Seahawks knocked out 35-14
VENICE — Cape Coral High struck early once again in a Region 5A-3 quarterfinals playoff game Friday night against the Venice Indians.
Unlike last season when the host Indians fell behind and were unable to recover, this time they had the answer, mainly in the form of 6-foot-3 junior quarterback Trey Burton.
The University of Florida recruit scored five rushing touchdowns and guided undefeated Venice to a 35-14 victory over the Seahawks.
“Our kids fought hard,” Cape coach Mike Goebbel said, “but sometimes you just have to say you were outmatched and I’d say tonight we were outmatched.”
The Seahawks (7-4), who made school history this season by making the playoffs in back-to-back years, got off to a spirited start as they did a year ago when they knocked off Venice 27-10.
In that game, quarterback David Pasquale scored on a 42-yard touchdown run on the second offensive play. This time, the Indians (11-0) marched near midfield on their opening possession, but a fumble recovery by Kadeem Russell set the Seahawks up at the Venice 48.
They kept the momentum going as Jaylen Watkins hit Prince Holloway for a 34-yard gain, and Watkins scored on a one-yard run, making it 7-0.
Venice responded quickly driving 80 yards in nine plays. Burton scored his first touchdown on a 15-yard run to tie it.
The Seahawks had an opportunity to take the lead early in the second quarter, but failed to capitalize after an interception by Holloway set them up at the Venice 37.
After that, Venice went on an 18-play, 88-yard drive, which lasted nearly nine minutes. It was a battle seemingly every step of the way.
Burton converted one quarterback keeper on fourth-and-one at the Cape 13, but the Seahawks defense stepped up on several plays inside the 5. Senior Brian Justice stonewalled Burton on first-and-goal at the 1 and Josh Monteagudo made a stop in the backfield before Burton finally scored with 21.6 seconds left in the half, making it 14-7.
“It was close, it was a fight in the first half,” said junior Spencer Boyd, “and then we kind of let it get away from us.”
Given the way the first half ended, the Seahawks desperately needed a strong offensive possession, and points, to start the third quarter. On the first play from scrimmage, though, Watkins lost the handle trying to scramble and the Indians recovered at the Seahawks 24.
Burton capped off the short drive to stretch the lead to 21-7 and they controlled play for the remainder of the third quarter and early fourth, building a 35-7 lead. He finished with 163 yards on 22 carries.
The Seahawks scored once more late in the fourth quarter when Boyd returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.
“We made some mistakes and they killed us,” Justice said. “(Venice) was able to capitalize.”
Justice was one of a large group of seniors for the Seahawks, finishing their high school careers on the field at Powell-Davis Stadium.
He noted the number of big games and playoff games the past few years for the Seahawks made the experience extra special.
“I had a blast for the last four years,” Justice concluded.
Venice 7 7 14 7 — 35
Cape 7 0 0 7 — 14
First Quarter
CC — Jaylen Watkins 1 run (Kenton Beal kick)
V — Trey Burton 15 run (Delahantey kick)
Second Quarter
V — Burton 1 run (Delahantey kick)
Third Quarter
V — Burton 2 run (Delahantey kick)
V — Burton 2 run (Delahantey kick)
Fourth Quarter
V — Burton 2 run (Delahantey kick)
CC — Spencer Boyd 90 kick return (Beal kick).