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Caesar Rodney capitalizes on Vikings’ mistakes in 35-14 win

Cape aiming for sixth win of year on Senior Night in regular-season finale
Cape senior Tre Batson stands his ground after helping open a big hole for quarterback Jameson Tingle during the Vikings’ 35-14 loss to Caesar Rodney Oct. 30 in Camden. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
November 3, 2025

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The Cape football team will need to win its Senior Night game against St. Georges Tech Friday, Nov. 7, if it wants to finish above .500 following a 35-14 loss to Caesar Rodney Oct. 30.

“CR was a good team, and we didn’t execute well enough to win a game,” said coach Chip Knapp. “We gave them a couple of easy touchdowns that were mistakes we normally don't make, and good teams take advantage of it, and that's what CR did.”

Junior Jameson Tingle opened up the scoring for Cape on an impressive first drive that featured big gains from senior Dell Richards and junior Oz Batson. Tingle’s touchdown run would be the last time the Vikings led in the contest. 

The Riders responded with five minutes to go in the first half and took the lead a few moments later when CR went for an early dagger after forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Unsatisfied with a 14-7 lead, the Riders opted to score through the air for the second straight time and took a 21-7 edge into halftime.

“Teams are getting better throughout the season, and they find ways to exploit you if you do make mistakes,” Knapp said. “That's exactly what happened; you can’t give a good team a couple easy touchdowns.”

The Vikings regrouped at halftime and marched off a good amount of the third quarter on their opening drive of the second half. This time it was Batson powering his way into the end zone to put Cape within one score, 21-14.

Penalties and mishaps prevented the Vikings from staging a comeback, and CR tacked on two more scores in the fourth quarter for the 35-14 win. Cape had one score taken off the board due to an unsportsmanlike penalty.

“The most important play is the next play,” Knapp said. “These end-of-the-season games are a big part of their legacy moving forward, and we want to end on a good note. We have a choice to make: We can band together and play as a team and support one another and enjoy this experience as we finish up the season, or we can do something else. We’ve got to make a good choice at this point in the season with our team.”

Despite seven Vikings swarming to the ball, the Riders were able to pick up a first down on a short-yardage play.
Cape middle linebacker Robbie Payton reads the play while Liam Ramsey gets out of his stance alongside Mason Schaeffer making it a trio of seniors on the left edge.
A well-timed jump from junior Jamar Beasley kickstarted a tip drill.
Cape sophomore Andrew Messick leaps up to intercept the deflected pass.
Vikings sophomore Andrew Messick and junior Jamar Beasley celebrate the execution of their tip drill.
Cape junior Oz Batson uses a stiff arm on a long run.
Cape senior Dell Richards finishes a run deep in Caesar Rodney territory after pulling in a check-down pass.
Cape juniors Jameson Tingle, left, and Oz Batson look over to the sideline for guidance.
Vikings quarterback Jameson Tingle scored the first touchdown of the game for Cape.
Cape senior Mason Schaeffer makes a stop with teammates Ty Handy and Dell Richards swooping in for support.
Vikings junior Oz Batson hops up after a break up on third down.
Cape sophomore Andrew Messick didn’t break loose, but came awfully close on this punt return, flashing his juke moves.
Vikings quarterback Jameson Tingle fields a snap as the rain pours down.
Cape quarterback Jameson Tingle surveys the field.
Vikings junior Jameson Tingle breaks free from a jersey grasp.
Vikings senior Ty Handy makes a tackle with Dell Richards closing in and Robbie Payton drawing a line at the 25-yard line.
Cape senior Ty Handy teams up with sophomore Andrew Messick for a stop.
Vikings seniors Robbie Payton, left, and Navin Duffy team up for a stop.
Cape senior Tre Batson stays low as he gets out of his stance on defense.
Cape sophomore Andrew Messick follows his lead blocker, Navin Duffy, of a kick return.
Vikings quarterback Jameson Tingle drops back to pass.
Cape senior Lamar McCoy sticks with his block on an Oz Batson run.
Vikings junior Oz Batson dances through a sea of dark blue.
Cape quarterback Jameson Tingle lunges forward for a few extra yards.
Vikings quarterback Jameson Tingle waggles to his right in the red zone.
Cape sophomore Mikiah Jackson reels in a pass from senior Mikey Thompson.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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