Athletes of the Week Sept. 6
Navin Duffy
Cape football coach Mike Frederick says of player Navin Duffy: “Cape football had an X-factor last year called Wilson Ingerski. We didn’t have to worry about continually covering kicks or punts. We had questions about who would be able to fill those large shoes. In stepped Navin Duffy. Navin punted for the junior varsity last year. He won the varsity punting job during preseason. He has a naturally strong leg and has the potential to punt at the next level. Navin has the most upside of any junior punter I’ve ever coached. He did a really good job punting in the opener, and we needed it. Field position is a very underrated part of the high school game. Navin also is a key contributor for us at defensive back. He has worked as hard as anyone in the off-season, and it’s great to see that work pay off. Most importantly, Navin is a terrific young man. He is a joy to coach.”
Kailey McMahon
A ninth-grader who made the Cape field hockey varsity team, Kailey is an attack dog between forward and midfield. She can roll with good speed and likes to score. During a recent play day, she chopped the ball over a defender's stick, pushed into the circle, then centered the ball for a scoring attempt. Kailey has the athleticism and skill set of a kid who has played year-round since third grade. “I don’t play travel or any of that, just field hockey in the fall and soccer in the spring,” Kailey said from the practice field. Coach Lynn Richardson, who coached Kailey through two undefeated seasons at Beacon, said, “Kailey is a gritty player who has a nose for the ball and likes to score goals. She’s a dual-sport athlete that loves to compete.” Kailey rides the bus on Tuesdays to Academic Challenge; the challenge is getting a ride to away games.
Robbie Payton
Cape football coach Mike Frederick writes of player Robbie Payton: “Robbie Payton is a throwback football player. He could have played back in the days of no face masks. He is tough and physical. Robbie stepped in for our injured center and ended up starting on both sides of the ball – at center and inside linebacker. I tried to grab him on the sideline in between series when I was told he was on kickoff return, field goal and punt coverage. Robbie played more total plays than anyone against Red Lion. He did a really good job playing with quickness, intelligence and tenacity. He is going to be a big part of Cape Vikings football for the next couple of years. People who miss the good old days should settle in and enjoy watching Robbie play.” Robbie plays baseball in the spring and has wrestled as well.
