Indian Rocks Christian is 0-5 against Clearwater Central Catholic since September of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Eagles will face off against the Marauders at 7:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Indian Rocks Christian turned things around against Cambridge Christian on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 31-16 victory over the Lancers. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Eagles' offense, which had struggled in the games prior.
Ocean Tualatai had a dynamite game, rushing for 154 yards and two TDs on only ten carries, while also picking up 30 receiving yards. Jackson Rockefellar also helped out as he racked up 106 rushing yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Indian Rocks Christian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 261 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.
Indian Rocks Christian didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Winston Mason and Reece Barbaro. Indian Rocks Christian got some further help from Wesley Keller: he picked up three sacks and made six total tackles (4.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Clearwater Central Catholic never let their opponents score on Friday. They blew past Gadsden County 49-0. The result was nothing new for the Marauders, who have now won three games by 35 points or more so far this season.
Clearwater Central Catholic's win came from a few key players Indian Rocks Christian will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Corey Simms, who rushed for 73 yards and one score, and also caught one touchdown. Pharaoh Tillman also helped out with an impressive 85 receiving yards.
One reason for the win was Clearwater Central Catholic's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Dicarieze Williams, Alden Sherman, and Cerrious Wynn, who each picked up one sack apiece. Clearwater Central Catholic received some extra help from Harrell Clyde, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Indian Rocks Christian's record now sits at 2-3. As for Clearwater Central Catholic, their record is now 5-0.
Indian Rocks Christian took a serious blow against Clearwater Central Catholic when the teams last played back in September of 2024, falling 42-0. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
