Seahawks spanked by Tarpons 44-0
What happens in a spring football game is not always a sign of things to come, but this much is certain – the Charlotte Tarpons will be a tough team to deal with come fall.
The Tarpons took advantage of a mistake-filled performance by the host Cape Coral Seahawks Thursday night and got three touchdowns from star running back Mike Bellamy in a 44-0 romp.
The matchup pitted two playoff teams from last season, but while the Tarpons resembled the team that reached the Class 5A regional finals, the Seahawks showed how far they have to go before next season.
“The kids are hurting right now,” Seahawks coach Mike Goebbel said. “We have to sit here and take it for three months and deal with it. We’ll see what kind of team we have.”
Though the Seahawks have several key performers back from last year, when they posted a 7-4 record, they’re dealing with significant losses at important positions.
Junior Dan Koenig is the only returning starter on the offensive line to participate in Thursday’s game. The Seahawks also must replace standouts on defense, including cornerback Cameron Hall, linebacker Brian Justice and defensive end Matt Casola.
The Tarpons exploited both those areas, marching 66 yards on eight plays on their opening drive. Bellamy carried five times for 54 yards and scored on a seven-yard run.
On the ensuing possession, Cape quarterback Jaylen Watkins fumbled on a scramble and the Tarpons cashed in on a field goal to make it 10-0.
Watkins continued to try and escape heavy pursuit, but the turnovers began to add up.
The Seahawks’ best drive set them up inside the Charlotte 20, but it ended with an interception by Dee Shine.
Late in the half, Charlotte’s John Hornbake scooped up a fumble and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown.
“I’m surprised we gave up (44 points),” Goebbel said, “but when you put the ball on the ground like we did, you’re not going to win.”
The Seahawks lost senior running back/defensive back Spencer Boyd to a hamstring injury early in the contest. Boyd is one of several Seahawk players drawing interest from Division I colleges. Watkins has committed to Florida, while Jeremy Davis has committed to Miami.
Davis was the most effective rusher for the Seahawks, carrying 10 times for 70 yards. Larry Gary caught five passes for 60 yards, including a 32-yard strike from freshman quarterback Bryan Greenwell in the third quarter.
Bellamy put the biggest stamp on the game. He gained 85 yards on 11 carries in the first half.
In the third quarter, he broke free for two long TDs – one on a 65-yard run and a short screen pass for 89-yards.
Charlotte 7 17 14 6 – 44
Cape Coral 0 0 0 0 – 0
First quarter
Char – Mike Bellamy 7 run (Chase Myers kick)
Second quarter
Char – FG, Myers 37
Char – Alex Mut 7 pass from Kyle Midgett (Myers kick)
Char – John Hornbake 15 fumble return (Myers kick)
Third quarter
Char – Bellamy 65 run (Myers kick)
Char – Bellamy 89 pass from Midgett (Myers kick)
Fourth quarter
Char – Diarr Reynolds 20 run (run failed)