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Cape football falls to Appo 36-0 in DIAA playoffs

Cape quarterback Keishawn Mansfield, right, runs from the wildcat position behind the block of Daniel Saez. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
November 21, 2021

The Cape faithful who traveled to Appoquinimink to watch the Vikings football team for the last time this season hoped for a “Miracle in Middletown,” but the Jags were too much for the injury-riddled Vikings, as Cape fell 36-0 to end the 2021 season.

“Effort and fight from the kids, I believe, was always there,” said Cape head coach J.D. Maull. “I don’t think they ever quit during the game or the season. It speaks volumes of their character.”

Cape junior Keishawn Mansfield stepped in as a wildcat quarterback because of injuries to Hank D’Ambrogi and Joe Coveleski, and he provided an admirable performance.

“Keishawn is a great athlete,” Maull said. “We made some mistakes, but I am proud of him. He never put his head down, and he kept competing. It was his first start of the season at QB, and we didn’t know he was starting until Wednesday.”

Mansfield rushed out of the wildcat position seven times for 51 yards.

“We tried our best to stick with the game plan,” Maull said. “In the first quarter we had a 13-play drive trying to kill the clock, and a penalty and interception hurt us. Appo is a good team, and they wore us down throughout the game.”

Daniel Saez rushed 16 times for 79 yards. Thomas Messick ran the ball eight times for 55 yards.

Appo senior quarterback Ryan vonBrandt, a VMI commit, ran for two touchdowns and threw for a two-point conversion. Daniel McConomy ran for two scores for the Jags.

After watching the Cape team’s effort, a DIAA chain crew member was heard to say “This Cape team didn’t give up. They played hard all the way to the end. The coaches should be proud of them.”

“Injuries and turnovers have gotten us this season,” Maull said. “I really love our senior class. They are great young men who will do great things in the future.”

The Vikings finish their season at 1-10, while the Jags move on to face Middletown in the next round.

 

“I love you guys like you are all my sons,” said Cape coach J.D. Maull. “I’m really proud of your effort this season. You didn’t give up.”
Cape’s Jack Thompson, top, and C.J. Fritchman put down Appo QB Ryan vonBrandt.
Cape senior wide receiver Owen Smith fights off a tackle and runs for a Vikings first down.
Cape’s Brenn Scott takes on Appo running back Xavier Rodgers and brings him down for a short gain.
Appo’s Jaden Weatherspoon pulls in a pass for a two-point conversion.
Cape’s Thomas Messick makes a touchdown-saving tackle on Appo’s Daniel McConomy.
Appo’s Gavin Tucker runs away from the block of Cape’s Lucas Ruppert.
Cape coach J.D. Maull walks with his team to start the fourth quarter.
Cape junior Leo Hunsberger runs the ball for a short gain.
Appo’s Devon Wilson intercepts a pass in front of Cape’s Thomas Messick.
The Crown Trophy Academic Award was presented to Appoquinimink’s Jacob Parson and Cape’s Hank D’Ambrogi.
Cape QB Keishawn Mansfield looks downfield for Odin DeLazaro Potemski.
Thomas Messick makes a cut and runs upfield.
Thomas Messick drags an Appo tackler for a long gain.
Thomas Messick battles for a pass with Appo’s Jaden Weatherspoon.
Cape linebacker C.J. Fritchman, right, pulls down Appo’s Jeremiah Riley.
Cape’s Nathan Horn, right, goes in for the tackle on Appo’s Daniel McConomy.
Cape QB Keishawn Mansfield throws downfield.
Cape QB Keishawn Mansfield runs out of the wildcat position.
Cape running back Daniel Saez runs behind the block of Ryan Betins.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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