Photo Credit: Chat GPT
0
0
Two of Pinellas County’s best high school football programs will collide Friday night in a highly anticipated Clearwater showdown. The undefeated Clearwater Tornadoes travel to face the Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders in the regular-season finale. Clearwater enters with a perfect 9-0 record, while Clearwater Central Catholic stands at 7-2. Kickoff begins Friday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m. at James Brian Thomas Stadium. However, this game represents much more than another regular-season matchup.
Both programs have championship aspirations, talented players, and plenty of momentum entering the postseason. Additionally, the winner earns bragging rights in a city that has enjoyed outstanding high school football this season. Clearwater wants to complete an undefeated regular season under head coach Thor Jozwiak. Meanwhile, Clearwater Central Catholic hopes to secure its eighth victory under longtime head coach Chris Harvey. Both teams bring explosive offenses and aggressive defenses into Friday’s showdown. Something must give when these two talented programs meet.
Clearwater’s Perfect Season
The Tornadoes entered the 2026 season hoping to build on last year’s district championship. Clearwater finished 8-4 in 2025 but lost all five starting offensive linemen entering this season. However, Jozwiak trusted his younger players to develop alongside an experienced defensive unit. That confidence has paid off. Clearwater has outscored its first nine opponents 324-56, averaging 36 points per game. Even more impressively, the Tornadoes have recorded three shutouts. Their defense has allowed just over six points per contest.
Clearwater opened with a 40-19 victory over East Lake before defeating Dunedin 16-0. The Tornadoes followed with a 26-0 shutout against Countryside and a 38-3 victory over St. Petersburg. Next, Clearwater defeated Largo 24-14 and Northeast 41-0. The Tornadoes then survived a challenging 16-7 contest against Pinellas Park. However, their offense exploded during the final two games before Friday’s showdown. Clearwater defeated Hollins 69-6 before dominating Osceola 54-7. Those performances demonstrated the team’s ability to win defensive battles and high-scoring contests.
Jaysean Glenn Leads Clearwater’s Explosive Offense
Sophomore quarterback Jaysean Glenn has emerged as one of Clearwater’s most important offensive weapons. Glenn opened the season with 358 passing yards and three touchdowns against East Lake. Additionally, he rushed for another touchdown during that victory. His ability to create plays through the air and on the ground makes Clearwater difficult to defend. Against Osceola, Glenn threw for 244 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 37 yards and two additional scores. However, Glenn has plenty of offensive support. Senior wide receiver Joseph Archer has developed into one of Pinellas County’s most dangerous playmakers.
Archer caught eight passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns against East Lake. He later collected 205 receiving yards against St. Petersburg. Against Northeast, Archer caught three touchdown passes from Glenn. Most recently, Archer produced 131 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Osceola. Running back Kemariae Bullard provides another important weapon. Meanwhile, Clearwater’s offensive line has developed throughout the season despite losing last year’s starters. That improvement has helped the Tornadoes remain undefeated.
Clearwater’s Defense Deserves Attention
Although Clearwater’s offense attracts attention, its defense has delivered outstanding performances. The Tornadoes have surrendered only 56 points through nine games. Middle linebacker Jayeon Jackson has become one of the team’s defensive leaders. Jackson averages 13.1 tackles per game, according to MaxPreps. Against Osceola, he recorded eight tackles, including five tackles for loss. Additionally, Jackson registered two sacks during the victory. Defensive end M. Robinson Jr. leads Clearwater with nine sacks. Meanwhile, senior defensive back Jayden Burgess has collected five interceptions this season. Burgess also intercepted a pass against Osceola. Kevin Williams, Torrence Jackson, and Zair Wilburn added interceptions during that same contest. Those four takeaways helped Clearwater dominate the Warriors. However, Clearwater faces a much more challenging offense against Central Catholic. The Tornadoes must contain quarterback Khayse Barrett while preventing explosive rushing plays. Their ability to create pressure could determine Friday’s outcome.
Clearwater Central Catholic’s Road to Seven Victories
The Marauders entered 2026 determined to return to Florida’s state championship stage. Clearwater Central Catholic reached three consecutive state championship games before that streak ended last season. Harvey’s program finished 10-3 in 2025 but entered this year with championship expectations. The Marauders opened with a hard-fought 28-24 victory over Palmetto. They followed with a 43-24 win against Port Charlotte. Next, Central Catholic dominated Calvary Christian 42-7. The Marauders continued their winning streak with a 35-11 victory over St. Petersburg Catholic. However, their fifth victory required a much tougher performance.
Central Catholic defeated Tampa Catholic 14-10 in a defensive battle. That victory improved the Marauders to 5-0. Unfortunately, their undefeated season ended against defending Class 2A state champion Cardinal Mooney. The Cougars defeated Central Catholic 47-35 on October 2. One week later, Berkeley Prep handed the Marauders a heartbreaking 21-20 overtime defeat. However, Central Catholic responded with consecutive convincing victories. The Marauders shut out Boca Ciega 31-0 before defeating Lakewood 42-6. Now, they enter Friday’s showdown with renewed confidence and a two-game winning streak.
