Early deficit downs Clearwater Central Catholic

By KEVIN SMETANA
Published September 2, 2006

TAMPA - Senior quarterback Dickie de Lama led the Crusaders to an early lead, as Tampa Catholic reached the end zone on its first three possessions in beating Clearwater Central Catholic 21-14 on Friday night.

Clearwater Central Catholic scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to keep it close, but neither team scored in the second half.

De Lama completed all of his passes in the first half, going 8-for-8 for 133 yards.

But he struggled while completing half his passes in the second half, throwing two interceptions and giving up a fumble.

"It was a tale of two halves," said Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez, whose Crusaders won their second straight game.

"Offensively, we turned it over (in the second half), and defensively, we made the stops."

Down by seven points late in the game, Clearwater Central Catholic still had hope until de Lama converted on third and 9 with 2:27 remaining, allowing Tampa Catholic to kneel on the ball and run the clock out.

[Last modified September 2, 2006, 06:47:42]