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Tampa Catholic's Win Streak At 6

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By SCOTT PURKS

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 1, 2008

RUSKIN - Tampa Catholic appears to have hammered out and buffed up any kinks in its armor.

Shoot, after running over Lennard 31-0 in Friday's Class 2A-District 5 matchup, the Crusaders appear poised to make another run at a state title game, where they finished last season before losing.

At the heart of the momentum is TC's starting quarterback, Christian Green, who sprained his left ankle and missed the season's first two games, both of which TC lost.

Since then Green has gotten steadily stronger, helping the Crusaders reel off six consecutive victories, including four in the district, the title for which was sealed with the victory over Lennard (4-5, 2-2).

"It's felt like a long run after the injuries to start the season," Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez said. "Tonight I thought we executed very well, especially in the first half."

Besides Green, who completed four of six passes for 41 yards, including 11-yard touchdown passes to Kenny Broadnax and A.J. Mulkey, TC was led by Henry McCloud, who rushed 13 times for 163 yards with touchdown runs of 42 and 46 yards.

Almost all those yards were gained in the first half where TC held a 24-0 lead.

After intermission, Green rested on the sideline and junior quarterback D.J. Williams came in to complete three of seven for 42 yards, all of which was fine with Green.

"I think it's good for Williams to get in there and get some work like he did," said Green, who rates his ankle at 100 percent. "It's good for the team."

Henriquez concurred, saying, "You never know when you're going to need some people down the line. Tonight was a great opportunity to get some good game experience for a lot of people."

The offense, however, was second on the mind of Henriquez to his defense, which in its past six games has given up an average of only seven points a game.

"You also have to remember that we've been playing some great offensive teams, including Mulberry TC won 24-13 and Jacksonville Trinity Christian won 33-21," Henriquez said. "For that matter, Lennard has been scoring quite a few points themselves more than 20 points in five games.

"Overall, yes, I'm very encouraged."

T-McCloud 42 run (McLaughlin kick)

TC-Broadnax 11 pass from Green (McLaughlin kick)

TC-Mulkey 11 pass from Green (McLaughlin kick)

TC-McCloud 46 run (McLaughlin kick)

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