Seahawks tame Gators 32-0
After getting off to a strong offensive start, the Cape Coral Seahawks recorded their first shutout of the season Friday night at the expense of the Island Coast Gators. The Seahawks prevailed 32-0 in the first meeting between the city rivals.
The Seahawks (6-0) were helped offensively by the play of senior quarterback Jaylen Watkins. The future Florida Gator finished 12-of-20 passing for 185 yards and three touchdowns. The first two went to junior wideout Prince Holloway and the third to senior Larry Gary.
“(Watkins) was on target,” said Cape coach Mike Goebbel. “Even being pressured, he keeps his eyes downfield and our receivers have a way of finding dead spots.”
The Cape passing game took advantage of Island Coast’s man-to-man coverage with the speed of their receivers.
“We were going to take that,” said Goebbel. “We were going to take anything they gave us.”
The Seahawks’ defense contributed with a complete game, which included three takeaways and a defensive touchdown.
The Gators’ offense finished the first quarter with two three-and-outs and a lost fumble. The Gators (3-4) were held to two first downs and 52 yards of total offense in the first half.
“Our defensive line did really well against their offensive line tonight,” said Goebbel.
“I love to have a shutout any week,” added Goebbel. “We subbed, and we got everyone on the field. We have been trying to do that for five weeks. We have a lot of guys who have been hanging in tough and we got everyone on the field tonight. That was my goal.”
The final victory margin came in the third quarter after junior Josh Monteagudo recovered a Nelson Candelario fumble, then skipped into the end zone for a five-yard score.
The Gators managed to drive deep into Seahawk territory late in the fourth, but after an personal foul penalty, the Gators had to settle for a field goal attempt that was muffed on the snap giving the ball back to the Seahawks, who proceeded to run out the clock.
“This is a young team,” said Goebbel. “He (Island Coast coach Joe Bowen) is doing a great job. He’s got them going in the right direction, and they’re a great group of athletes.”
Cape resumes district play with a trip to Gulf Coast next Friday.
Cape Coral 14 12 6 0 – 32
Island Coast 0 0 0 0 – 0
First Quarter
CC – Prince Holloway 14 pass from Jaylen Watkins (Simon Perez kick)
CC – Holloway 53 pass from Watkins (Perez kick)
Second Quarter
CC – Spencer Boyd 2 run (kick failed)
CC – Larry Gary 17 pass from Watkins (pass failed)
Third Quarter
CC – Josh Monteagudo 5 fumble return (kick failed)