Sussex Central runs away from Homecoming, beats Cape 42-14
Kris Shields of Sussex Central ran the opening kickoff back to Cape’s 28-yard line. Four plays later, senior Andrew Long was in the end zone standing up at the end of a seven-yard touchdown run. The Ibrahim Leyva-Fojaco kick made the score 7-0.
That quickly put Cape behind on Homecoming Friday night; the nagging question in the packed home-side stands was, “Who scheduled Sussex Central for the Homecoming game?”
Sussex Central increased its lead to 21-0 at the half, but Cape closed the gap, trailing 28-14 early in the fourth quarter. But Central returned fire with two unanswered scores for the 42-14 victory.
P.J. Henry and Long each ran for two touchdowns, as the Golden Knights improved to 6-1. Cape slipped to 4-3.
Cape’s second-half touchdowns were scored by C.J. Bruinton on a 31-yard pass from Joe Coveleski and a one-yard run from junior running back Maurki James.
“We had our chances to make plays that would have given us a chance to win,” said coach Mike Frederick after reviewing the game. “That sounds a bit crazy with the final score, I know. I’m extremely pleased with the response in the third quarter and early fourth quarter. Clawing back to make it a two-score game not once, but twice, is the type of response to a deficit that good football teams possess. We need to eliminate the penalties on offense that derailed two of the first three possessions in the first half. And we need to get stops on defense on third and fourth down when we create those opportunities.”
Cape will host Appoqunimink Friday, Oct. 28. The Jaguars (4-3) beat Hodgson in overtime Oct. 21 13-7.
Frederick said, “Heading forward, we will need some younger players to step up and fill the gap, as we got a bit banged up. Appo looks to be a bit of a mirror to us. Talented backfield with a big, senior-heavy O-line and a tough defense. Should be a good one to watch for Delaware football fans.”
Sussex Central will travel to St. Georges Tech Saturday, Oct. 29.
Notes - This year’s postseason playoff format for 3A teams will only include the top eight of 11 teams. That is based on records within the 3A Division. Sussex Central has clinched a spot. Cape has games remaining against Appoquinimink, St. Georges and Smyrna. The Vikings most likely would have to win two of three to finish with an overall record of 6-4 to make the postseason. The Vikings last won at least six games in 2016, when the team finished 7-3.
