ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:

Trick or treat? Cougars spook Tornadoes on Halloween

By Alfredo Muente

  

CLEARWATER – It’s a rivalry like none other. The acclaimed “Battle of CHS” took on a new meaning Friday night as the real CHS (Countryside of course) haunted their city rivals and crushed them 42-7 for a (5-3) record, and one district win away from clinching a playoff spot. A beautiful night weather-wise brought out a good number of fans despite Halloween, and Cougar fans got a show from the offense. You can say that the Tornadoes were scared crazy. From the start, this was definitely a “monster mash”.

 

Halfway through the first quarter, the garnet and gold struck first when Dawrence Roberts caught a 33 yard touchdown from Jimbo Chmelik, who dumped it off on a Clearwater blitz. The team didn’t let its guard down, as they drove quickly down the field for another score as Alton Taylor ran it in from the one to make it 14-0. Taylor kept the wheels going as the second quarter began, as he caught the rock from Jimbo for a 21 yard score and a commanding 21-0 lead. Chmelik was successful on a keeper where his serpentine running led to a 13 yard TD and a halftime lead of 28-0.

 

The ghouls and goblins were all out in the second half as Countryside continued to pour it on. Late in the third, the Cougars faced a fourth and one and were queuing up for a field goal, but Jimbo took the snap and heaved a 21 yard pass into the hands of William Griswold, yes, that William Griswold to go ahead by 34. More trickery occurred when the extra point was cemented by lineman Joe Crews! The home team put a wrap to it’s Halloween party when freshman call-up Grey Crow, threw a 52 yard score to Terry Johnson on his first ever varsity pass attempt. Crews would again kick the point after and the team led 42-0. The shutout was snapped when with 0:20 seconds left, Tornado running back Tarrence Jackson found the promised land from the 3 after a pass interference call.

 

Next up for the Cougars, their final district tilt on the road at East Lake next Friday night before coming home for senior night on November 14 against Seminole. All game begin at 7:30. GO COUGARS!!!!!!!!!