Athletes of the Week
Ida Baker junior Sean Francis (football) and Mariner junior Sam Greenwell (volleyball) are this week’s Daily Breeze Athletes of the Week. Francis, a quarterback/safety, has helped the Bulldogs to a 2-0 start, while the Tritons have leaned on Greenwell’s consistent play.
Francis is feeling more comfortable in his second season quarterbacking the Bulldogs, who opened this season with back-to-back shut-out wins over Lehigh and North Fort Myers.
The biggest adjustment for Francis, so far, has been playing more snaps on the defensive side, along with contributing on special teams. His versatility was on display in Friday’s 36-0 win over North.
The Male Athlete of the Week recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Bulldogs the early lead, and in the second half threw a 33-yard TD pass and rushed for a four-yard score.
“He’s doing a great job running the offense,” Bulldogs coach Brian Conn said. “He understands it a lot more this year and is making some great reads.”
Francis (5-foot-11, 165 pounds) has played football in Cape Coral since age 5. He’s a member of Baker’s track team, specializing in hurdles, but said football is his favorite sport because of the adrenaline, among other factors.
Francis took over the starting quarterback role last season after the departure of Alex Lakes, who had started every game in the Bulldogs’ first three years.
Francis turned in a solid sophomore season until a broken collarbone sidelined him for the final three games. He’s back healthy now and the Bulldogs are utilizing his athleticism in other ways, particularly in the defensive secondary.
“We’d like to keep him off the field (on defense), but he’s played so well and is a really good athlete,” Conn said.
Francis said he likes the increased reps and hasn’t felt tired.
“I like it a lot better because I don’t like sitting and watching” Francis said. “I’d rather be out there helping to control the outcome.”
Honorable mentions:
Louis King, sophomore, Island Coast Gators, football – Led a powerful ground attack with 144 yards on 28 carries in a win over Cypress Lake.
Ryan Gallick, senior, Ida Baker Bulldogs, golf – Gallick fired an even-par 36 last Tuesday in leading the Bulldogs past Mariner.
Greenwell said she would rather set up a play for one of her taller, more powerful volleyball teammates to get the finishing smash. There are times, though, when the element of surprise can be used to her advantage.
As teams prepare for Greenwell’s set, she changes the play at the last moment and tips it over, keeping the defense off balance.
Her savvy play has been a calming presence for the Tritons in the early part of the volleyball season.
The Female Athlete of the Week led the way with eight kills, three aces and 21 assists in a victory over Island Coast last Wednesday, and then added 13 assists and five kills in a victory over North Fort Myers.
“She’s not the rah-rah, yelling and screaming type of leader, but she goes about playing the game the right way,” Tritons coach Tom Faasse said. “Our offense isn’t predicated on one hitter getting the ball and she is very efficient at spreading it around.”
The 5-foot-5 Greenwell is in her second year on the varsity team and started playing the sport in seventh grade at Trafalgar Middle School. Her athletic interest includes playing soccer and softball for the Tritons.
Greenwell said volleyball remains her favorite because of the intensity and pace of the game. She likes playing the setter position and being able to distribute the ball to teammates.
“If I have a good set they can get the kill and that makes me feel like I contributed,” she said.
Greenwell added that she likes the progress the young Tritons are making, particularly after an 0-3 start.
“We just have to get used to everyone playing together,” she said. “When that happens, we’ll have a good chance.”
Honorable mentions:
Regina Sin, junior, Cape Coral Seahawks, golf – Sin shot 43 to take medalist honors in a victory over North Fort Myers last Tuesday.
Lauren Smith, senior, Cape Coral Seahawks, swimming – Smith placed first in the 50 freestyle and 500 freestyle events last Tuesday in a duel meet against Mariner.