A slow start by the Crusaders Friday evening at Sellers vs Clearwater, eventually turned into a very exciting contest with Crusader "METTLE" oozing all over the place.

Down 17-0 in the 2nd qtr, the boys in red would claw their way back behind Michael Cullens inspired runs, Berk Wright's 180 yds passing and 2 scores, Dustyn Schettler's skillful ball handling, and a score, Cope Henry and Montel Tate's combined receptions of over 100 yards, including a 47 yd Montel reception for 6.

Henry had to punt more often than a team would like but did so without incident 7 times for over 200 yds. Jack Wright, RJ Clift, and Hagan Wright were 3 for 3 on PAT's and Jakob Lira would seal the OT deal with a do or die 4th qtr 2 point conversion.

Throw in an awesome TD denying interception by Senior Greg Holcomb, the Crusaders found themselves knotted at 29 with the Indians, when the 4th qtr ran out. It was now nitty gritty time for both teams. Given equal chances in the OT period to score, unfortunately the Indians were able to do just that, the Crusaders could not.

Losing never leaves a good feeling, but most of us Crusader fans walked away from Sellers Friday, feeling as good as one can when the season opener falls into the loss column. Everyone was impressed with the Crusaders' tenacity and fortitude. Many others, not mentioned, contributed as well. We have a good football team with some big challenges ahead no doubt. FINAL SCORE (OT) Clearwater 36 Wellington 29

SCORE BY QUARTERS
CWTR - 07 10 06 06 07 - 36
WELL - 00 07 07 15 00 - 29

RUSHING
Michael Cullens 12/4 yds
Trace Rusk 1/4 yds
Berk Wright 11/17 yds 2 TD's
Dustyn Schettler 7/82 yds TD

PASSING
Berk Wright 14/27 for 180 yds 2 INT TD

RECEIVING
Cope Henry 5/59 yds
Montel Tate 2/55  yds TD
Michael Cullens 2/39 yds
Trace Rusk 1/19 yds
Trenton Bannister 1/3 yds

1ST DOWNS
CWTR 22 WELL 13

INTERCEPTION
Greg Holcomb 1

PAT'S
Jack Wright 3/3
Jakob Lira 2 pt. conv.

PUNTS
Cope Henry 7/205 yds (29 yd avg)

RUSHING 107 yds
RECEIVING 180 yds
+++
TOTAL OFFENSE 287 yds

PREGAME * SENIOR NIGHT * GAME ACTION PICS 09.04.20