Late rally not enough to bolster C’side over Lely

By Alfredo Muente

 

CLEARWATER – Some things just never change. Speed kills in football, and that could not have been more apparent in Thursday night’s annual spring jamboree featuring the visiting Lely Trojans of Naples against the Countryside Cougars at a packed Cougar Stadium. On the first drive of the game, the Cougar offense looked slick, as Dawrence Roberts carried three times for a whopping 91 yards. He would eventually finish with over 100 yards, eclipsed in the third quarter. Roberts’ third run of 21 yards was an out route into the end zone which game the home team an early 7-0 lead, one that would be short-lived.

 

The Trojans countered with aplomb, as Lely tied it up 7-7 on a 2 yard touchdown catch in the back of the end zone by Acener Estilien. The drive was a lengthy one, as the Trojans drove for more than 8 minutes. It was a battle of attrition for the remainder of the half, as the Cougars sent it to the locker rooms with a 10-7 lead. William Griswold nailed a 21 yard field goal to give his team the edge.

 

Again the Cougars came out hustling in the third as Dawrence Roberts scored for the second time, this one a 9 yard scamper for a 17-7 lead. The garnet and gold would not find their scoring touch again as Lely came back with 17 unanswered. Speedy Darian Hall scorched the defense for an impressive 52 yard TD, and late in the quarter, Frankie Pugh took the rock in from 36 out to give Lely a lead they would not relinquish. Gerry Reyes tallied a 36 yard field goal to make it 24-17 and seal the scoring. Countryside had some great opportunities on their last drive as they were helped out by Trojan penalties to pick up important first downs, including two-for-two on 4^th down conversions to keep the game alive. Jimbo Chmelik re-entered the game to help CHS set up a down-and-goal situation from the 6, but with no time-outs, the team was unable to hack into their deficit and eventually fell by 7.

 

The Cougars are back in action in three months as the preseason game will be played August 29 at Alonso. Then, the 2008 season begins with 3 straight road games before the home and district opener vs. Dunedin takes place on the last Friday of September. Have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing everyone in the fall. Take care and GO COUGARS!!!