St. Petersburg Catholic

At a glance

Coach: Jay Davis (fourth season)

Class: 2A, Region 3

Last season: 3-6

Key players: DL Xavier Burks, Jr.; QB Cornelius Denmark Jr., Jr.; MLB/WR Andrew Fievet, Sr.; OL/DL Evan Grabowski, Sr.; RB/DB Ke’von Marion, Jr.; WR Martell Mott, Sr.; WR/DB Marco Palaganas, Sr.; S Chris Previtera, So.; RB/MLB Raymond Walker, Sr.; OL Mac Wiand, Jr.; 

Schedule

Sept. 4 vs. Cambridge Christian L 7-42

Sept. 11 vs. Dunedin

Sept. 18 vs. IMG Academy White

Sept. 25 at Bradenton Christian

Oct. 2 vs. Indian Rocks Christian

Oct. 9 at Bradenton Saint Stephen’s 

Oct. 16 at Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy

Oct. 23 vs. Bishop McLaughlin

Nov. 6 vs. Northside Christian

Things to know

Dedication

It was an offseason like any other. Spring football was cancelled. Workouts were on hold. But once St. Petersburg Catholic was cleared to start summer conditioning, the participation — and enthusiasm — among those returning exceeded expectations. “We had some great leaders on the team that helped us get through the offseason. The buy-in was fantastic,” Barons coach Jay Davis said. 

Still set at the skill positions

St. Petersburg Catholic’s passing game took a hit with the loss of DeSean Henry, who transferred to Boca Ciega. But the Barons still have playmakers with quarterback CJ Denmark and running back Ke’von Martin, the team leading rusher (842 yards last season), both returning. The team also was bolstered with the addition of Martell Mott, who transferred from Admiral Farragut. In Friday’s loss to Cambridge Christian, Denmark connected with Moss on a touchdown pass for St. Petersburg Catholic’s lone score. Davis also raves about the work ethic of receiver Marco Palaganas, who is poised to have a breakout season. 

De-fense! De-fense!

The Barons lost last year’s leading tackler, D’angelo Hutchinson, who transferred to Northeast. Still, Davis is excited about the potential of his defense. Evan Grawbowski will play both ways and help anchor the line, along with Xavier Burks, who had a fumble recovery in last week’s loss to Cambridge Christian. Ray Walker, a transfer from Admiral Farragut, and Andrew Fievet, lead the linebacking corps. Marion and Mott headline a defensive secondary that includes Chris  Previtera, who had an interception against the Lancers.