Indian Rocks Christian at #15 Tampa Catholic

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Tampa Catholic Athletic Complex, Tampa (4630 N Rome Ave)

TV: BHSN (Channel 47 and HD 1147)

Coaches: Indian Rocks Christian – Marc Buchanan (11th year, 71-38); Tampa Catholic – Mike Gregory (3rd year, 13-10)

How they match up: Two private school powers kick off the regular season in a rematch of last year’s regular season contest where the Golden Eagles beat the Crusaders 56-21. It was part of the first ever undefeated regular season for Indian Rocks Christian, before making it all the way to the Class 2A state championship. The Golden Eagles return their starting quarterback from that team Garrett Ross-Johnson. The ground game paves the way for IRC. Running back Zeke McGaughy rushed for 1136 yards last year with 18 touchdowns. Fullback Theo Anderson ran for 786 yards and 16 TDs and added 251 receiving yards. Anderson also leads the defense playing end, tackle and linebacker. The Golden Eagles return their second-leading tackler Selby Steward, who registered 63 last season. The defense will try and slow two of the top skill position players in Tampa Bay and the country. TC Senior Nate Craig is a five star wide receiver, ranked the top wideout in the Class of 2016 by 247 sports. Craig is playing in his first regular season game since a leg injury kept him off the field last year. He already has 43 offers from Power 5 schools including Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State. The Crusaders also have a formidable weapon in two way player Devan Barrett. The Crusaders lean on the three-star running back/safety for his explosiveness and big play ability. After losing Cody Endris to graduation senior linebacker Trevon Townsend is the leader of the Crusader defense with three years starting experience. TC lost a key member of their defensive line in 3-year starter Malik Barrow who transferred to IMG Academy.


Three facts to know:
1. Tampa Catholic WR Nate Craig is selected for the 2016 Under Armour All-American Game
2. Indian Rocks Christian’s 12 wins in 2014 set a school record.
3. Tampa Catholic has made the playoff 8 of the last 10 years, but missed last season with a 3-7 record.