Bulldogs dig in for Seahawks
As far as crosstown rivalries go in Cape Coral, Ida Baker’s battle against Cape High tonight is only a decade old. Just like the oldest rivalry in town, Cape-Mariner, one team has dominated from the outset.
In this case, Cape High leads the series 8-2, but Baker has won two of the last three years. Mariner dominated its series with Cape by winning the first six seasons. Over the years, that series has evened out with Cape leading 15-13.
Bulldogs coach Brian Conn and Seahawks coach Larry Gary expect the same thing in this series.
“It’s more of an even playing field these days,” said Conn.
“The competition is more even now, and over time it gets better,” said Gary. “We’re not playing well this year. Baker knows we have been struggling. I just hope they take us lightly.”
It’s true the Seahawks (1-3, 0-1 district) have not played well, but they have managed to put points on the scoreboard, tallying 19 or more points in each of the first four games. They just haven’t been able to stop their opponent from scoring more points since beating Sarasota in the season opener.
The Bulldogs (2-3, 0-1) have played two close games and were beaten by wide margins twice.
“It’s good coming off a win at Riverdale (17-6),” said Conn. “It’s always a knock-down, drag-out style of game. Our kids stepped up to meet the challenge.”
Tonight’s game carries the extra burden of being a District 6A-10 matchup.
“Cape excels at some things and we have to try to stop them,” said Conn. “They have some good skill players and their quarterback is a good athlete who is able to extend plays with his feet. We have to be conscious of that.”
The Seahawks’ biggest problem this season has been discipline and fundamentals, according to Gary.
“I just hope the kids go off with the tradition (of the series) and just play hard,” Gary said. “The last two weeks we have made so many mental mistakes. We can’t stop anyone. With nine new players on defense there’s a lack of experience there. We just have to try to get better each week.”
The Bulldogs, likewise, have been dogged by turnovers in recent weeks. Quarterback Jordan Diggs turned in nearly perfect performances in the first two games, but promptly tossed five interceptions the next time out.
“I think Jordan has moved past that somewhat,” said Conn. “His timing has been off a bit, but once he gets his timing back I think we will be fine.”
Both teams will be trying to guard against mistakes and turnovers tonight while trying to stop the other’s running game.
“We’ve been inconsistent this year. We’ve played good for two downs and then give up the home run. You can’t give up the home run,” said Gary.
Also tonight, Mariner (2-3, 0-1) travels to Lely (0-5, 0-1) for a district match; Island Coast (2-3, 0-1) hosts Charlotte (5-0, 1-0); North Fort Myers (2-3, 0-1) visits Port Charlotte (2-2, 1-0); and Oasis (2-2) hosts Donahue Academy.
In other games of interest around Lee County tonight Bishop Verot (4-1, 2-0) hosts Avon Park (5-0, 2-0) in a District 4A-6 showdown between the top two teams; Lehigh (0-4) invades Fort Myers (3-2) in the District 6A-11 opener for both teams; Estero (0-5) hosts East Lee County (1-2); Riverdale (2-3) visits Gulf Coast (4-1); Cypress Lake (2-2, 1-0) hosts Immokalee (1-3, 0-0); Evangelical Christian (1-3, 0-1) travels to Moore Haven (4-1, 1-1); Gateway Charter (0-4, 0-1) hosts LaBelle (2-3, 1-1); SWF?Christian ( 3-2, 1-1) heads to St. Edward’s; and Canterbury (2-1) hosts Jupiter Christian.