Football: Clearwater Central Catholic 48, Clearwater 42 (OT)

CLEARWATER — It seemed appropriate that Clearwater Central Catholic and Clearwater, in a rare regular-season matchup, needed overtime to settle things.

After all, both teams exchanged haymakers during the second half, each scoring from 50 yards out at various points.

But it was a subtle play by Marauders senior do-everything Johnny Newton that pushed CCC past Clearwater, 48-42 in overtime.

Despite playing nearly every snap in the marathon affair, Newton was able to push past multiple blockers to force Clearwater quarterback Rent Montie out of the pocket on the first two Tornadoes plays of overtime. Clearwater was unable to convert a fourth down and wound up missing the field goal. CCC’s Jordan Niles scored on the Marauders’ next play to seal the victory.

“It was just really inside,” Newton said. “I just had to fight. I couldn’t lose this game. We played too long. I just gave it my all, all my energy on that last drive and we stopped them.”

Newton didn’t limit his heroics to the defensive side of the ball. He scored on a screen pass and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to go along with his three sacks and countless quarterback pressures.

CCC (4-2) coach Chris Harvey wasn’t surprised Newton had such a strong game.

“He didn’t show anything tonight that he hasn’t shown all season,” Harvey said. “People, when they watch Johnny play, he’s 6-2, 260. But he’s also a tailback. He’s a guy you can count on to run the football, too.”

The victory wasn’t easy for CCC. Trailing 21-14 at the half, the Marauders scored a quick touchdown followed by Newton’s special teams score to take the lead. But Clearwater, led by Montie’s 370 yards passing, were able to bounce back, thanks in part to an 80-yard touchdown pass to Keedrik Murray, who finished with 192 yards receiving.

“Clearwater’s got a lot of athletes on that team,” Harvey said. “They got a lot of speed.”

Late in the game with the score tied, Clearwater (3-2) had a chance to drive and take the lead. But the Marauders’ defense, led by Newton, was able to stop the Tornadoes.

“I think the biggest thing to corral those receivers is doing a better job up front. If we make the quarterback uncomfortable and he’s not able to set his feet and to throw the ball, that helps our secondary out,” Harvey said.

For Newton, beating the crosstown rival is proof the Marauders have a shot to have a special season.

“This game was talked about big since we scheduled it,” he said. We just wanted to be the best team in Clearwater. We just came up and showed that we’re the best team.”