Vikings pillage Green Knights to advance to second-round

Revenge is a dish best served cold, as evidenced by the Cape unified flag football team’s 52-38 victory over Mount Pleasant Nov. 13.

A four-point loss early in the season led to No. 5 Cape traveling to No. 4 Mount Pleasant in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. A fall day perfect for pictures made playing football a bit challenging, as a brisk breeze whipped around a sun-soaked field. 

“The wind definitely played a factor today,” said coach Drew Messick. “We couldn't throw the ball.”

One of Cape’s deep-ball threats, Zane Richardson, wasn’t able to play in the first encounter, but he was a major factor in the running game in the rematch. It afforded his teammate, Jaxon Benton, the luxury of space, which he exploited heavily.

“They can't just focus on Jaxon,” Messick said. “Zane opens it up.” 

Benton and Richardson did a good bit of damage with big plays, but their supportive teammate, Austin Hastings, had another big game.

“Austin did great; he just knows his place,” Messick said.

Hastings had 10 catches in the game, including a few for first downs, a two-point conversion and a touchdown.

“He's just there, and the quarterbacks always have to recognize that because he's open, and he runs wherever, whichever way the quarterback's rushing,” Messick said.

“It was amazing,” Hastings said about the win. “Zane had a good game, Jaxon had a good game, I had a good game. Heck, the whole entire team had a great game.” 

Although things were tight early, Cape ended the half with a score, giving the Vikings a 28-18 lead at the break. 

The high scoring continued in the second half, and the Green Knights tried to mount a comeback, but Benton wreaked havoc in the host’s backfield.

“I'm glad the season's not over,” Benton said. “I did it for the team and for other people watching.”

Benton also had a highlight-reel catch and run in the fourth quarter.

Hastings' time to shine came on the Vikings’ last score of the game, as he drove into the end zone following a catch and added two more points in a similar situation as the touchdown. Both times he kept his feet moving and his eyes on his quarterback.

“Just hoping to get open and it worked,” Hastings said.

The 52-38 victory advances No. 5 Cape to the semifinals against defending champion and No. 1 seed Indian River at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19.

It will be the third straight year the Vikings play in the penultimate round.

“We were really good last year, and I feel like this team is much better,” Hastings said.

“I think we're definitely trying hard,” Benton said. “We're doing really well at it.”