Clearwater Central Catholic Class of 2014 Linebacker Ethan Thompson has things right where he wants them. A starting position in a resurgent program, sitting in classes with his childhood friends from St. Cecilia’s Parish in Clearwater and the ability to silently talk to his leader on or off the field (at anytime) if he so chooses without any backlash.
The sophomore enjoyed a breakout season for Head Coach John Davis following his transfer from Palm Harbor University racking up 84 tackles. That was good for 3rd on the team just behind fellow c/o ’14 Canaan Brown’s 85 and Sr. Justin Goodloe’s 88 for a squad that finished 8-3 on the season. A season in which a few close calls and bad bounces kept them from being 10-1 and getting them to a rematch with rival Berkeley Prep in the 2nd Round of the playoffs.
Thompson was in the process of finding his role as a freshman for the senior-laden Hurricanes when the change of scenery was made and while the transition from public to private (especially an intense parochial and academic setting like CCC) isn’t always easy, for Thompson it was pretty much a seamless one.
“My whole life (except for Palm Harbor) I’ve been to private school at St. Cecilia’s (in Clearwater.) All my friends that I grew up with were already there and my faith played a big part. It’s also nice being able to pray while in school if we want.”
During the fourth week of the season, Thompson got a chance to showcase his talents against his old squad; a game in which he ended up with only 6 tackles, but it was a game that started a 5-game streak in which he averaged 12 tackles per contest against Cardinal Mooney, Tampa Catholic (in which he had 15 in an upset over the Crusaders) and Berkeley Prep. Still he has good memories of his tilt against his old team, especially since CCC came out victors 20-7 on the evening.
“It was really fun playing against Palm Harbor, I kinda knew some of their tendencies which made it a little easier, but not by much. They are still really good.”
CCC nearly made fools out of the pundits in Week 1 when they took 8A Regional Finalists East Lake to OT and were literally inches from winning if not for a fumble going into the endzone. It doesn’t sour him one bit though as he reflects now on that first night of the Labor Day Weekend.
“Personally I felt sad, but at the same time I was okay with it. We should have won. It was just one of those things that happen. Sometimes you fumble. It’s football. We’re excited to play them (again), but right now we’re just taking it step-by-step in the offseason and not trying to get ahead of ourselves.”
One of the calling cards of the entire season for Coach Davis and his team full of young guns was their ability to block out the predictions and internalize the mission gaining strength from within those locker room walls. It almost worked against the Eagles, against a Fort Meade team on the road in the playoffs (in which very little chance was given yet ended up a 13-10 defeat) and it did work against Tampa Catholic. Nothing more evident than the fact they were still celebrating at the Crusaders 50-yard line as a monsoon literally ensued. Thompson credits their coach and his simple principles taught.
“Being the underdog is what helped us, and the “Us against the world” mentality. We just go about our business, if we do what we’re capable of then we’re fine.”
Thompson has seemingly found his home at CCC and is pretty candid when giving his opinions about how the school goes about its purpose both on and off the field. You can tell that it’s important that the bridge be gaped between the kids that are Catholic and the ones that aren’t. Ethan is quick to give his thoughts about why things have started to turn around on campus and on Friday Nights.
“They don’t shove anything down our throat here. They try to be respectful teaching to the kids that aren’t Catholic as much as those that are and it goes beyond the classroom. You feel a sense of respect for yourselves and the other team when you step out onto the field.” (Editor’s note: It helps when there’s Priests standing on the sidelines too.)
Thompson said he really likes both positions (mainly played WR at PHUH), and with his 5-11, 185lb growing frame he would love to spend some time at strong safety, but for now will simply continue to follow the plan that Coach Davis and his staff have mapped out for the young man. Although you could hear his voice light up through the phone when asked about the prospect of playing that position. “I would without a doubt love to see some time at strong safety, but I’m good wherever Coach (Davis) decides to play me.”
Something tells me he’ll get that chance, but for now he’ll just stick to the plan. On AND off the field.