The Cape Coral High School football team picked up its eighth consecutive victory on Oct. 10, shutting out Ida Baker, 48-0.
The Seahawks are off to their best start since 2009, despite losing head coach Tyler Murphy, who resigned unexpectedly in September.
While Cape Coral has excelled on the field without Murphy, his departure remains a topic of discussion.
Why did Cape Coral football coach Tyler Murphy resign?
A Lee County School District investigation determined that former Cape Coral High School football coach Tyler Murphy had sex with the parent of a player on school grounds, which prompted his resignation.
On Sept. 9, one day before Murphy’s resignation, the parent and her attorney met with representatives from the district’s office of professional standards. She supplied text message conversations with a number verified to be Murphy’s personal cell phone, which showed evidence that the two engaged in sexual activity at Cape High.
The 33-year-old Murphy, who was a probationary district employee, emailed his resignation to Jackson on Sept. 10, citing “personal circumstances.” That evening, Murphy, who was also a physical education instructor at Cape Coral, sent a follow-up email to Jackson withdrawing his resignation because “the decision was made under pressure during a difficult situation.” The district denied his request to rescind his resignation.
Parents: Tyler Murphy should return to Cape Coral
During the Lee County School Board meeting on Oct. 7, board members unanimously approved a number of personnel decisions, including Murphy’s resignation. A gathering of Cape Coral high school football players and parents attended the meeting, with several speaking to the board members about their desire for him to return to lead the program.
“It just baffles me how this man is being treated,” said Jeff Miller, father of a Cape Coral football player. “Did he make a mistake? Probably he did, but it wasn’t towards these kids. These kids love this man … and I just ask you to reinstate him immediately so he can join these seniors to continue on what they’re doing this year.”
Who is Cape Coral’s head football coach?
Following Murphy’s resignation, defensive coordinator Jaylen Watkins was named the team’s interim head coach.
Watkins, a 2010 Cape Coral High graduate, played defensive back at the University of Florida was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played six seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles, who defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Under Jaylen Watkins, the Seahawks have gone 5-0 and clinched their second consecutive district title with a 30-7 win over Mariner on Oct. 3.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral High football continues to win with coach Tyler Murphy
Reporting by Dan DeLuca, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
