MICHAEL PISTELLA Cape High senior Spencer Boyd (6) breaks into the open in the second quarter against Palmetto Ridge Friday night. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com

With District 4A-12 play opening up for both teams, the Cape Coral Seahawks downed the Palmetto Ridge Bears 24-14 Friday night on homecoming at Dave Warkentin Field.

“It was a full team effort tonight,” Cape coach Mike Goebbel told his team. “Take a look at that scoreboard, 5-0, that’s what it says.”

The Seahawks received two touchdowns from their special teams unit in the first quarter, giving them a 14-point lead.

Five minutes into the game, Palmetto Ridge punter Frankie Nelson’s kick was blocked by Cape senior Jeremy Davis. The future Miami Hurricane landed on the ball as it dropped into the end zone for the first score.

With a minute left, Nelson fumbled the snap on a punt, the ball was picked up by Seahawk end Shaun Argoe, who rumbled 30 yards for the second score.

“He (Argoe) has had a great half-year thus far,” said Goebbel. “He’s definitely gotten bigger and stronger. We moved him from the inside to the outside position and he’s done a great job.”

Argoe finished with two fumble recoveries and a sack.

The Bears got on the board in the second quarter when running back Jimmy Perry scored on a four-yard run to close the gap to seven. The teams went into the half with the Seahawks up 17-7 after a Simon Perez field goal.

Palmetto Ridge stuck to a heavy smashmouth offense throughout the game that gave the Cape defense fits all night.

“We’re gonna have to get more physical against Island Coast next week,” said Goebbel. “We weren’t as physical as we were against Port Charlotte.”

After averaging more than four turnovers a game through their first four games, the Seahawks continued to struggle with ball control, losing three fumbles, all of which were recovered by Palmetto senior Jordan Knight.

The Seahawks experienced some exchange trouble during the night. After getting center Kyle Young back, the sophomore found it tough to get back in the groove.

“Our center was out for two weeks, he just got cleared,” Goebbel said. “He’s just got to get back to his form. We went four weeks without having a bad snap.”

“(Young) has a new neck brace he’s been working with,” said Cape quarterback Jaylen Watkins. “We never had any problems before, I know Kyle’s the best center we have. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody else right now.”

Watkins, a future Florida Gator, heads to Gainsville in January.

The Seahawks (5-0, 1-0 district) travel to Island Coast next Friday night.

Palmetto Ridge 0 7 0 7 – 14

Cape Coral14 3 7 0 – 24

First Quarter

Cape – Jeremy Davis, recovered blocked punt in end zone (Simon Perez kick)

Cape – Shaun Argoe 30 fumble return (Perez kick)

Second Quarter

PR – Jimmy Perry 4 run (Guillermo Romero kick)

Cape – FG, Perez: 27

Third Quarter

Cape – Prince Holloway 19 pass from Jaylen Watkins (Perez kick)

Fourth Quarter

PR – Daniel Burgess 30 pass from Shad Thebaud (Romero kick)