Football preview: Clearwater Academy — Aug. 12

Clearwater Academy

At a glance

Coach: Jesse Chinchar, 10th season

Class: Sunshine State Independent Association (independent)

Last season: 10-2

Key players: DL Gedeon Bedada, Sr.; QB Evans Chuba, Jr.;SB/WR Jack Gutek, Sr.;  QB Danny McMullen, Sr.; OL Nikola Milovac, Sr.; DL Sean Sevillano, Jr.; OL Lucas Simmons, Sr.; LB Dylan Simpson, Jr.; ATH Dallas Sims, Jr.; DB Noah St-Juste, Sr.; OL Jason Zandamela, Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 26 TBD

Sept. 2 vs. Miami Palmetto, 7

Sept. 10 at Fort Dorchester (SC), 7

Sept. 16 TBD

Sept. 23 vs. Palmetto, 7:30

Sept. 30 TBD

Oct. 7 at Madison County, 7:30

Oct. 14 at Sarasota Riverview, 7:30

Oct. 21 at Lakeland, 7:30

Oct. 28 vs. Roar Prep & Vocational, 7

Nov. 4 at Venice, 7:30

Outlook

The Knights cruised to an SSIA state title last season, beating IMG White in the final. With so many international players, Clearwater Academy constantly has to make adjustments to its roster, especially since the bulk arrive during their junior or senior year. The biggest task is replacing quarterback Luca Stanzani, a veteran of the program who threw for more than 12,000 yards in a high school career that started in middle school. Evans Chuba and Danny McMullen are battling to take over as the starter. The offensive and defensive lines will both be strengths. Lucas Simmons, a four-star recruit from Sweden who recently committed to FSU, will anchor the offensive line. Gedeon Bedada and Sean Sevillano are among the headliners on the defensive front.