CCC downs Carrollwood Day in 1M region final thriller
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA- It was so nice, Clearwater Central Catholic did it twice.
That's in exciting fashion for the second time this season against Class 1M foe Carrollwood Day.
The regular season encounter was a classic and Friday night's Class 1M, Region 2 final didn't disappoint. CCC kicked the go-ahead field goal with six seconds remaining and edged out Carrollwood Day 45-41 to reach the state semifinals.
The Marauders will host Trinity Christian Academy, a 48-20 winner over Orlando Christian Prep in Region 1. The last time the Conquerors and Marauders squared off was for the Class 3A state championship in 2013, with Trinity Christian Academy winning 34-7.
Carrollwood Day was all over CCC in the early going as quarterback Jordan Magwood (21-of-36, 403 yards) opened up the scoring with a 9-yard yard keeper to put the Patriots ahead 7-0.
Less than three minutes later, Magwood would throw his first of five touchdown passes on the evening and connect with Florida Gators' commitment Izaiah Williams on a 41-yard strike to put Carrollwood Day up 14-0.
In unfamiliar territory of playing from behind, CCC would work themselves slowly but surely back into the contest. Marauders' quarterback Jershaun Newton jumpstarted the CCC offense by hitting wide receiver Shamar Rigby on a 24-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead down to 14-7.
The Marauders (12-0) got to within 14-13 on a Keo Jenkins' touchdown run and then with four minutes until halftime, Newton (15-of-26, 273 yards) scored from four yards out to give CCC its first lead of the game at 19-14. It wouldn't last long, however.
Magwood-to-Williams connection would prove to be tough to slow down as the signal caller hit the future Gator on a 59-yard touchdown pass to put the Patriots ahead 21-19. A blown coverage by Carrollwood Day would allow CCC to regain the lead on a 60-yard Newton-to-Caleb Goodloe (five receptions, 147 yards) touchdown pass.
Up 26-21 at intermission, it was setting up for another down to the wire finish between the two clubs.
The Patriots would eventually retake the lead at 41-40 after trailing at one point 33-21 in the second half. CCC would have the ball last, with Newton methodically leading the offense downfield and getting inside of the Patriots' 10-yard line, setting up the go-ahead field goal.
CCC place kicker Edoardo Cosenza would knock down the game-winning 23-yard field goal and put the Marauders ahead 43-41 with seven seconds remaining. Carrollwood Day would attempt laterals on the ensuing kickoff return, but to no avail, with the play ending in a safety.
FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Photo courtesy of CCC Athletics X account)
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
