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Catholic rivals face off with 2A-7 implications

The winner between SPC and CCC clinches a playoff berth and has the inside track on the title.

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 18, 2002

Before he took the job during the spring, Clearwater Central Catholic coach Mike Jalazo knew to look forward to tonight's game against host St. Petersburg Catholic. "This is the biggest game of the season, no doubt," Jalazo said. "The hype and the history, it's just huge for both schools. You can't live in this county and not know that this is an important game."

The best of enemies, the Marauders and Barons are the only Catholic schools in the county and annually play for more than bragging rights. They are in the same district, and the winner has made the playoffs the past six seasons.

This season is no different. The winner clinches a playoff berth and has a clear path to the Class 2A, District 7 title.

"We're both big powers in our own district," SPC coach Dan Mancuso said. "Not to take anything away from Tampa Catholic or Berkeley Prep, but it's really between the two of us as far as the district title is concerned."

Adding to the rivalry is this is the Barons' only game against a county team this season and the Marauders' second of two.

"The public schools won't add us, and we're too good for the other private schools," Mancuso said. "I wish we could add another county team to our schedule, but we haven't. So that just puts even more of a spotlight on tonight's game."

The Barons are sure to be testy.

Two years ago, CCC won at SPC 60-28. The Barons returned the favor last season with a 15-11 victory but did not win the district title because they were banned from the postseason for recruiting violations.

Instead, SPC watched as CCC took its place as champion.

"We won the game and should have won the title last year," Mancuso said. Although both have had tonight's date circled for many months, they couldn't look too far ahead because of a brutal stretch of games during the first half of the season.

The Barons have faced Jesuit (No.1 in 3A) and Orlando Lake Highland (receiving votes in 2A). The Marauders have faced Tallahassee North Florida Christian (No.2 in Class A) and Jefferson (receiving votes in 4A). "We've had some bumps and bruises," Jalazo said "But we're in pretty good shape. I know for us, we just have to execute, take care of the ball and play with some intensity."

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