The 1st time these teams met, Tampa Catholic was dominated as CCC controlled all 3 phases of the game in a 27-7 win in impressive fashion. This time around, Tampa Catholic came to play tough and started the game out with some momentum. But in the end, CCC was still just the better team winning 10-7 not without some drama in between.

Tampa Catholic’s defense was lights out in the 1st half and they won the battle of field position starting most of their drives around or past the 50. QB Kyle Ploucher (13-22 143 yds) completed several big passes taking advantage of the Marauders missing all world Safety Mike Stevenson. Even though Tampa Catholic was winning the field position battle as well as yardage and time of possession, they were not finding the end zone. Late in the 1st, they were stopped from the one inch line to kill their best scoring chance at that time. TC found the end zone on their next drive after starting at the CCC 32. Kenny Bryant punched it in from 3 yards out to put TC up 7-0 going into the half.

CCC’s offense was inept at best in the 1st half and almost faced being down 14-0 but their defense was superb. They played most of the 1st half on their side of the 50 yard line and only gave up 7 points. This was even without Dominic James who left the game early in the 1st with a knee injury. Ethan Thompson and the whole LB crew stepped up big in his absence as did Jacob Shade, Diquan Walker, Trey Larry and Calvin Pringles stepped up for the secondary facing an explosive passing attack.

John Davis came out running through seems in the middle with his 2 horses in Walker (6, 105 yards 1td) and Larry with much success. Walker broke off huge runs on his way to a nice night (22, 133yds) and big play Trey used his speed and elusiveness to race 54 yards for CCC’s 1st score.

The Marauder defense continued its dominance forcing multiple 3 and outs until their offense got rolling once more on their last drive. Ethan Thompson also filling in for James on offense started their game winning drive with 2 big runs followed by Diquan Walker slashing the defense to get CCC in field goal range. Matt Fosnacht connected with a 32 yard field goal which would end up being the game winner. Tampa Catholic actually had a shot at the end as Ploucher attempted a Hail Mary which tipped out of Zach Benjamin’s hands and was nearly corralled by Trajan Herr.

CCC will host the state semifinal against University Suns next week for the chance to play for the 3A State Title.

– Eric Clark