Tampa Catholic Gets Over The Hump
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Moments after their monumental win against defending state champion Tampa Jesuit, there was a feeling that Tampa Catholic’s football team had indeed arrived. With head coach Jeris McIntyre putting the pieces together over the past five years, there was a…
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Continue ReadingMoments after their monumental win against defending state champion Tampa Jesuit, there was a feeling that Tampa Catholic’s football team had indeed arrived.
With head coach Jeris McIntyre putting the pieces together over the past five years, there was a belief that once the prospects started to see what the one-time Auburn University and NFL standout was all about, they would buy in – and they have!
As the state playoffs start this Friday at home against Tampa King (3-7), the Crusaders are really beginning to believe that they have a chance to make something happen in 2M.
As a No. 1 seed, this team feels that not overlooking anyone – especially King – and taking each game one at a time, this could be the season where the Crusaders are being taken seriously, especially in the Tampa Bay area – which is something that has never been easy to do.
In Region 2 alone, they have gone 3-0 against Tampa Blake, Tampa Robinson and Tampa Berkely Prep, so confidence and optimism is warranted.
This is a team that has a great mix of seniors, juniors and young sophomores and freshmen, which have grown and matured – with a year-round commitment.
Among those seniors include heavily recruited Lewis Carter Lewis Carter 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Tampa Catholic | 2023 State FL (RB, 6-1, 215), who has been an impact performer for 4 seasons, and will be counted on in a major way.
Also, Class of 2023 seniors Giovanni Amisial (DT, 6-1, 305), Baraka Andrews (DT, 6-1, 300), Troy Black (OC, 6-2, 240), Mike Brown (OG, 6-2, 290) and fullback Carnell Herring Jr. (FB, 5-11, 230).
The Crusaders also boast Chris Luna (OT, 6-3, 270), Mario Mayo (RB, 5-10, 170), Jeremy Patterson (DE/P, 6-3, 225) and receiver Jamal Rutherford (6-3, 180).
GIFTED UNDERCLASSMEN
Tampa Catholic is not only in great shape with the senior class, but the underclassmen have also stepped up as well. Class of 2024 juniors such as major recruits Trey Hedden III (QB, 6-3, 205) and T.J. Moore (WR, 6-4, 190) are leaders and producers. So are Michael Allen (OLB, 6-1, 160), Cyrus Chappell (SS, 5-11, 205), Malek Darthard (WR, 6-0, 180) and Phil DeSousa (PK, 5-10, 170).
Other juniors to keep an eye on in the playoffs include Joseph Dotson (DE, 6-3, 220), Eddie Pierre-Louis (NG, 6-4, 320), Ziah Matos (OG, 6-5, 315), Tre Pompilus (CB, 5-11, 175), Jaylin Torres (WR, 6-0, 195) and safety Chrystian Ware (6-1, 180).
Class 2025 student/athletes L.J. Elwin (WR, 5-9, 170), Charles Quintas (CB, 5-11, 160) and tight end Tyler Tuel (6-3, 200) are future impact players. So are 2026 freshmen Terran Bell (OLB, 6-0, 200), Townsend Evans (RB, 5-10, 170) and versatile athlete Cayden Marti (6-0, 170).
THE CRUSADERS (8-1)
Fort Myers Cypress Lake, W 73-0
CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC, L 28-14
CLEARWATER AMERICAN COLLEGIATE ACADEMY, W 28-12
TAMPA BERKELEY PREP, W 23-17
Winter Haven, W 37-0
Tampa Blake, W 54-6
TAMPA ROBINSON, W 70-35
Tampa Jefferson, W 35-14
TAMPA JESUIT, W 20-19
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.