OCALA - More than six months have elapsed since
the Cougar football team played a game until Friday night when the four time
district champs lined up against the defending 2B State Champion Trinity
Catholic Celtics in Ocala. From the opening whistle, things looked very grim
for the garnet and gold. In a game that featured more turnovers for the home
team, which was held scoreless in the second half, the onslaught in the
first twenty-four minutes was too much to overcome.
After a three and out to begin the game, the
Celtics quickly made a dent on the scoreboard on their first possession. On
the first play from center, halfback Rudell Small fired up the middle
untouched for a 41 yard touchdown. Kicker John Paglia missed the point after
to end the drive with a 6-0 lead. The Cougars retaliated with a lightning
strike, in the form of an 80 yard reception from L.D. Crow to Elijah Swann to
give Countryside its only lead 7-6. On the ensuing possession, John Brantley,
the state's top rated quarterback, found Dion LeCorn for a 15 yarder through
the air and a Celtic 13-7 lead. LeCorn would score two more times from 39 and
35 yards respectively. Rudell Small would add another TD on the ground from 3
yards out.
Two minutes into the second quarter, Crow
bought time and connected with Eric Sarlo, who dove face first into the end
zone, after bolting downfield for 76 yards. The half would end on an
impressive punt return of 73 yards by the speedy Antonio Allen giving TCHS a
commanding 41-14 halftime edge. The Cougars drove against the Celtic
back-ups to tally an 8 yard score to Jagger Esch to make it 41-20. Countryside
made it interesting when Dawrence Roberts found a hole and snuck through for a
68 yard score, but a fumble recovery on the next drive ended the potential
comeback. The Cougars outscored the Celtics 13-0 in the final two frames, but
fell 41-27. Thanks to all our fans for showing up at this away game, and we
hope to see you in three months for the 2006 season. GO COUGARS!
Check out the blog & comment on the game!!
Players & Parents, if you want the full
size of any photo below just email me the number of the photo & I will
send it to you. And click on the smaller ones for the full size view,
Thanks!!
