C-Side vs. Tarpon Springs

TARPON SPRINGS - - With the 2006 regular season looming, let's take a look at how the Countryside Cougars fared vs. the Tarpon Springs Spongers. Despite a 42-10 drubbing , not everything was 100%. In report card style, I'll rank the offense, defense, special teams, quarterbacks, running backs/wide receivers, offensive/defensive lines, pass defense, and rush defense.

Despite the 42 points, the Cougars showed poised on their offensive drives. Crow's passes were mostly on target, Threatts' was the MVP of the game, and a bushel of receivers caught passes.

In approximately 12 years covering Cougar football, I have NEVER seen such an athletic group on "D" with such speed, determination, and such passion. Play after play, the entire defense swarmed to the ball carrier, and the hitting was phenomenal.

Maurice Threatts is some special player. Taking over the reigns as starting running back, Threatts also showed blazing speed returning a kickoff for a score, and setting up another drive at midfield later in the game. Josh Martinez and Taylor Hand split duty as kickers and both looked great, while new punter Steve Siberski is still learning the system.

I know, I know, L.D. Crow is the second highest rated passer in the state, but his performance was above average with some chinks in the armor. The biggest problem was his decision to hold on to the ball and take a few sacks rather than try to hit his targets downfield. As far as the 10-15 yard throws, Crow was extremely efficient. Backup Ryan Eppes showed off his throwing arm, and looks like a future starter.

These were two areas where Countryside really excelled in. Threatts was a huge threat zigzagging his way to the corners and busting forward for positive yardage every time he touched the ball. Nick Schlereth and Chris Ramsey contributed as the fullbacks. Matt Mooney once again leads the pack of wideouts, as #13 scored twice after bulldozing the defense. Eric Sarlo is a difference maker, Ryan Messmore has Superman speed, while back-ups Elijah Swann and Martavious Jones didn't disappoint.

Crow's offensive wall wasn't all that bad, but L.D. didn't have much time to throw and that may be a concern against teams with quick bookends. With enough time, Countryside pass catchers can have a record breaking season in '06. The defensive line looked a little sloppy when Tarpon carried the ball. Sponger running backs had big gaps to run through and this needs to improve beginning next week.

You know your team's pass defense is jaw dropping when one of last season's best defensive backs, A.J. Matthews, has converted to linebacker. Chris Ramsey, Justin Roberson, and Brandon Lockwood lead a pack of intense corners/safeties, while Chris Bostick, Matt Brown, and Andrew Murray are your key linebackers. All eleven guys seemed to be in the QB's mug on every down, and close to making a few picks. These may just be the most athletic players in many years.

As a group, this may have been the Cougar's Achilles heel on Friday. It seemed that on every play the Spongers ran the ball, the run defense would dive and miss the ball carrier. There were more missed tackles than fishing lures in this game. Huge gaps were opened up the middle, allowing the opposition to pick up a quantity of yards. Average at best.

(1) 97 yard kickoff return - Maurice Threatts (Martinez XP)

(2) 11 yard touchdown reception - Matt Mooney (Martinez XP)

6 - 17 yard touchdown run - Dawrence Roberts (Martinez XP)