senior Night before its 4 p.m. tilt Wednesday, Nov. 1, against Middletown. Messick said the ceremony will begin around 3:30 p.m. He encouraged friends and families to be in the bleachers by that time. 

“It’s about making better citizens of everybody so what we are doing on the field, we hope it carries over in life, in the lunchroom, and in school,” Messick said.

The Middletown clash is the last home game of the season for unified, and they’ll conclude the regular season Thursday, Nov. 9, at Appoquinimink.