Athletes of the Week Sept. 27

September 27, 2024

Amari Jackson

Amari caught a touchdown pass for Cape on the last play of the first half Sept. 20 against Lake Forest. He started running for the fieldhouse with the ball, and half the offense was following him. They had to be called back for the extra point. Coach Mike Frederick: “Amari Jackson is our only returning starter on the offensive perimeter. He has the best set of hands I have coached in 12 years at the high school level, which includes some Division I-level players. Amari could be an all-state-caliber wide receiver. I’m not sure he even realizes how good he could be. His next step to elevating his game is to bring his toughness to his run blocking, as he could be a Hines Ward-type effort and attitude blocker.” Amari had a breakout game against Lake, recording five catches for 56 yards and a key touchdown. “He has some good stop and start after the catch and is the ideal slot for a power zone read offense like we are running this year,” Frederick said.

Shelby Manlove

Shelby, a goal-scoring machine for Sussex Academy in lacrosse and field hockey, recently made one of the biggest decisions of her life when she chose to play lacrosse at the University of Richmond following graduation. Unfortunately for her current field hockey opponents, she not only still plays field hockey, but also does so at a high level. Scoring two goals each in the Seahawks’ 3-1 win over Smyrna and 9-0 shutout of Laurel, Shelby is one of the top field hockey players in the Henlopen Conference, possibly the entire state. As of Sept. 25, she leads her team with six goals. Playing field hockey since first grade, Shelby has played club ball for Delaware Shore and Oranje field hockey, before opting to play lacrosse more. Still in the field hockey mix for her school, Shelby made Sussex Academy's varsity when she was in eighth grade. Patrolling the midfield for both sports, she is also a captain and an AP honors student.

Jazmin Mayfield

The scouting report on all great goalies starts with the words “move her and change levels” and then shoot where they ain’t. Jazmin is all about the game, which begins with pre-game introductions. Jazmin is Indian River’s field hockey goalie and had 29 saves in a 7-1 loss to Cape. “Great kid. Great keeper! She loves when that circle is challenging … a baller for sure,” said Indian River coach Torrie Huk. Jazmin uses sticks, splits and slides with the blocker, showing a get-that-stuff-outta-here emphasis. Cape had 37 shots and 24 penalty corners; the assault was relentless. “If you can’t have fun while playing the sport, then don’t play,” Jazmin said with a smile after the game. And in the world of the verbally committed and signing photos, Jazmin, a good student, answered, “I have not decided on college, and not sure I will continue to play field hockey.” Perhaps it's time for a recruiter to actually leave the house and go watch Jazmin protect the house.

Jameson Tingle

Jameson, a sophomore quarterback, is like a mummy that Cape is unwrapping a little at a time. A passer, runner and pass defender, Jameson is a major asset being protected from overuse. In Cape’s win over Lake Forest Sept. 29, he unwrapped more of his skills. Coach Mike Frederick: “Jameson had one of his best nights as a Cape footballer. It’s still early in his career, but he showed a glimpse of what is to come from him. He was able to shake off a few missed plays in the first half and finished the night 18-for-26 with two TDs and one INT. He also carried the rock for about 40 yards and a TD. J got us out of a few bad play calls with some athleticism and intelligence. With roughly a 70% completion percentage and explosive playmaking, he is taking the next step in his development and is certainly a joy to watch.” Jameson is a straight-A student and is getting interest from some of the best quarterback-driven universities in the country.