Clearwater ends streak against Countryside
In a dominating performance, the Clearwater Tornadoes (2-0) defeat the Countryside Cougars (1-1) for the first time in 14 games dating back to 2001 by a score of 35-7.
The Tornadoes’ offense hit on big scoring plays in the first half to take a 21-7 lead. In the first quarter, Adarius Lemons opened the scoring with a 69-yard touchdown run up the home sidelines then three minutes later Jacquez Jones caught a short quick pass from Garrison Bryant and took it 75 yards to the house for a 14-0 lead. Cougars answered with a 10-yard touchdown catch by Kee Whetzel from Trent Chmelik in the second quarter only to see Clearwater answer four minutes later with a 30-yard touchdown run by Kane Taylor.
In the second half, the Tornadoes’ defense shutout the Cougars while the offense added two more scores in the third quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run by Adarius Lemons (his second of the night) and a 6-yard touchdown catch by Quan Jones from Garrison Bryant.
Clearwater rested most of their starters in the fourth quarter.
Lemons, a junior running back, had 11 carries for 102 yards with 2 touchdowns. Jones, a junior slot receiver, ended the night with 3 catches for 105 yards and 1 touchdown. Bryant, a senior quarterback, went 16-for-24 for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior receiver Cam Ellis caught 7 balls for 78 yards to keep the chains moving.
Clearwater’s defense which had four sacks was led this night by junior defensive lineman Garet Chisholm with 2 sacks, 2 tackle-for-losses, and a quarterback hurry. Cam Elllis had a sack and forced fumble and junior linebacker Kane Taylor had a tackle-for-loss, forced fumble, and a pass defense. Junior linebacker Reagon Hassler added a sack.
Countryside moved the ball in the first half but only came away with one score because two of their drives into Clearwater territory ended in fumble losses. Senior quarterback Trent Chmelik went 13-for-22 for 166 yards and 1 touchdown. Junior wide receiver Jordan Payne caught 6 passes for 75 yards and senior wide receiver Kee Whetzel had 2 catches for 46 yards and 1 touchdown.
On defense, Cougar’s senior linebacker Thomas Koonce had 2 tackle-for-losses and senior defensive end Brandon Holsten had 2 tackle-for-losses.
Next week, Clearwater has their bye week while Countryside travels to Boca Ciega (0-2).