CapeAtlanticLive.com teams with Lunch With Lynch for football sportsmanship, unsung hero awards

Posted: December 3rd 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

For the second straight year, CapeAtlanticLive.com and the Lunch With Lynch Foundation have joined forces to honor six local high school football players.

Select players from Lower Cape May, Middle Township and Wildwood have each been given the CapeAtlanticLive.com/Lunch With Lynch Sportsmanship Award and Unsung Hero Award.

The Sportsmanship Award has been given to the player on each team who best demonstrates respect, integrity, fair play and good behavior both on the field and in the community at large.

The Unsung Hero Award has been given to the player on each team who consistently engages in acts of kindness while going above and beyond for the team without expectation of praise and/or has overcome personal adversity to become a fine contributor to the team and the community.

Winners of the awards were selected by their respective head coaches.

The following are the 2024 winners of the awards:

CAPEATLANTICLIVE.COM/LUNCH WITH LYNCH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS

Lower Cape May - Sam Lake (senior, OL/DL): A four-year player for the Caper Tigers, Lake served as a backup offensive and defensive lineman this fall.

“Sam worked hard to try to put himself into position to be a starter for us,” Lower Cape May coach Lance Bailey said. “It didn't work out that way for him but he never stopped working and he never complained. He became a valuable member of our scout team and he did his best to contribute whenever he did get the opportunity to get into games.”

Middle Township - Jaedin McGaha, Middle Township (senior, OL/LB): McGaha was a two-way starter for the Panthers at offensive lineman and linebacker. On defense, McGaha was fifth on the team in total tackles with 47 and also returned a fumble for a touchdown. On offense, McGaha was one of the key blockers for a ground attack that totaled nearly 1,800 rushing yards this fall.

“Jaedin never complains and works as hard as he can each and every day regardless of the circumstances,” Middle coach Gavin Liepe said. “He sets a great example for his teammates and always is putting his best foot forward.”

Wildwood - Giorgio Palesano, Wildwood (senior, WR/DB/KR): Palesano saw time as a wide receiver and defensive back for the Warriors this fall.

“Giorgio is the type of player who tries every day to get better by playing the game the right way,” Wildwood coach Ken Loomis said. “He is the type of player who helps opposing players off the ground at the end of a play. He’s generous and kind, and has the temperament that every coach loves to see.”

CAPEATLANTICLIVE.COM/LUNCH WITH LYNCH UNSUNG HERO AWARDS

Lower Cape May - Tim Booth (senior WR/DB): A four-year player for Lower Cape May, Booth was a valuable contributor on offense, defense and special teams for the Caper Tigers. He emerged as one of the team’s more important players.

“Tim was with me for six years going back to when I was coaching the team at Teitelman,” Lower Cape May coach Lance Bailey said. “He's the kind of kid that just got better every year and tried his best to do everything the coaches told him. All that work paid off for him as a senior. He was one of our most improved players. He gave his all on every snap of the football.”

Middle Township - Aydan Howell (senior, WR/DB): Howell was a two-way contributor for the Panthers during the 2024 season. Offensively, he led the team with 21 receptions and tied for the team lead with three receiving touchdowns. On defense, Howell was among the leaders in the West Jersey Football League with six interceptions.

“Aydan exemplifies what it means to be a leader,” Middle coach Gavin Liepe said. “His great sportsmanship shows every time he’s on the football field. He’s always looking out for his teammates.”

Wildwood - Chris Olivera-Garcia (senior, OL/DL): Olivera-Garcia had played football for multiple seasons entering the 2024 campaign but nearly had to step away from the team due to work obligations to help support his family. He ended up playing the entire season for the Warriors and became a key contributor.

“Chris played for us for multiple seasons but then this year, his senior year, he told me he was going to have to quit because he needed to work to help provide for his family,” Loomis said. “We as a coaching staff told him there was no way we were going to let him quit. He came to practice when he could, spending most of that time on the scout team. He had no problem with his role and it was very evident he was still happy to be a member of the team.”

Lower Cape May coach Lance Bailey (left) with Unsung Hero Award winner Tim Booth (center) and Sportsmanship Award winner Sam Lake.

Middle Township coach Gavin Liepe (center) with Sportsmanship Award winner Jaedin McGaha (left) and Unsung Hero Award winner Aydan Howell.

Wildwood coach Ken Loomis (center) with Unsung Hero Award winner Chris Olivera-Garcia (left) and Sportsmanship Award winner Giorgio Palesano.