TC gets out of the blocks fast

Posted Sep 5, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Sep 6, 2009 at 03:02 PM

Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez is the first to admit he had some reservations about his Class 2B squad going on the road to take on a 6A school in the Crusaders’ season opener.

Besides the difference in classifications, TC came into the game without a preseason game under its belt, several members of the team had just come off a bout with a flu bug and the Crusaders had a habit the past few years of starting off the season sluggishly.

But the Crusaders had what Henriquez called a “recipe for success on the road” and left Groveland late Friday night with a 28-14 victory over South Lake. The formula TC used included a great ground game, control of the clock, minimal mistakes and good field position.

“The kids just did a great job,” Henriquez said. “They executed the game plan and except for a couple of big plays by South Lake, really held them in check defensively.”

The man of the night for the Crusaders was senior running back Hank McCloud, who rushed for a career-high 216 yards on 27 carries. McCloud also hauled in a couple of passes for additional yardage. That sort of rushing performance took pressure off TC quarterback Christian Green, who was rarely forced to pass in search of first downs.

“I was hoping that we would throw the ball less than 15 times,” Henriquez said. “I think we had 11 passes and the rest of time we were in control with our running game.”

Up next for TC is its home opener Friday against a smaller school, 1A Berkeley Prep. The Buccaneers opened their season with a 25-24 win over 2A St. Petersburg Catholic.