CCC defense smothered Clearwater High in 44-0 rout

Clearwater Central Catholic High School defeated Clearwater High School 44-0 on Friday, Oct. 30, at the regular-season finale for both teams. The result gave the Marauders the city championship for the fourth straight year. It marked the most lopsided victory in the history of the rivalry.

The Tornadoes entered the game with a 9-0 record. The Marauders came in at 8-1. Clearwater High had allowed only 56 points in its first nine games. CCC allowed 44 points in a single night. The Tornadoes finished the game with 24 yards of total offense.

Clearwater High quarterback Jaysean Glenn entered the contest with 1,749 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. CCC defensive lineman Na’im Jefferson said the team focused on squeezing the pocket to limit Glenn's ability to scramble. Jefferson recorded two and a half of the Marauders' three sacks. He was a constant presence on the field throughout the night.

CCC coach Chris Harvey called Jefferson a "freak of a player." Harvey noted that Jefferson is a sophomore and one of the best defensive players the program has ever had. Harvey also highlighted the defensive effort against Clearwater senior receiver J.J. Archer. Archer finished his regular season with 1,003 receiving yards. He caught five short passes for 26 yards in the loss.

The Tornadoes managed only three first downs, all in the first half. They went 1 for 13 on third and fourth down. The team never crossed midfield. Their best field position all night was their own 47-yard line. The defense forced a turnover that kept the game within CCC's control.

The Marauders offense spread the ball across the roster. They used three quarterbacks in the first quarter. The team played at a hurry-up pace and called on 10 ball carriers. CCC finished with 322 rushing yards. Quarterback Khayse Barrett and junior Peyton Simms each ran for 67 yards. Freshman Kriton Turner added 44 yards and a touchdown. Freshman K.D. Smith had 43 yards and a score.

Short-yardage specialist Dicarieze Williams carried the ball five times for 14 yards and three touchdowns. Harvey said the team prefers to run the ball, especially with the quarterback. He explained that spreading the wealth reduces the load on the primary ball carrier. The versatility on the sideline allowed the team to be successful without relying on one player for 25 carries.

The win places CCC in a strong position for a berth in the first-year Open Division. That division features eight of the state's top-ranked teams. Harvey said the prospect will not change how the team prepares. He described the Open Division as a great challenge and opportunity to compete with the best teams in Florida and America.

Harvey also noted that if the team does not make the Open Division, it has a strong chance in Class 2A. He called 2A the best class in high school football in Florida right now. The Marauders will take the situation day by day to see where they fall.

Clearwater High is the District 4A-10 champion. The Tornadoes will host a Class 4A regional opening-round game on Friday, Nov. 6, to try to regroup.