Cape unified flag football shines on Senior Night

Zane Richardson and the 12 other seniors on the Cape unified flag football team made their Senior Night one to remember with a 53-12 victory over Middletown.

“It was amazing,” Richardson said. “Good to see everybody get in the game, all the fans, and I got to get three touchdowns.”

“It's really a great experience,” said senior Mason Trench. “Everyone here is so nice, so friendly, welcoming, and it's just great to come out to practice every day and be able to enjoy it with all these guys. It's been a great three years for me.”

Richardson scored three times and forced a safety for the team’s sixth victory of 2025. His first touchdown was also the opening tally of the contest, and junior teammate Jaxon Benton caught the two-point try to put Cape up 8-0. Richardson’s safety on Middletown’s ensuing drive made it a 10-0 game before sophomore Michael Anthony rambled into the end zone and Benton converted another two-point attempt, giving the Vikings an 18-0 lead. Benton added a safety before the first quarter ended for a 20-0 Cape edge.

Junior Austin Hastings showcased his versatility as a reliable checkdown and capable playmaker when he scored a receiving touchdown and caught a pass on the next play for a one-point conversion for a 27-0 lead. Middletown was able to respond this time, but Richardson followed with his second score and Benton notched his first touchdown to give the Vikings a 39-6 advantage at the halftime break.

An impressive run from sophomore Luke Archer jumpstarted the second-half scoring before Middletown tallied its final touchdown. Richardson capped off the scoring with a long touchdown, giving the Vikings a 53-12 victory.

Not only was the win encouraging for the Vikings, but the overall atmosphere remained optimistic.

“You come out here on this field and it's really just positive vibes, and you just gotta love everything about it,” Trench said. “There's always smiles out here, and it uplifts everyone.”

Coach Drew Messick said that type of encouragement is what unified sports are all about.

“It's trying to make better citizens,” Messick said. “The biggest thing is seeing people in school talking to each other a lot, just saying hello to teammates, and that means everything.”

Messick will have some big shoes to fill with 13 players graduating, but he thinks they are leaving things in a good place.

“My senior class is great,” Messick said. “This is a great team; it's the best all-around team we've ever had here.” 

The Vikings wrapped up the regular season with a 50-20 loss at Caesar Rodney Nov. 5. Cape finishes with a record of 6-3.