Athletes of the Week Aug. 13

Jordan Baines 

Jordan is a load coming out of the backfield and is related to former NFL brawler and mauler Joe Klecko. “He is our big back in the I formation,” said Cape football coach J.D. Maull. “He had a good off-season, ran track last spring and committed to the weight room. He has the potential to be a punishing back. He will also bring the pass rush on the defensive line.” Coach Maull described Baines as “a jack of all trades,” as he can play secondary, defensive end and linebacker. Baines was also a formidable wrestler back in his Beacon Middle School days. A gifted athlete who is figuring out just how good he can be.  

Hank D’Ambrogi

Hank was born to be the triggerman in lacrosse and football. He is the know-it-all who, in fact, does know it all. This past spring, Hank led the lacrosse team in goals and assists, as the Vikings lost 12-10 in the state championship game to Salesianum. He was selected all-state and All-American. This fall, Hank returns as quarterback of the football team. He is a four-year starter and long-range kicker. Coach J.D. Maull said Hank will also play some secondary. He is a two-year captain and was second team All-Henlopen Conference last season. “We expect to have a great season from Hank,” Maull said. “The only problem is he wants to wear white shoes.”

L.T. Messick

It’s hard to be fast but great to be hard and fast. Football player L.T. Messick is best appreciated from the sidelines. As a defensive back, he has closing speed and he can deliver the mail, otherwise known as hitting people. “We call him ‘Sheriff,’” said Cape football coach J.D. Maull. “He calls all the defensive coverages.” L.T. will also see action on the offensive side of the ball as a slot receiver. “We expect him to have a bigger role in our offense this year,” Maull said. He also has a little brother, Jaden, on the team. Messick has asserted leadership in early practices and worked hard over the summer to get ready. He is old school, like those gold helmets the Vikings are bringing back.    

Daniel Saez

Daniel may be the best Saez of them all – and there have been a lot of them as part of the Cape sports family. Let them argue among themselves. But seriously, Daniel tried wrestling one season – he was very good – and lacrosse, where he was a good face-off guy and midfielder, but it’s on the football field where he has found a home. “He is expected to join with Baines and help lead the run game,” said Cape football coach J.D. Maull. “And when he gets to the second level, he has the breakaway speed to take it to the house.” Daniel will also play some cornerback this fall. The Vikings are facing a challenging schedule beginning with Salesianum Thursday, Sept. 2. Players like Saez, Messick, Baines and D’Ambrogi are expected to step up and lead the way.