Athletes of the Week
Ida Baker senior Andrew Haynes displayed his versatility throughout the Bulldogs’ 48-7 victory over Gulf Coast last Friday in a District 4A-12 football game.
It began on the opening drive when Haynes sparked the offense on the ground and through the air.
As Cape Coral High’s girls’ volleyball team tries to make strides against strong area competition, they’re setting the foundation through hard work and leadership.
Junior Erica Hoegler, one of the Seahawks’ most experienced players, has set a positive example this season for the younger members of the team.
For their performances, Haynes and Hoegler are this week’s Daily Breeze Male and Female Athlete of the Week.
Though Baker’s defense has received most of the attention this season, allowing only 18 points through six games, the Bulldogs’ offense set the tone in last Friday’s victory over Gulf Coast with a 12-play, 80-yard drive to open the game.
Haynes played his part, rushing 15 yards on the first play and capping it off with a one-yard touchdown run. The most pivotal play came on fourth-and-eight at the Gulf Coast 36-yard line when junior quarterback Sean Francis hit Haynes on a 15-yard pass right into the heart of the defense.
Haynes was surprised he got the ball on that play.
“Usually, on that route I don’t get the ball,” he said. “I turned my head around and Sean put it right there. It was a good thing knowing that he counted on me to catch it.”
Haynes has been a player the Bulldogs have counted on for awhile, though mostly on the defensive side for his first three years. He entered this season as the team’s leading returning tackler – 81 tackles and three interceptions from his safety position last season.
This year, Haynes has joined the mix on offense, playing fullback and, at times, being utilized as a receiver out of the backfield.
“He’s contributed on both sides of the ball as well as special teams,” Baker coach Brian Conn said. “He blocked a punt this year, so he’s kind of our do-it-all guy. He makes our offense more versatile and allows us to do a lot of things we haven’t been able to do in the past.”
Haynes further proved his versatility at the start of the second half last Friday. He made a good break on a Gulf Coast pass attempt and intercepted the ball near midfield. A few plays later, Haynes caught the ball on a middle screen and took it 48 yards for a touchdown.
Haynes began playing football at age 5 at the Storms Complex and has continued on through the ranks, helping the Bulldogs to a 6-0 record, so far, this season.
In addition to football, Haynes is a member of the Baker track team, specializing in hurdles and pole vault.
Honorable mentions:
C.J. Cricco, senior, Mariner Tritons golf – Cricco fired a nine-hole score of 35 to take medalist honors last week at the North of the River Tournament.
Jeff Farrell, senior, Bishop Verot Vikings football – Farrell caught four passes for 61 yards, including a late nine-yard TD reception, as the Vikings rallied past Mariner 27-21.
With only one senior on this year’s squad, Seahawks volleyball coach Lindsey Conley has had to call on younger players to serve in leadership roles.
Conley also has taken over as both junior varsity and varsity coach this season, creating an even bigger responsibility for her established players to help organize the group.
Hoegler, a 5-foot-5 middle hitter, was ready and able to accept that role, in addition to the hitting ability and overall talent she brings to the court.
“Erica is a player I can count on to be there, to be there on time and have everyone else prepared,” Conley said. “I give her a lot of responsibilities as far as the things I need to get done. I have to rely on her a lot. Erica plays the component of the organizer, my pep leader – she pumps up the team.”
Hoegler said it has taken some time for her to feel comfortable in that role, but it has come with experience.
“Freshman year I was a lot more shy, but as we’ve gone on, I’ve grown to be more of a leader,” she said.
Hoegler and her teammates remain positive and dedicated despite opening the season with 12 straight losses. They snapped their losing streak last Tuesday with a thrilling five-set win over rival Mariner 25-19, 25-22, 17-25, 20-25, 15-13.
Hoegler tallied four kills and three aces for the balanced attack. She was impressed at the way the team stuck together, after the Tritons rallied to force the fifth game.
“That was very nervewracking,” Hoegler said. “That was a really great win because it was Mariner, a big opponent for us. It was also just a really good win for us to realize we actually can do it.”
Hoegler is a multi-sport athlete, also playing softball for the Seahawks. She has played softball since age 5, but enjoys both sports enough to not have a clear favorite. She also is enrolled in the IB program at Cape.
Honorable mentions:
Jessica Wagner, sophomore, North Fort Myers Red Knights volleyball – Wagner, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, slammed 13 kills in a sweep of Island Coast last Monday, and added six blocks and five aces in a four-game victory over Estero Tuesday.
Regina Sin, junior, Cape Coral Seahawks golf – Sin led the Seahawks to victory in the North of the River Championship last week with a nine-hole score of 45.