In a key District 3A-5 battle, it’s not just a game for bragging rights within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. It’s also one of the two most important games on the schedule for each team if they want their seasons to be extended beyond November 11th. The Crusaders of Tampa Catholic put their undefeated record on the line while CCC is a heartbreaking loss in OT to East Lake from being the same. Although TC is widely considered the favorite in this game, the Marauders are on a faster track to success than most could imagine and thanks in large part to John Davis and his ability to right the ship.

It’s a series with tradition that dates back to 1965, with this being the 36th meeting. Tampa Catholic leads the series 22-12-1, and will be looking to make it 5 out of the last 7 in this matchup. Before this little streak began, CCC had won 6 straight games, but it was TC before that streak with an 11-game stranglehold over a period from ’86-’96. Recently, TC thumped CCC 49-13 in ’09 and then shut them out in Pinellas 14-0 last year. This year is different. Or is it?

When you break down the stats, it’s very difficult to try and determine a clear-cut winner based solely on the numers themselves. Both teams are averaging 29 points a game. Both teams average less than 80 yards per game through the air, while they enjoy over 225 yards on the ground boasting multiple threats out of the backfield. One of the key stats that may come into play will be TC’s scoring an average of 18 points in the 2nd Q through their 1st four games. It’s key because if they hold true to form, those points could bury CCC if they cannot move the ball with relative success. CCC is only averaging 61yds per game in the air.

The tandem of Jordan Rich-Rogers and Trevor Register for TC have combined for 511 yards on 83 carries. They will undoubtedly get called upon to carry the pigskin with effectiveness in order to set up the play action. If TC’s Sophomore QB Chivarsky Corbett can limit the amount of mistakes when he is called to make throws, he and his merry band of Crusaders will be tougher to defeat than the Pope’s Army themselves during the Crusades. However, if CCC lives up to its “Marauder” label and begin to move about and plunder at will, they can force TC into situations that they may not have faced yet this season.

CCC is battle-tested for sure. They’ve already played two 8A schools and have a 1-1 record. The one loss coming at the hands of East Lake who was a the preseason #1 team in Pinellas County in OT as mentioned. The game actually ended with a CCC fumble as they were marching into the endzone. They also pounded Palm Harbor University 20-7 and proved that they’re not intimidated one bit in games against teams that the casual preps fan may not give them much of a chance of winning.

The battles will be fought in the trenches per usual when teams are evenly matched or at least that’s what I’ve always felt in games that I’ve walked away from in person while watching. It will come down to a handful of plays that will have zero margin for error. Plays that require converting an uncomfortable down and distance, or even getting a FG off without a crucial penalty that could move either team out of scoring position. It’s when and where this sort of thing happens within the game that will determine its outcome. TC gets a blocked FG or a fumble on a kickoff setting up short fields, they win this pulling away. CCC is 110% more resilient than they were at this time a year ago and that can make all the difference in the world.

I definitely see the biggest impact play coming through the air since that’s the biggest weakness. A well-timed fake or seam route from a TE or a blown coverage will break the back of someone. May not result in a TD, but could a winning FG or ice a game with a crucial conversion at the end. Each team will be so jacked up to stop the run, it will happen. Just like everything else we’ve seen this year, it will be who responds best to the adversity that determines either of their fates. My prediction is that TC will make 2-3 more plays than CCC and will win an extremely close game. They may even have to come from behind to do it, but I like Tampa Catholic in this one.

Prediction: Tampa Catholic 24  Clearwater Central Catholic 20