Tampa Catholic Crusaders (8-1) at Jesuit Tigers (9-0)

When:
Kickoff is at 7:30 (TV: Bright House Sports Networks Channel 1147)
Where:
Alumni Field at Corral Memorial Stadium

Head Coaches:
Tampa Catholic – Mike Gregory (3rd season at TC, 21-11 record)
Jesuit – Matt Thompson (3rd season at Jesuit, 25-9 record)

Last meeting:
2014 – Jesuit 31, Tampa Catholic 28

All-time series record:
Jesuit leads 37-11

Players to watch:
Tampa Catholic – QB Austin Sessums, SS/RB Devan Barrett, WR/DB Nate Craig-Myers
Jesuit – QB Daniel Boon, RB Malik Davis, ILB/TE Braden Gilby

The quick slant:
Jesuit hasn’t lost a game in this series since 1999–the same year that Eminem’s first album was released along with Dr. Dre’s Chronic: 2001–the same year that Jesse Ventura was sworn-in as Governor of Minnesota. The last time Tampa Catholic finished the regular season either 8-2, or 9-1–they reached the state finals in Orlando. Jesuit RB Malik Davis has rushed for 16 of his 20 touchdowns the last four games.

The post:
It’s one of the most lopsided “rivalries” currently going in the area, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this one-of-a-kind atmosphere either at Jesuit–or watching it from the comfort of your couches on BHSN. Last year, a 3-win TC team pushed the Tigers to the brink before Jesuit kicked a field goal with no time remaining on the clock to extend the streak. The Crusaders are capable of putting up points in bunches, but the Tigers are just as adept at scoring–while taking the air out of the ball and employing a first-rate ground-and-pound approach.

Tampa Catholic wins IF: They win the turnover margin–that means extra offensive possessions–which in-turn means more chances to score–which they can. The Crusaders OL also needs to weather the physical storm in the trenches early.

Jesuit wins IF: They do-what-they-do…get Malik Davis going early-and-often and control the ball on offense. Jesuit must also pick their poison and decide which offensive weapon of TC’s they want to neutralize–and neutralize them.