CLEARWATER - Nebraska signed Countryside quarterback Harrison Beck for his arm, but his legs were Friday night's surprise in the Cougars' 37-0 romp over Tarpon Springs.
Beck led all rushers with 90 yards on three carries and totaled 201 yards through the air with one touchdown to keep Countryside (5-0) undefeated and 2-0 in Class 4A, District 9. The loss all but ended the Spongers' (3-3) playoff hopes.
"We worked on a few plays like that this week," Countryside coach John Davis said. "Plays that give us first downs."
The Cougars posted 19 first downs to Tarpon's six.
Darrell Pasco scored his first of two rushing touchdowns, a 9-yard score, midway through the first. Bobby Floyd found the end zone on Countryside's next possession with his 24-yard rushing score and the Cougars went up 14-0 before Tarpon registered a play on the Cougars' side of the field.
"I've been on the other side of the field for games like this," Davis said. "Before you know it, you're down a bunch and there's little you can do to get back up."
Beck threw his only touchdown of the night to Mike James (nine catches, 151 yards) just minutes into the second quarter, and Zach Hobby chipped in a 43-yard field goal to put the Cougars up 23-0 at the half. Four of Tarpon's six possessions in the first half ended four and out; the Spongers punted all six times.
The Homecoming crowd didn't stop cheering, and the Cougars defense (seven sacks) didn't let up. Pasco added his second 9-yard TD and Greg Meyer scored on a 10-yard run, both in the third, to seal the win.
Davis's play calling was almost perfect, but it was Beck who executed. He was 16-of-29 with no interceptions and even completed a pass to himself, a loss of 4 yards on a deflection.
"Beck is physically much stronger than Jay," said Davis, comparing his son, now an N.C. State quarterback and a former quarterback under John's program at Clearwater Central Catholic.
"Jay might have been better mentally at this time, but he had the advantage of going home every night and hearing it from his coach."
