Athletes of the Week Nov. 24

Jake Hutchison 

A junior goalkeeper on the Cape soccer squad, Jake propelled the Vikings into the DIAA Division I finals last week after they defeated Dover and Charter. In the Dover game, he made nine stops during regulation and stopped five penalty kicks after two overtime periods, including one off his toe in sudden-death penalty kicks. He then made eight saves in the semifinals against Charter. He also had a PK save against Sallies in the finals. "Jake was first-team all-state Division I goalkeeper this year," said Cape coach Patrick Kilby. "He is hands-down the best goalkeeper in the state. We are so fortunate to have him on our squad. Jake is the backbone, an inspiration for our team. He kept us in so many games and won so many games for us with his athletic ability, heart and determination.”

Cam Joyner

This sophomore defensive back turned into NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson during Cape’s Nov. 17 playoff win over Dover. A known dog by the Cape coaching staff, Cam is a hound on the hunt in the secondary. Joyner made two spectacular interceptions in the final four minutes to preserve a 25-20 victory and a Black Friday trip to the Castle to play Sussex Central in the Group 3 semifinals. Coach Mike Frederick on Joyner’s final interception: “It was high-risk, high-reward, but the team needed it at that moment and he delivered. He was one of a handful of players that we felt deserved some additional all-conference recognition. He used that as fuel. He wants everyone to know he’s on the scene.” Bob Seger: “I wish I didn't know now what I didn’t know then.” Now everyone knows not to throw into Cam Joyner’s area code. 

Andree Mendoza-Martinez

Andree stepped up when his team needed it most. In Sussex Academy’s semifinal soccer match against Indian River, the senior raced to a through ball from Liam Stegall and buried it for the game-winning goal. In the finals against Saint Mark’s, Andree converted a penalty kick with just seven minutes left to tie the match. The game went to overtime and eventually penalty kicks, with Sussex Academy coming out on top. “Andree is a phenomenal athlete and even better soccer player,” said coach R.J. Dina. “He strikes the ball harder than most college-ready players. He has a knack for scoring and is a pest around the box. He is our most clinical goal scorer and is a major reason Sussex Academy is a state champion. He leads by example and doesn't quit. Through adversity, he has helped us achieve so much.”

C.J. Norton

It’s safe to say Sussex Academy soccer would not have won a state championship without C.J. Norton. The junior goalkeeper proved to be one of the state’s best throughout the season, but really shined in the state tournament. In the finals against Saint Mark’s, Norton stopped a penalty kick in the second overtime, then another shot in winner-take-all penalty kicks to secure the Seahawks’ first state title. “Norton is one of the best keepers in the region,” said coach R.J. Dina. “Standing 6-foot-4, he has the ability to make 1-on-1 saves, come off his line, play with his feet. You can't ask this kid to be any better. He is a junior captain and has led us through some incredible moments. He leads by example with how tough he plays and will be finishing his high school career at the very top of the list for goalkeepers to ever come through Delaware.”