CLEARWATER -
With all the hoopla leading up to Friday's homecoming and district match-up
vs. the Clearwater Tornadoes, the final few minutes of the fourth quarter were
disheartening for the Countryside Cougars. Not because of a possible comeback
attempt, since the real CHS already led 31-0
The game began with a boisterous crowd leading
the Cougars to an efficient drive to start the contest. L.D. Crow's go to
receiver, Matt Mooney, caught a 33 yard rifle and with much rigor and
strength, dragged a few defenders with him to the end zone for an early 7-0
lead. Later in the quarter, kicker Josh Martinez booted a 30 yarder through
the uprights to give Countryside a 10-0 lead which would stand until the third
quarter. At halftime, Mooney was named the 2006 homecoming king. L.D. Crow was
a runner-up, and junior Dylan Durham was on court as well. Congrats to all the
players!
Back to business in the third quarter, the
Cougar "D" was smashing, denying the Tornadoes on first and goal at the one.
The garnet and gold drove downfield and Crow may have thrown his best
touchdown of the season when he lobbed a pass right into the arms of Elijah
Swann in the corner of the end zone for an 18 yard beauty and a 17-0
advantage. On the ensuing drive, visiting quarterback Luke Loucks was
intercepted by Justin Roberson, which would set up a trick play for the
Cougars that sent everybody in the stands berserk.
Crow dropped back and fired a lateral to Jayson
Shannon, who bulleted a pass to a wide open Kevin Carrozza. No one was within
20 yards, and the Cougars struck yet again, making it 24-0 going to the
fourth. After Maurice Threatts tallied from the 2 to make it 31-0, one play
made everyone's jaw drop a few octaves. Loucks threw what apparently looked
like an incomplete pass, but the officials ruled it a fumble which was
subsequently scooped up in the end zone and ruled a touchdown. The play went
for 45 yards in the books. The Tornadoes added a
late touchdown after blown coverage from the fourth stringers and sealed the
scoring after missing a two-point conversion 31-14.
The Cougars are now (6-0) and (2-0) in the
district. They are set to host the Tarpon Springs Spongers next Friday at
7:30, the team Countryside dismantled in the pre-season 42-10. This will be
the third of four consecutive home games, and has been designated as senior
night before the huge district showdown with Dunedin on Friday the 13th, a
game which will be telecast by Brighthouse Catch 47.
The army was presented with a team photo
signed by the coaching staff.
Best defense in the county!
Thanks to all of our fans!!!
Homecoming King & Best Receiver in Pinellas
County
Matt Mooney!!
Carrozza makes his turn for the end zone,
after a 20 yard pass from Shannon!!
