Sports: Marauders to get tested by Clewiston

Marauders to get tested by Clewiston

By PETE YOUNG

They're not changing schemes. They're not benching players, and they're not panicking.

Yes, Clearwater Central Catholic gave up a season-high 42 points in last week's 49-42 first-round Class 2A playoff win over Fort Myers Bishop Verot. However, the Marauders' coaches are taking it in stride heading into tonight's region semifinal against Clewiston.

Why aren't they rattled? First, a few players had changed positions and everyone is just getting accustomed. Second, what is there to worry about when the offense has been unstoppable?

"When I looked at the film, we weren't that bad on defense," said CCC coach John Davis, whose defense was responsible for five of the six touchdowns allowed. "Our defense will be fine."

Before last week, two-way standouts LaRue Rumph and Carl Wahlbeck were moved from defensive back to linebacker to help shore up a group depleted by academic casualties. The extra week of experience at the new position should be beneficial.

Also, strong safety James Sommers played his first game in more than a month, returning from a knee injury. Davis raved about Sommers, who should be even better this week.

Last week, No. 5-ranked CCC (10-1) was the high school version of the St. Louis Rams. Go ahead, score a few touchdowns -- we'll score more.

Quarterback Jay Davis, who is being recruited by Colorado and North Carolina State, among others, completed 18 of 29 passes for 310 yards. CCC also rushed for 223 yards on just 28 attempts, almost 8 yards a carry. "I can't say enough good things about our offense," Davis said. "Whenever we had to score, they went right down and scored."

This week, however, the first downs and touchdowns should be much tougher to come by. Clewiston (6-5), which won at No. 8-ranked Palmetto last week, rocked Bishop Verot 34-7 in the regular season.

The Tigers are battle-hardened. Three of Clewiston's five losses were to still-unbeaten teams ranked No. 1 (Belle Glade Glades Central, 3A), No. 2 (Immokalee, 2A) and No. 4 (Venice, 5A). The CCC attack, averaging 417 yards and 40 points a game, will be challenged.

"They're big and very physical," Davis said of Clewiston. "When you look at the team's they've played, you know they're going to be real tough."

CCC's skill position players have rightfully garnered a lot of attention. Davis, running back Mike Scanlon (who replaced Sommers at tailback after his knee injury), and the pass catching quartet of Marcus Edwards, Matt Galley, Wahlbeck and Rumph (who took a few direct shotgun snaps last week) has put up big numbers.

And they can thank the offensive line for having the opportunity to do so.

Two-way, 260-pound standout Eduardo Sanchez, the right guard, is the anchor. Senior tackles Mike Kaprat and Mike Szarowicz have protected the flanks and given Davis time to throw. Junior left guard Alden Davis has had a "terrific year," according to coach Davis.

Then there's 175-pound junior center Danny McBride, who despite his size is the best center Davis has ever coached.

"He's a feisty little guy," Davis said. "He calls all of our schemes and does a fantastic job."

Like every team at this point in the season, CCC is combating injuries. Wahlbeck and Scanlon have a broken finger, Rumph is hobbling around on shin splints and Tom Statsick has been out since late September with a broken leg. But with one more win, CCC advances to the region final, which would be a first in school history.

"Obviously, we have to do better on defense," Davis said.

"If we can do that and the offense can keep doing what it's been doing, we have a good chance to win the game."