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Suncoast News Game of the Week: Mitchell at Clearwater Central Catholic

Solid Test For Blossoming Mustangs

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: September 17, 2009

CLEARWATER - THE SQUADS:

Mitchell High - Class 3A, District 7; Record – 2-0 (0-0); Points For/Against – 51-19.

Clearwater Central Catholic High - Class 1A, District 6; Record – 2-0 (1-0); Points For/Against – 31-16.

LAST YEAR'S MEETING: CCC def. Mitchell, 13-6.

GAME TIME: Kickoff Thursday at 7:30 – Clearwater Central Catholic High School.

Log onto www.suncoastnews.tbo.com to view game coverage, stats and photos from the night's action.

Don't let the Class 1A distinction fool you; Clearwater Central Catholic is no stranger to stepping up and competing with bigger schools.

This is the fourth meeting in the past six years between these two programs, with the Marauders holding a 2-1 advantage that includes last year's 13-6 home win over Mitchell.

With a new coach and a fresh philosophy beginning to take hold at Mitchell, though, the Mustangs are playing well, off to a 2-0 start, and looking to avenge 2008's defeat.

Both teams have comparable strengths and offensive game plans that focus on running the football and controlling the clock.

Mitchell is led by tailback Ricky Trinidad who is quickly becoming one of Pasco County's top rushers. The junior has amassed 402 yards and two TD's in two games and is averaging 11.5 yards per carry.

Quarterback Matt Michaels was a receiver leading up to Week 1, but was thrust behind center when starter Cody Van De Boe injured his knee. Michaels has responded nicely to the challenge by simply running the offense and not making mistakes when called upon to air it out. He has only passed 11 times, but completed nine of those attempts for 117 yards and two scores while not being intercepted. Additionally, Michaels' legs have produced 119 yards and two more TD's.

CCC's success, on the other hand, is predicated on the young man calling its plays. Quarterback Eric Miller is a dual-threat athlete that has totaled 232 yards and three TD's by foot and 93 yards on 11-of-22 passing through the air.

Running backs Graham Brown and Justin Goodloe are the Marauders' RB weapons in the backfield. Receiver Nick Newton has hauled in seven of Miller's 11 completions for 58 yards.

Defensively, Mitchell and CCC have been stingy, allowing less than 10 points per contest.

Talented Mustangs linebackers Anthony Moore, Dylan Lamb and Chris Pagano will have their hands full keeping tabs on Miller to make sure the QB doesn't get passed the second level.

EDGE:

With how well Mitchell has looked thus far on both sides of the ball, the Mustangs have a great shot at starting 3-0.

The main battle within the game will be between Trinidad and Miller. Both stars should be expected to get their fair share of yardage. Whoever's defense can keep those individuals' numbers pedestrian certainly will be one step closer to victory.

Michaels' continued ability to avoid mistakes and do what is asked of him is an x-factor leading in, along with Trinidad's other above-average skill: returning kicks. He's averaging over 50 yards per return on his three attempts, including a 98 yarder for a touchdown that opened the season against River Ridge Week 1.

Log onto www.suncoastnews.tbo.com to view game coverage, stats and photos from the night's action.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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