Montel Tate with the catch vs. Clearwater (Photos by Jaxson Irey)

by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington Crusaders took advantage of six first-half turnovers en route to a 49-18 thrashing of Clearwater Friday. The resounding win may make up for a lopsided loss in week one. The competition was not as tough, but Wellington’s defense was sometimes stifling, and the offense had some nice flashes.

Clearwater turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions, and Wellington led 22-6 at the end of one quarter and never looked back.

Wellington sophomore Parker Thornton returned an interception 40 yards for the first pick six in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Malachi Rogers stepped in front of a pass and returned an interception 98 yards for the second pick-six.

The first time the Crusaders had the ball, the team drove down the field quickly but gave up the ball on downs inside the Clearwater 10.

Clearwater drove out to the 30 and fumbled.

Wellington recovered and scored quickly. Quarterback Dustin Bannister threw a swing pass to Grady Norris, which gained 28 yards Bannister punched it in on the next play.

On the next play from scrimmage, Thornton got his pick-six.

Clearwater again fumbled, this time at midfield.

Bannister threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Rogers on the first play after the fumble.

Clearwater responded with its first scoring drive of the night, culminating with a 34-yard pass from Tyler Fugarino to Braden Berkamp. The extra point was missed and Wellington led 19-6.

The Crusaders added a 32-yard field goal by freshman Milo Elders.

Later in the quarter, Clearwater marched down the field behind some sharp passing by Furgarino. On third and goal from the 7, he threw an errant pass into the hands of Rogers, who returned it 98 yards for the second pick-six of the night.

Wellington got another touchdown before the half ended on a 14-yard pass from Bannister to Grady Norris.

Clearwater managed a touchdown early in the third quarter on a 12-yard pass to cut the deficit to 36-12 but would get no closer.

Wellington got two more touchdowns early in the fourth in quick fashion. Bannister ran in the first one from two yards out after Clearwater was unable to get a punt off and gave the Crusaders the ball at the Clearwater nine-yard line.

Clearwater fumbled again on its next possession, giving Wellington the ball at the 16. Three plays later, Bannister passed 15 yards to Montel Tate for another score. Those two touchdowns were about two minutes apart in-game time.

Late in the fourth, Clearwater got its running game going, which Wellington had stifled to that point.

They drove down the field on the running of Weston Burford. Fugarino scored from two yards out with about two minutes left to make the final 49-18.

For the game, Bannister completed 11 of 21 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Rogers ran for 79 yards on seven carries. Rogers also had 50 yards receiving with one touchdown, in addition to his pick-six.

For Clearwater, Fugarino completed 16 of 31 passes for 226 yards, with four interceptions and two touchdowns.

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