Cape football bangs heads with Caravel in shortened scrimmage

Fans along the fence who follow Cape Henlopen football are asking the wrong questions. Can we get back to the championship game is the most common query after last season's magical mystery tour, along with whether there is a running back ready to replace Maurki James. 

Cape’s appearance in the 2023 state finals was the first time in 39 years the Vikings had reached that far in postseason play.  And Maurki was a multigenerational running back who also started at outside linebacker and is now on the roster at D1 Old Dominion. 

Cape held an abbreviated scrimmage with Caravel Aug. 17 at Legends Stadium. The Bucs are coming off a 13-0 season and a Class 2A state championship. Watch them play and ask the right question – not can they do it again, but who is going to beat them?   

Coach Mike Frederick said following the second scrimmage after two weeks of practice, “A lot of new faces, specifically on defense. Trying to get our new players experience but can only really do it through live repetitions. Really like the running back position, multiple quality options. Like the offensive line, but we are banged up, with three of the top six currently out of the lineup.”

Referring to specific aspects of performance and execution in the scrimmage, Frederick said, “Missed tackles and coverage weren’t the best Saturday. Missed tackles hurt us in the first scrimmage as well. Penalties on offense [are a problem]. Multiple false starts at the wideout position prove costly, and we have to find a way to fix it before the season starts.”

Cape graduated kicker and punter Wilson Ingerski, who was among the best ever to play for Cape at that position.

“Special teams is also a concern, but especially with the loss of Wilson,” Frederick said. “Having him for two years has been an awesome luxury. We will be challenged on our cover teams. Continued quarterback development is looking good. So with one week of camp to go, we still have a ton to work on. Not enough hours in the day.” Cape will close out the preseason Thursday, Aug. 22, with a home scrimmage at Legends Stadium versus Appoquinimink beginning at 6 p.m.

The first game of the regular season will kick off at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear.

Cape beat Red Lion in last year’s home opener 21-14 with Maurki James carrying 24 times for 122 yards.