CLEARWATER -
Coming off a much needed bye week, the Countryside Cougars strapped on the
pads, laced their cleats, and tightened their chin pads in search for a sixth
victory on a beautiful Friday evening at Jack White Stadium in Clearwater
against the inter city rival Tornadoes. Like a wind of fury, the Cougars came
out to play their best ball of the season yet, to the chagrin of district foe
Clearwater. Things began on a high note when the garnet and gold drove easily
down the field to post a 7-0 lead after Maurice Threatts found the end zone
from 10 yards out and a quick lead. Determined and poised on their first
drive, Clearwater's offense showed moxie, led by senior quarterback Luke
Loucks. The future Florida St. Seminole basketball star can also heave it, as
he did to connect with Chris Sackman for a 28 yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie.
The Cougars were negated on their next opportunity, and it lead to a special
team blunder. A low snap on a punting attempt was fielded behind the goal line
and a safety awarded to the Tornadoes. They would take a 9-7 lead into the
second quarter, but with two clicks of the heel, Countryside roared back with
a vengeance.
Very quickly the Cougars ran the ball down the
home team's throat, and were in position to score when a trick play fell right
into the hands of an unusual target. With Ryan Eppes under center on second
and goal, he pitched the ball to Brandon Lockwood, who rolled right and fired
a halfback pass to a wide open...Ryan Eppes. With the score now 14-9, the
offense continue to baffle the (4-4) Tornadoes when back-up halfback Dawrence
Roberts darted untouched into the promised land from 18 yards out to increase
the lead by 12. Threatts continued to dazzle the Brighthouse television
audience with a masterful 27 yard touchdown to cap the halftime score in our
favor, 28-9. Things slowed down a bit in the third quarter, with the
only scoring coming from 335 pound fullback Joe Marshall, whose 1 yard TD
plunge cut the score to 28-16. The relentless Cougar attack came back to life
when the game entered its final phase.
Maurice Threatts converted on his third score
of the night, this one from the 2, finishing the night with 177 rushing yards
to put his team ahead 35-16. The human battering ram better known as Richard
Shockley caught a pass that landed him in the end zone for a 9 yard tally,
giving the Cougars 42 big ones on the scoreboard. With time against them,
Clearwater's 6'4" signal caller meandered down the field with some big passing
plays and a few defensive flags, which culminated in a 5 yard touchdown
reception by Justin Merchant and a successful two-point try that sealed the
scoring for the final Friday in October with a 42-24 final that improves the
Cougar's district record to (2-1) and (6-2) overall. Countryside had not
scored this many points since posting 49 vs. Pinellas Park on opening week,
and have now won 4 straight and 5 of the last 6. As for the other CHS, they
fall to (4-5) in their home finale. Next week, the real CHS will be back home
to wrap up district play against the East Lake Eagles and will end the regular
season at Seminole on November 9. A playoff spot is on the line a week from
today, so come out and support our boys because there's NOTHING LIKE
THE HEART OF A COUGAR.
