Athletes of the Week Dec. 1

Jackson Cunningham 

A hard-working senior for the Cape football team, Jackson may have saved his best game for the Nov. 24 win over Sussex Central in the DIAA semifinals. The undersized linebacker is an extension of the coaching staff on the field. “He puts in countless hours of film work and makes all of our defensive adjustments and checks,” said coach Mike Frederick. “He can recite any play of the upcoming opponent and asks questions in advance of practice or the game when he wants more clarity. He is flying to the ball on defense and has become a sure-handed tackler. Jackson was a key contributor to the defense, limiting Central’s powerful backs between the tackles. He may not have had the most tackles Friday, but he had some of the most meaningful.”

Maurki James

This senior running back had a monster game on both sides of the ball in Cape’s semifinal win over Sussex Central Nov. 24. “He made a huge case for being the best overall two-way football player in the state,” said coach Mike Frederick. “He made countless tackles on defense, had a crucial interception return for a TD, was asked to help out in protection and may have added a few yards on the ground. He had roughly 180 yards on the ground with a handful of broken tackles at key moments. He is the best high school running back I have been around, and his understanding of our zone scheme is scary good.” Maurki has been a leader all season. “He does certain things you cannot teach,” Frederick said. “I can’t wait to see what he does at the next level.”

Brenn Scott 

Coach Mike Frederick said Brenn stated his case for Defensive Player of the Year in Cape’s win over Central Nov. 24. “His numbers may be unmatched – over 130 tackles, 16 for loss, with six sacks,” Frederick said. “But that is not the only thing he brings to our team. He has an intense focus for a high school athlete. He loves the game of football in a way that few players love the game. He loves to practice and hit and put in the work needed to be elite. Most players will admit they don’t love things like practice and the grind of the season. It’s a unique trait that Brenn possesses.” He led Cape in tackles against Central, including a textbook, punishing hit on the opening series. And from the TE/H position, he provided physicality at the point of attack all night.

Lex Wescott 

Lex played an outstanding game on both sides of the ball against Central Nov. 24. He is fully healthy after a number of weeks with lingering injuries. “Lex is tough and loves to compete,” said coach Mike Frederick. “I’m glad the state is getting to see what a healthy Lex can do. He is a big presence at safety in run support and has terrific ball skills. He has big play-making ability and tends to step up in big moments. Lex had a terrific interception and return, multiple tackles against Central's big, powerful backs, did our punt returning and made a terrific catch on his first-quarter touchdown. He made a handful of big catches in clutch moments in the fourth quarter when we needed them most.” Lex is a quiet leader, but commands his teammates’ respect.