TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Game of the week: Tampa Catholic at Jesuit

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: November 12, 2009

At Stake

Catholic school bragging rights are on the line. Jesuit has had more to brag about in this series, but unlike the two previous years, the Tigers have a postseason to look forward to after this game. Tampa Catholic's got a shot at the school's first undefeated regular season record with a win.

Key Stat

Tampa Catholic: In his two games as quarterback against Jesuit, Tampa Catholic senior Christian Green has done better running the ball. Green has a combined 201 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, but has completed 22-of-34 passes for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception in those games.

Jesuit: In the 42 years of this rivalry, Jesuit owns the series with a 31-11 record, including a current nine-game winning streak. The Crusaders have been shut out in five of those 31 victories, including twice in this decade. Tampa Catholic's longest winning streak was three games from 1985-87, including a 22-21 overtime victory in 1985.

Keep An Eye On

Tampa Catholic: Senior lineman Chaz Green. Everyone should have already caught up to the human highlight film that is Christian Green. But Chaz Green, a 6-foot-6, 295 force and, will be putting bodies on the turf, paving the way for Christian and running back Henry McCloud.

Jesuit: Tigers senior running back Robby Garcia. Jesuit's leading scorer averages 80.6 rushing yards per game. In last week's playoff clinching victory against St. Pete Catholic, Garcia rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns, the third time this season he's scored three touchdowns in a game.

Key Matchups

When Tampa Catholic Has The Ball: Christian Green is a double threat with his ability to make plays with his feet. Now in his third year at starting quarterback, Green has become more consistent as a passer and more cognizant of the defenses he's facing. This season, he's completed 50 percent of his passes for 421 yards and 5 TDs with no interceptions while rushing for 523 yards and 10 TDs. When Green isn't making a play, expect the Crusaders to hand off to McCloud, who leads the rushing attack with 1,023 yards and 12 touchdowns.

When Jesuit Has The Ball: Quarterback Bobby Eveld, Hillsborough County's fourth-leading passer, has really grown into the Tigers offense. The senior's three main targets, Ben Gutowski, Bryce Walker and William Schaefer, each average more than 13 yards per reception. But Gutowski, the team's leading receiver, is out with mononucleosis. With Garcia forcing the Crusaders to respect the running game, Eveld could have some opportunities to take shots down the field.

Quotables

"Flat out, it's a game we need to win," Tampa Catholic senior quarterback Christian Green

"We're big believers in the team concept and we say that every single day. We put sayings in the locker room and hand out sheets to them that just emphasize team all the time. It's a huge deal. Now Tampa Catholic, they're blessed. They have some great athletes. They always do, but we just happen to show up." Jesuit coach Joe Ross

Compiled by Nick Williams and Katherine Smith

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT