Preps

Countryside 21, Tarpon Springs 14

By KELLIE DIXON, Times Staff Writer
Published September 29, 2007

CLEARWATER - Brent Scannell knew he had to do better if he wanted to keep his starting spot.

The strong safety missed at least six tackles in Countryside's loss to Dunedin last week, and coach John Davis sent a clear message to the sophomore and his teammates.

Improve. Or kiss your spot goodbye.

Work together. Or say hello to a long season.

On Friday, it all came together for the Cougars, and they toppled previously undefeated Tarpon Springs 21-14. Tarpon Springs, a non-district foe, was 10th in last week's Times Top 50.

Scannell factored into Countryside's success on both sides of the ball. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back broke loose for runs of 15, 14, 25 and 49 yards. He complemented senior Maurice Threatts, who scored the Cougars' (3-2) first touchdown.

Defensively, Scannell locked down on his tackles. Few got past.

But he wasn't the only Countryside player to step up.

Steve Honey, primarily a defensive back, slid into fullback for the Cougars. They were without running threat Richard Shockley, out with a back injury. Honey had 32 yards on six carries.

That made Davis smile. He was watching his team come together. His relatively inexperienced seniors were becoming leaders, making plays. Senior linebacker Ed Castagliuo was chief among them with a fumble recovery and an interception late.

The Spongers (3-1) didn't put up much of a fight and turned the ball over four times - twice late in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars weren't without their mistakes, including a fumble on a punt return late in the fourth quarter. But the Spongers couldn't capitalize on the miscue.

Countryside 21 Tarpon Springs 14

[Last modified September 29, 2007, 01:22:01]