Already faced with the difficult challenge of replacing last year’s key seniors, the Cape Coral High Seahawks have dealt with injuries and illnesses through the first two weeks of the football season.

They’re off to a 2-0 start, though, and one big reason has been the play of the special teams unit, led by senior kicker/punter Kenton Beal.

The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week kicked a 47-yard field goal in the Seahawks’ 24-7 win over Lehigh and reached the end zone on all five kickoff attempts.

That followed a strong performance in the season-opening win over Immokalee when Beal booted a 42-yard field goal. He pinned the Indians deep inside their own 15 three times on punts, helping the Seahawks control field position.

“He’s put the ball in the end zone on every kickoff and made a couple 40-yard field goals,” Seahawks’ coach Mike Goebbel said. “Special teams and defense have kept us in our ballgames this year.”

Beal, in his third season with the Seahawks, had the kickoff duties last season, but has added the punting and field goal responsibilities. Two graduating players, David Pasquale and Brandon Mulloy, performed well at those specialties last season.

“It’s something I’ve been waiting for,” said Beal, “getting the opportunity to do all three.”

The Seahawks are heading into a showdown Friday at Naples, perhaps the most attractive matchup in Southwest Florida.

The Seahawks have played the first two games without Spencer Boyd, last year’s leading rusher, and top receiver Prince Holloway missed the Lehigh game with an illness.

Several players have stepped into important roles and helped the Seahawks get off to a positive start, including Beal. He’s hoping to continue his career at the next level, but right now is focused on the season.

“I’m just trying to do whatever I can for the team,” he said.



Honorable mentions:



Mike Becker, senior, North Fort Myers: Scored three touchdowns and gained 169 rushing yards in a 54-0 win over Estero.



Jeff Farrell, junior, Bishop Verot: Quarterback completed a four-yard touchdown pass and ran 35 yards for another score, propelling the Vikings past Lemon Bay 20-17.