Khayse Barrett Leads the Marauders
Quarterback Khayse Barrett remains one of Central Catholic’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Barrett can challenge defenses with his passing ability and his mobility. Against Palmetto, he rushed for 125 yards while throwing for another 109. Meanwhile, Barrett delivered another strong performance against Lakewood. He rushed for 85 yards and one touchdown on just six carries. Additionally, Barrett threw for 124 yards and another touchdown. Running back Peyton Simms also contributed against Lakewood. Simms rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries. Meanwhile, Luke Wilson gives Barrett an experienced receiving target. Wilson had accumulated 400 receiving yards through September 25. The Marauders also feature talented offensive players such as Daveyon Epps, Malik Newton, and Desmond Lee Jr. However, their greatest challenge could come against Clearwater’s aggressive defensive front. Central Catholic must establish offensive balance while protecting Barrett from constant pressure.
Central Catholic’s Defense Could Change Everything
The Marauders have developed a reputation for physical defensive football under Harvey. Their performance against Lakewood demonstrated that strength. Central Catholic recorded nine sacks and two interceptions during its 42-6 victory. Defensive standout Na’Im Jefferson led the charge with three sacks. Jefferson also recorded six tackles, including four tackles for loss. Meanwhile, JJ Schiavello intercepted a pass and helped disrupt Lakewood’s offense. Matthew Vick added another interception and returned it for a touchdown. Those defensive plays helped Central Catholic establish a commanding advantage. However, Clearwater presents a much more explosive passing attack. The Marauders must prevent Glenn from connecting with Archer on deep passes. Additionally, Central Catholic needs to contain Glenn when he escapes the pocket. If the Marauders create consistent pressure, they could disrupt Clearwater’s offensive rhythm. Their ability to generate turnovers might become the deciding factor.
Recent Matchups Favor Central Catholic
Although Clearwater enters undefeated, Central Catholic has dominated the recent meetings between these programs. The Marauders defeated Clearwater 34-20 on September 12, 2025. One year earlier, Central Catholic earned a convincing 42-14 victory. The Marauders also defeated Clearwater 42-20 during the 2023 season. Those three victories demonstrate Central Catholic’s recent success in this crosstown matchup. However, Friday presents a different challenge. Clearwater enters with a perfect record and one of the county’s strongest defenses. Meanwhile, Central Catholic has experienced two difficult losses against quality opponents. The Marauders understand what it takes to win this rivalry. However, the Tornadoes have an opportunity to change the recent narrative. A Clearwater victory would end Central Catholic’s three-game winning streak in the series. More importantly, it would complete an undefeated regular season for Jozwiak’s program.
Three Keys to Friday’s Showdown
The first major factor involves Clearwater’s passing attack. Glenn and Archer have developed an outstanding connection throughout the season. However, Central Catholic’s pass rush could make life difficult for the sophomore quarterback. The second factor involves Barrett’s mobility. Clearwater must prevent the Marauders’ quarterback from extending plays and creating rushing opportunities. If Barrett consistently escapes defensive pressure, Central Catholic could control possession. Finally, turnovers could determine the outcome. Both defenses have demonstrated their ability to create takeaways. Clearwater intercepted four passes against Osceola. Meanwhile, Central Catholic intercepted two passes and recorded nine sacks against Lakewood. Whichever team protects the football should gain a significant advantage. Additionally, special teams and field position could become important during a close contest.
Final Prediction: Clearwater 28, Central Catholic 24
Friday’s matchup should provide one of Pinellas County’s most entertaining games this season. Clearwater enters with a perfect record, an explosive passing attack, and an outstanding defense. However, Central Catholic possesses the experience and talent to challenge the Tornadoes. The Marauders also have home-field advantage and recent rivalry success. Expect Barrett to create problems with his ability to run and throw. Meanwhile, Glenn and Archer should generate scoring opportunities for Clearwater. Both defenses could deliver game-changing plays throughout the evening. However, Clearwater’s ability to create turnovers and explosive offensive plays gives the Tornadoes a slight advantage. Prediction: Clearwater defeats Clearwater Central Catholic 28-24.
A victory would give Clearwater its first undefeated regular season under Jozwiak. It would also end Central Catholic’s recent dominance in this rivalry. Meanwhile, the Marauders would still enter postseason play with championship ambitions. Regardless of Friday’s outcome, both programs have delivered impressive seasons. For Clearwater, perfection remains the ultimate regular-season goal. For Central Catholic, defeating an undefeated rival would provide tremendous momentum before the playoffs. And for Pinellas County football fans, this crosstown showdown offers everything that makes Friday nights special. Two outstanding programs, talented players, and city bragging rights will take center stage. Only one team can walk away victorious.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
High School FootballOctober 30, 2026 at 12:05 amClearwater vs. CCC: Battle for City Supremacy
High School FootballOctober 30, 2026 at 12:04 amPinellas Football: One Final Friday Night
NCAAFOctober 30, 2026 at 12:03 amFlorida vs. Georgia: Cocktail Party Showdown
AAC FootballOctober 30, 2026 at 12:02 amUSF vs. UAB Preview: Bulls Face Halloween Showdown
About the Author
