Even though this Friday’s game between Clearwater Central Catholic and Tampa Catholic does not have regular season playoff implications, the long time rivalry still exist. Tampa Catholic is now in the 3A-4 district with Fort Meade, Frostproof, Berkeley Prep, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic and Lakeland Christian. While CCC is 3A-5 with Shorecrest, Calvary, St. Pete Catholic and Admiral Farragut.
This contest dates back to 1965 when TC won the first ever meeting 20-14. Tampa Catholic dominated the series in the early years. Matter of fact, in the first 23 games, TC won 18 of them. However, CCC started to pull back some wins of their own starting in 1999. From 1999-2012, CCC won 11 of the 15 match ups. Tampa Catholic leads the all time series between the two teams by a slim margin of 22-15
FUN HISTORICAL FACTS
- largest margin of victory for Tampa Catholic over CCC: 76-7 in 1995
- largest margin of victory for Clearwater Central Catholic over TC: 32-0 in 2004
- longest win streak for Tampa Catholic vs CCC: 11 games (1986-1996)
- longest win streak for Clearwater Central Catholic vs TC: 6 games (1999-2004)
2013 WHAT TO EXPECT
Both teams will use various formations on offense especially CCC. The Marauders have two dual threat QBs who will be involved in the run game early and often. Blake Gomez and Jeff Smith are both ranked in our position ranking as dual threat QBs. Both are good passers and even better runners. A bevy of running backs starting with 1k rusher Diquan Walker. Walker carriers the mail for CCC. Elusive, fast and a tough runner, Walker will challenge the TC defense.
Tampa Catholic will attempt to spread the CCC defense out and get the ball to playmakers WR Justin Motlow and RB TJ Harrell. QB Kyle Ploucher is in his second year as a starter for TC and is primed for a good year. Expect the playbook to be wide open for Ploucher. He can throw every ball and the offensive staff will trust to make good decisions. RB Kenny Bryant is durable and will keep the chains moving on the ground for Tampa Catholic.
IMPACT DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Justus Reed, CCC DE – The University of Florida commit started the season off with a bang. 5 sacks in the preseason game and 2 sacks in game 1. The best DE in the area will need to have another monster night vs TC.
Tre Watson, TC LB – 4 solo tackles and 7 total tackles in game 1. He gets to the ball and eats ball carriers. Watson has a number of verbal offers and for good reason. Expect him to be all over the field for the TC defense.
IMPACT OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
Jacobi Adderley, CCC ATH – Led his team in receptions (4), yards (68) and TDs (2) in game one. 5-9/160 lbs receiver can do a number of things. Has a nose for the end zone and is dependable.
Justin Motlow, TC WR – Perhaps the best UNKNOWN slot in the BCP Coverage area. Great hands and knows what to do after the catch. When the TC offense starts moving, Motlow is involved in a big way!
PROSPECT WATCH
Demetri Royer, CCC 2015 S
Brandon Junk, CCC 2015 TE/LB
Connor Dorris, CCC 2014 LB/FB
Willie Conley, TC 2014 CB
Isaiah Osby, TC 2014 WR
Jacob Rios, TC 2014 LB