Cape Coral blanks Lakewood Ranch

CAPE CORAL — Lakewood Ranch hadn’t been to the regional quarterfinals since 2006.

After bouncing back from last year’s 1-9 season, the Mustangs had high expectations entering the playoff game at Cape Coral Nov. 20. But any aspirations of advancing further into the postseason disappeared as the size, speed and athleticism of the Seahawks (11-0) proved to be too much for the Mustangs (6-5).

Cape Coral scored a touchdown in every quarter on its way to a 27-0 shutout over Lakewood Nov. 20 in the Class 4A-Region 3 quarterfinals. The loss forces the Mustangs to sit back and wait until next season for another shot at the regional semifinals.

Cape Coral made several big plays throughout the game, including a 40-yard punt return by Prince Halloway in the first quarter and a 70-yard touchdown run by Jeremy Davis in the third quarter, following a goal line interception by the Seahawks.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs struggled to gain momentum offensively. Senior quarterback Reggie Lindsey, who accounted for four touchdowns in last week’s victory over Wauchula Hardee, only completed 3-of-19 passes and was intercepted twice.

Taryn Laws was held to 72 yards on 20 carries while Lindsey rushed for 52 yards on nine carries.
Trailing by 14, Lakewood had two opportunities inside the red zone to cut into Cape Coral’s lead, but a blocked field goal attempt and an interception on the goal line kept the Mustangs off of the scoreboard.

Luckily with the vast majority of their team returning next season, the Mustangs will be able to use this opportunity as a learning experience to prepare for what they hope will be a deeper playoff run next season.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].