Outstanding special teams play and another stout defensive effort propelled the Cape Coral Seahawks to a 24-7 victory over the Lehigh Lightning Friday night at Dave Warkentin Field.

Cape coach Mike Goebbel credits his team’s outstanding defensive effort to defensive coordinator James Barritt.

“Coach Barritt is doing a great job with our defense,” said Goebbel. “Two years ago he wanted to be the (defensive) coordinator and I’ve let him do it this year and he’s doing a great job with it. Our guys really respond to him.”

The Seahawks defense kept the Lightning from finding the end zone until late in the fourth quarter with the game already decided. Up to that point, the Seahawks held the Lightning to less than 100 yards of total offense while netting three sacks and picking off two passes.

The first interception came off a deflection which fell right into the hands of junior linebacker Eric Wilken, which he returned 37 yards for a touchdown midway through the second quarter.

Senior quarterback Colin Saring did just enough to lead his team, completing 9 of 19 passes for 77 yards and two TDs.

With Spencer Boyd out of the lineup for a second straight week, Goebbel went with a running back by committee. Freshman Mario Pender and senior Nate Felder shared the load, combining for more than 120 yards.

It was the Seahawks’ defense, however, and special teams which stood out.

Kicker Kenton Beal had four touchbacks on kickoffs, averaged 40 yards on four punts, and kicked a 47-yard field goal in the first quarter. Along with Cameron Hall, who had two 50-yard returns, it was easy to see why Goebbel smiled when talking of his special teams.

“If (Beal) isn’t the best in the state (at kicking and punting) then I don’t know who is,” Goebbel said. “He has done a marvelous job in these two games and shows marvelous composure when under pressure.”

The Seahawks (2-0) travel to Naples (1-1) next Friday.



Lehigh 0 0 0 7 — 7

Cape Coral 10 7 7 0 — 24

Scoring Summary

CC — Elwin, 13 pass from Saring (kick).

CC — FG, Beal 46

CC — Wilkin, 37 interception return (kick)

CC — Saring, 1 run (kick)

L — Curry, 36 pass (kick)