Gator Country

Tampa Catholic senior running back Henry McCloud (6) gets tackled during the Crusaders' 28-14 win against South Lake on Friday, Sept. 4 at South Lake High School in Groveland. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

GROVELAND -- South Lake High School hosted Tampa Catholic on September 4th in the season opener for both teams. The game featured a number of top prospects being pursued by the Gators -- both for the visiting Crusaders (OL Chaz Green and QB Christian Green) as well as the host Eagles (CB Nick Waisome and SS Jordan Montgomery).

The Crusaders struck first behind a short Maronte Gilbert touchdown run and a 5-yard Christian Green touchdown pass to Henry McCloud as Tampa Catholic took a 14-0 lead into the break.

South Lake would close the deficit to a touchdown early in the third quarter behind the running of quarterback Stanley Evans, who scored on a four-yard quarterback keeper on third and goal to cut the lead to 14-7. Tampa Catholic would respond with a one-yard plunge from highly regarded junior fullback Hunter Joyer to again make it a 14-point game, as the fourth quarter started with Catholic out in front, 21-7.

The fourth quarter would be a showcase for highly touted 2011 prospect Nick Waisome. He intercepted a pass intended for Florida recruit Christian Green (who was lined up at receiver on the play), and followed that up with an incredible 59-yard touchdown reception, which cut the lead to 21-14 with just a little under 6 minutes remaining.

South Lake wouldn’t get any closer, however. Despite forcing the Crusaders into a three-and-out, the Eagles were forced to go to sophomore Chris Floyd at quarterback after an injury to starter Stanley Evans. He would throw an interception on the third play of the series near midfield, and a Henry McCloud touchdown run would cap off a 200-yard effort on the ground, as Tampa Catholic would emerge with a 28-14 victory.

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Photo Gallery: Tampa Catholic at South Lake, 9/4/09 (CLICK HERE TO VIEW GALLERY)

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About the author

TimCasey67

Tim Casey covered the 2007 BCS Championship Game, 2007 Final Four, 2005 College World Series and 2008 Women's College World Series. He’s had photos published in Sporting News magazine, GQ magazine, SI.com, ESPN.com and nearly every newspaper in the state of Florida. Now he's home as Gator Country's Photography Editor.

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