TC's odomoter: 1,200 miles and counting

If Tampa Catholic ultimately wins a state title, the Crusaders might consider having an extra championship ring made for their bus driver.

Of the five local football teams still alive in the playoffs, none have more literal mileage on them than the 10-2 Crusaders, who have traveled 1,178 total miles round-trip -- give or take a few detours or missed exits -- for their five longest road trips this season.

The longest excursion so far: last week's 340-mile excursion to and from Clewiston, whom the Crusaders defeated 33-0 in the Class 2A region finals. This week's trip to Homestead -- around 550 miles round-trip -- for a state semifinal game against Miami Archbishop Carroll will exceed that.

"We're used to this, and in fact, the guys kind of thrive on it," Crusaders coach Bob Henriquez said on Tuesday's edition of "Prepcast," now available for downloading at tampabay.com.

"They enjoy the opportunity to get on the bus and enjoy each other's camaraderie and all the stuff that goes along with traveling."