Mariner senior Detrentis Doston (7) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the Tritons' 20-13 win against Cape Coral in the annual Black & Blue Bowl Friday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

The 2020 edition of the Black and Blue Bowl did not disappoint, as Mariner hung on for a 20-13 victory over Cape Coral in the annual crosstown rivalry matchup.

Both teams traded blows and worked for every inch at Tony McKenna Football Stadium Friday night, but it was the home team who came out with the victory, marking the third consecutive year the Tritons (2-4) have bested the Seahawks (0-6) and taken home the trophy.

“It means something special, no matter what the record is, no matter the score,” said Mariner head coach Josh Nicholson. “I told these guys every play counts — you’ve got to give everything you’ve got — and they did that.”

It was the road team that got off to a hot start, scoring 13 unanswered points to start the game.

Senior utility-man turned quarterback on this night, Karim Babernitch, opened the scoring with a 3-yard run in the first quarter, accounting for all but 15 yards on the Seahawks’ 94-yard scoring drive.

Cape Coral senior Karim Babernitch (6) starts on a long run during the Seahawks' game against Mariner Friday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral scored again with just over five minutes left in the half when Babernitch this time churned his legs from 41 yards out just three plays after a 56-yard run from the Seahawk 3-yard line.

On the ensuing kickoff, Mariner senior Detrentis Doston swayed all of the momentum back to the Tritons, returning the kick 96 yards up the right sideline to cut the deficit to 13-7.

“I just always remember to get the ball and go,” Doston said. “I saw a pocket so I ran to it and ended up giving my team a big play to build off of and go on to win the game.”

The Tritons and Doston weren’t done in the first half, though. They put together an impressive scoring drive to beat the clock before halftime, going 93 yards in just 1:54.

Junior quarterback Dylan Garner first hooked up with Guil Moura for 37 yards before rolling to his left and hitting Doston for a 63-yard catch-and-run score, bringing things even at 13-13 going into the break.

Mariner junior Guilherme Moura (4) runs the ball during the Tritons' 20-13 win against Cape Coral in the annual Black & Blue Bowl Friday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

The Triton defense would bend but not break in the second as the Seahawks tried to regain the lead. Mariner’s defense intercepted Babernitch and forced a Cape fumble in the second as part of a scoreless two quarters.

“We just made sure to stay focused on every down and keep working every play,” said senior linebacker Mack Koselke of the Triton’s defensive performance. “Everyone did their job, and I’m happy with the way things turned out in the end.”

Just one play after Wesley Walden came up with the Triton interception, running back Keishon Key (9 carries, 39 yards, fumble) took the rock 16 yards to the right side and gave the Tritons a lead they would not relinquish.

“We made our adjustments at halftime and the second half shutout was huge,” Nicholson said. “Our defense played hard — they’ve been lights out all year, and they did a great job.”

Garner finished the game 8-for-9 with 145 passing yards and a touchdown.

The Mariner Tritons retain the Black & Blue Bowl trophy with a 20-13 win over Cape Coral Friday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

“He’s a tough kid that’s earned it,” Nicholson said of Garner. “He’s done everything we’ve ever asked him to do and when his time came, he was ready to go.”

Doston compiled 86 yards of total offense while Moura added 104 between four rushing attempts and three receptions.

“It feels great to get the win in this game,” Garner said. “I hope to win the fourth in a row as a senior next season.”

For Cape, Babernitch rushed 20 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Damian Miranda was the workhorse for the Seahawks all night, totaling 28 carries for 150 yards.

While the Seahawks have no wins to show for so far this season, they’ve certainly been competitive as four out of their last five games have come down to one possession.

“It was the same old for us — show up and play as hard as you can for four quarters,” said Cape head coach Dale More. “We’re not quite there to be able to finish yet, so we keep on working. These kids are resilient and will be here on Monday ready to work.

“It’s another hard loss. Of course it’s going to sting — it’s the Black and Blue Bowl. Throw the records out — it’s always going to be a war. They got the better of us tonight, and my hat’s off to them.”

The respect was mutual from both coaches.

“They’re a physical football team,” Nicholson said. “Dale does a great job.”

Next week, Cape Coral travels to LaBelle while Mariner visits Estero.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj

1 2 3 4 F

Cape Coral 7 6 0 0 13

Mariner 0 13 7 0 20

1st Quarter

CC: Karim Babernitch 3-yard run (Kase Frohmann kick), 2:45

2nd Quarter

CC: Babernitch 41-yard run (kick fail), 5:10

M: Detrentis Doston 96-yard kickoff return (Owen Osgood kick), 4:55

M: Doston 63-yard reception from Dylan Garner (kick fail), :25

3rd Quarter

M: Keishon Key 16-yard run (Osgood kick), 2:02