Armwood Dominates Clearwater in Weather-Shortened Showdown!
Clearwater Central Catholic faced Armwood in a weather-shortened game on August 16, 2025, losing 27-0 in a preseason matchup.
Armwood Dominates Clearwater in Weather-Shortened Showdown!
In a dramatic showdown marked by inclement weather and impressive displays of athleticism, Armwood High School decisively triumphed over Clearwater Central Catholic in a preseason game that ended with a score of 27-0. The matchup took place amidst a stormy backdrop on August 16, 2025, resulting in a nearly two-hour delay at kickoff due to lightning and rain. The teams ultimately agreed to shorten the game to three quarters under a running clock, allowing both squads to showcase their skills despite the challenging conditions, as SI.com reports.
Clearwater Central Catholic, a program that has reached the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 1A championship game for three consecutive seasons but faltered against Chaminade-Madonna each time, faced a formidable opponent in Armwood. From the onset, it was clear that Armwood’s defense had a firm grip on the game. They forced Clearwater to a three-and-out on their first possession, and the Marauders only managed to secure one first down in the opening quarter, a testament to Armwood’s staunch defensive play.
A Game of Defensive Dominance
Armwood’s defense, featuring standout players such as senior safety Dmontae Tims, who is committed to the University of Colorado, and four-star senior defensive back Jaelen Waters, committed to the University of Miami, put on a masterclass in shutting down offensive threats. The defense was most noticeable when Theo Wilson intercepted Clearwater’s quarterback, Khayse Barrett, not once, but twice—returning one for a 25-yard touchdown and another for a 45-yard score. Such moments underline the excitement around the young talent that’s blossoming at Armwood.
On the offensive side, senior quarterback Rhys Brush led the charge for Armwood, throwing a stunning 60-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Micah Hudgins. In addition, junior running back AJ Jones, brother of former NFL player Matt Jones, added depth to the offense that proved too much for Clearwater to handle. The team capped their impressive performance with a 1-yard touchdown run by junior fullback Errol Demontagnac, further solidifying their dominance on the field.
Looking Ahead
As Clearwater Central Catholic looks forward to refining their strategy, they must aim to overcome their past championship heartaches. On the other hand, Armwood set the bar high for themselves, showcasing not only their prowess but also building anticipation for the upcoming season in Class 6A.
The outcomes from this matchup reveal the shifting dynamics in Florida’s high school football landscape. With teams like Armwood standing tall, the excitement surrounding the fall season is palpable. As The Free Dictionary notes, “high” can indicate importance—something that Armwood has certainly achieved this weekend, rising above the competition with a performance that highlighted their potential and set them on a promising path.
To add a little perspective, “high” differentiates itself in various contexts, whether it relates to geographical elevation, emotional peaks, or excellence in competition, as stated by Merriam-Webster. Armwood’s victory aligns perfectly with the definition of “high” in the realm of sports: reaching a peak stage of performance, something every player and team strives to achieve.
As the weeks progress and seasons change, keep an eye on these talented young athletes. With the high stakes ahead, the excitement is just getting started.