Cape football defeats Saint Mark’s at Homecoming game
The Vikings met the Spartans on the Legends Stadium turf field of battle Oct. 4. And when the final horn sounded, Cape held Thor’s Hammer high, as they conquered Saint Mark’s 21-7 to move to 4-1 on the season.
Cape took control of the game first on a 14-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jameson Tingle. The point-after attempt was partially blocked.
The Spartans came back for a score on a 77-yard drive that included five first downs, but that’s where the Vikings defense took over, shutting them down on eight subsequent drives.
The Vikings forced two fumbles, blocked a punt, forced a punt, pulled in two interceptions, and held strong on two fourth-down plays.
Senior linebacker Zane Coulbourne led the defense with nine tackles, a blocked punt and a fumble recovery.
“I knew it was a big game and there was going to be a big crowd, I just wanted to do my best,” said Coulbourne. “I wanted to do well to honor my dad, who also wore No. 44.”
Coulbourne’s father Robb, who played for Cape, died in 2023 in a tragic car accident.
Also playing lights-out defense were Ty Handy with six tackles, as well as Navin Duffy, Quardell Richards, Trey Batson, Tanner Wyshock and Sal Sartori with four tackles each.
Tingle pulled down his second interception in the last three games.
Duffy grabbed a pick in the end zone to save a sure touchdown.
Bodie Frederick had the lone Vikings sack.
“We are playing the kind of defense we want by flying to the ball,” said Cape head coach Mike Frederick. “Zane had the game of the season, and our second teamers really stepped up. The young players are getting plenty of reps under their belt and playing well.”
Getting the start in the backfield were running backs Quardell Richards and Oz Batson, who garnered 72 and 58 yards, respectively. Richards had a three-yard plunge for a touchdown.
Tingle went 9-for-14 for 141 yards and a touchdown behind a tough offensive line.
Senior wide receiver Jayden Dukes snagged three passes for 80 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown reception. Anthony Francis garnered 34 yards on three receptions.
Special teams stepped up in the Vikings’ win, as punter Navin Duffy booted a record-setting 87-yard punt, while place kicker Trent Kauffman kicked an extra point and had three kickoffs that pinned the Spartans deep.
“That punt changed the complexion of the game,” said Frederick. “Both of our kickers are really doing well.”
The 4-1 head coach is looking forward to an important Northern Division match up with Sussex Central Friday, Oct.11.
“Central is terrific,” he said. “They have a set of three running backs that play hard. Our guys are starting to get it, playing for one another. They are looking forward to the game.”
