Cape Coral High head coach Jaylen Watkins builds on winning culture

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— Cape Coral High School's football program has transformed from winning just two games a few years ago to a 10-win season and a district title last year.

First-year head coach Jaylen Watkins says the foundation for the turnaround was built long before the wins started coming. He says the team's success has been rooted in trust, accountability and a group of players who have bought into a brotherhood.

Watkins is entering his first season as the official head coach at Cape Coral after helping build the program alongside former head coach Mike Murphy. He says the transition has been smooth because the relationships were already there. 

The next step is continuing to do the little things that can turn a good team into a great one. He believes this group has the talent to make a deep playoff run, but it will come down to how they prepare for Friday night.

"The performance on Friday is going to be about Monday through Thursday," Watkins said. "And if we can break it down that way, every time we get to Friday, we should be ready to play and perform. The best man wins, and we have four days to be the best group."

Watkins says he feels fortunate to have a group of seniors who have helped build the program from the ground up. The Seahawks will open the year at South Fort Myers in three weeks.

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