By: Ross Van De Griek
CLEARWATER, Fla.- The Tampa Bay area game of the week was just as good as advertised. The Clearwater Tornadoes defeated the Jesuit Tigers, 14-10 on Friday night at Clearwater High School.
It was the first meeting all-time between the two schools. Although what looked like we were gonna have an offensive shootout, Jesuit marched down the field on the first drive of the game, leading to a 9 yard pass from Kiael Kelly to sophomore wide receiver Carter French. The Tornadoes responded quickly to their early deficit, as they also march down the field on their opening drive, getting on the board on a 2 yard run by Markevion Jeter. The game remained a 7-7 tie after the opening quarter.
Both defenses forced punt after punt for most of the 2nd quarter, as well as both quarterbacks faced pressure throughout the night. The last few minutes of the first half was gonna look like a promising drive for Jesuit, before a goalline stand prevented junior running back Ricky Parks from scoring. Neither team would score in the second quarter, as both teams were deadlocked at 7-7 heading into the locker room.
Clearwater started the second half on what looked like a promising drive for them, before senior running back Latrez Bradley was stopped short deep inside Jesuit territory. "Both defenses stepped up when it mattered the most, they are both disciplined", said Clearwater defensive coordinator John Scargle. Neither team scored in the 3rd quarter as well, as the score remained 7-7.
Jesuit would however regain the lead on a 40 yard field goal by senior kicker Cade Freeman, that gave the Tigers a 10-7 lead, just 12 seconds into the 4th quarter. Clearwater would follow up having possession with great field position. Later in the drive, senior running back Latrez Bradley stepped up when it mattered most, scoring on a 3 yard run that gave the host Tornadoes a 14-10 lead, with 4:25 left to play. Jesuit did get the ball back & were in great position to win the game. The drive was highlighted by a 14 yard pass from Kiael Kelly to Jonathan Odom on a 4th & 7 to keep the Tigers alive, with 1:30 left. However, the next 4th down conversion was a screen pass from Kelly to Nick Spurlin but appeared to be just a couple yards short. Clearwater would hold onto win, 14-10 & improve to 3-0 on the season.
The road ahead for Jesuit (1-2): Home vs Booker (Sarasota) (9/13)
The road ahead for Clearwater (3-0): Away at Largo (9/13)