Cape Coral High School’s Seahawks are determined to keep their impressive 9-1 season alive as they face off against Gulf Coast High School in a regional quarterfinal playoff game.
Gulf Coast is on a quest to secure its first-ever playoff win. WINK News was on the scene to speak with both teams before the game.
Cape Coral’s head coach, Jaylen Watkins, has been a key figure in the team’s success. He expressed confidence in his players’ readiness for the big stage.
“I truly say that these guys are truly like brothers,” said Watkins. “And it reminds me of my time here. And so I’m excited to see how they handle the adversity today. Whether that be win-loss, whether that be touchdown, fumble. This game counts differently than it does the other ones. And their bond that they’ve created over the last two years together. You should see that show tonight.”
Meanwhile, Gulf Coast’s head coach, Manual Evans, emphasized his team’s underdog status and the opportunity to change their story.
“You know, 0-9, that’s the history,” said Evans. “That’s the measuring stick. You know, to get that first-ever playoff win and to move on and to keep practicing, it goes back to what I told them in the middle of October. November weather, November football is just different. And we’re here. So, we’re going to give it our best shot.”
Gulf Coast made a strong start, scoring a touchdown on their first drive and taking an early 7-0 lead.
The Cape Coral Seahawks triumphed in the regional quarterfinals, defeating the Gulf Coast Sharks with a final score of 35-21.