CFNN Reporters AbbiKate Daughtry and Natalie Mitchell

Homecoming at Cape Fear High School is a very important tradition. The school and community are extremely close, and big crowds are always a staple at the annual Homecoming game. Last Friday night was no exception.

The Colts had a job they needed to come do as they hosted the Buccaneers from Jack Britt High. It was a night of tradition, pageantry and excitement both for the big game and for the festivities surrounding the game. Ultimately, though, it was all about the game.

The Colts were dominant from the start, treating the big crowd to plenty of scoring and even tougher defense as the Colts made the blue and gold faithful pleased to be in attendance. The final score was 35-0 in favor of Cape Fear.

This was the Colts  4th shutout of the season. The defense has been stellar all season long, giving up a measly 8.3 points per game. Physical play has been a staple of Head Coach Jake Thomas’ program from the start. It seems that the physical attitude is paying off for the program.

“Defense is about everyone knowing their assignment and knowing what their job is. When people perform, we have a successful defensive unit,” said Thomas.  

Right from the start, the Colts showed their hunger for this homecoming win with a touchdown on their first drive of the game from Senior Running Back King Faison. This made touchdown number 11 for Faison on the season. The powerful Colt runner is averaging 90 yards per contest. Faison totaled 86 yards on 12 carries for the night. 

Unfortunately, the extra point from Kicker Francisco Rodriguez was not good, so at the end of the first quarter, the Colts led 6-0.

In the second quarter, Cape Fear kept their foot on the gas with touchdown contributions from Quarterback Geronimo Sanchez and Sophomore speedster Tai Phillips. Each had a rushing touchdown for the Colts before halftime.

“A lot of credit is due to the O-line, they definitely come in and help with the movement. Another key factor is taking the weight room seriously and keeping my lower body strong,” said Sanchez.

In a scoreless third quarter, the Colt defense was nothing short of stifling. Jack Britt was able to move the ball down the field, but was unable to find the end zone. Cape Fear stopped the Buc offense inside the red zone, not once, not twice, but three times. 

Leading the charge for the stout Cape Fear defense were Will Wicklin with 12 tackles (4 for loss), Aydin Leonard with 10 on the night, Bryan Charles with 9 tackles, Brandon Little with 8 tackles, and Damien Gary with 6 tackles to go with his 2 interceptions for the contest.

“I think it’s important to come back from a tough loss and show how dominant of a team we can be especially after a bad game,” said Wicklin. 

At the end of the night, a King and Queen were crowned, and the Colts were victorious. The win moved the Colts to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in United 8 Conference play. Cape Fear will next travel to Southview High School to take on the Tigers, giving them a chance to secure a second place finish in the conference.

“It’s a big step for our program. The guys have been working hard since last spring and in the weight room. It says a lot for our seniors to leave this program better than when they found it,” said Thomas.