Seahawks downplay hype from recruiting
The success of the Cape Coral High football team in reaching the Class 5A playoffs the past two years has brought added attention.
Several current players also have compiled some impressive highlight videos, which resulted in a whirlwind of recruiting hype even before the Seahawks take the field Thursday night for their spring game against Charlotte at Dave Warkentin Stadium.
Seniors-to-be Jaylen Watkins and Jeremy Davis have given verbal commitments to Florida and Miami, respectively, and during one of the Seahawks’ early practices Notre Dame assistants showed up to take a closer look at Spencer Boyd, who is reported to be high on the Irish’s list.
Third-year Seahawks coach Mike Goebbel said he doesn’t believe his players have a hard time separating the recruiting process from their performance on the field.
“I believe they’re secure about where they are in the process,” Goebbel said, “and they know that nothing is solidified until they sign those papers.”
The Seahawks maintain high expectations for the upcoming fall season and are motivated by the pursuit of their first outright district title since 1993.
Despite their regional playoff success the past two years, the Seahawks were unable to wrestle the district crown away from Fort Myers.
Now they’ll be tested in the new four-team District 4A-12, which includes Ida Baker, Gulf Coast and Palmetto Ridge. Baker was 5-5 last season while Gulf Coast was 7-4 and Palmetto Ridge 1-9.
The Seahawks’ fall slate consists of their traditional rivals, but not exactly in the regular order. The annual Black ‘n Blue Bowl against Mariner kicks off the season on Sept. 4 at Mariner. The Seahawks also host Fort Myers and visit North Fort Myers in their next two games.
They play at Island Coast for the first time on Oct. 16 and host Baker Nov. 6.
The Seahawks’ spring game has turned into a bit of a rivalry with Charlotte. The Tarpons consistently contend for the playoffs, but the Seahawks have gotten the better of their spring meetings, at least early in the game when the more experienced varsity players are on the field.
Goebbel said he doesn’t approach the game from the standpoint of winning or losing.
“Our spring game is to get our guys on the field and judge where we’re at,” he said. “We’ll play everybody in this game. Some coaches may take it as a game, but I use it as an evaluation tool.”
The Seahawks have a strong nucleus of returning performers, but like any year they must replace some key losses.
Watkins showcased his playmaking ability at quarterback last season, splitting time with departing senior Collin Saring, and now gets the job to himself. Goebbel said the talent was obvious last year, but wants to see Watkins become more of a leader.
“There was no doubt about his physical ability, but his leadership held him back last year,” he said. “This year, he is much more confident and the team is following his lead.”
Another emerging leader for the Seahawks is senior Dan Koenig, a highly recruited left tackle prospect. He’s expected to anchor the offensive line, which lost three starters from last season.
Boyd, a running back/safety, and junior Prince Holloway, a receiver/defensive back, remain a big part of the attack along with the newcomer, Davis, who joins the Seahawks after previously attending Fort Myers.
“He’s kind of learning our system and working on it,” Goebbel said of Davis, who brings more speed and athleticism. “He’s definitely a good football player and we’re anxious to see how he’s going to fit in.”