PALM HARBOR — Clearwater won for the first time since the 2012 regular season in a wild contest that included two weather delays, numerous penalties and turnovers, and a dramatic final few minutes. The game also featured a duel between Tornadoes quarterback Garrison Bryant and Hurricanes signalcaller Brandon Swift, who combined to throw 58 times. In the end, Clearwater senior Lucas McWhorter’s two interceptions in the final minute sealed the Tornado victory.
Key drive: In the fourth quarter, Palm Harbor University scored to get within 24-23 on a 5-yard touchdown run by Swift, but the PAT was no good. Clearwater went three and out giving the ball back to the Hurricanes. Then with PHU driving, McWhorter intercepted a pass and returned it for a score to put the Tornadoes up 30-23.
Stars of the game: McWhorter added an interception on the final Hurricane drive and set up a touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter with a 38-yard run up the middle. Bryant was efficient, completing 17 of 22 passes for 204 yards. Swift finished 18 for 36 for 171 yards. Desmond Silva chipped in with an interception for the Hurricanes
Stat of the game: The teams combined for 24 penalties for 184 yards.
Final word:“We just kept working. We knew we were a better team. We just needed to come out and get a win. We finally broke that steak.” — Clearwater coach Donnie Abraham on his team breaking a 13-game skid.