Tampa Catholic

At a glance

Coach: Jeris McIntyre, fifth season

Class: 2, District 6 (Metro)

Last season: 7-4

Key players: OL/DL Baraka Andrews, Sr.; LB/RB Lewis Carter, Sr.; ATH Cyrus Chapell, Jr.; QB Trey Hedden, Jr.; LB/FB Carnell Herring Jr., Sr. OL/DL Chris Luna, Sr.; RB Mario Mayo, Sr.; WR/DB TJ Moore, Sr.; OL/DL Eddy Pierre-Louis, Jr. DL/TE Xavier Porter, Jr.; WR Jamai Rutherford, Sr. 

Schedule

Aug. 19 at Sarasota, 7:30 (preseason)

Aug. 26 TBD

Sept. 2 at Fort Myers Cypress Lake, 7

Sept. 9 vs. Clearwater Central Catholic, 7

Sept. 16 vs. American Collegiate, 7

Sept. 23 vs. Berkeley Prep, 7

Sept. 30 vs. Robinson, 7

Oct. 7 at Winter Haven, 7:30

Oct. 14 at Blake, 7:30

Oct. 21 TBD

Oct. 28 at Jefferson, 7:30

Nov. 4 vs. Jesuit, 7

Outlook

Tampa Catholic has made the region semifinals in each of Jeris McIntyre’s four seasons as coach. That streak could continue thanks to a roster with plenty of experience. Trey Hedden, who shared the quarterbacking duties last season, takes over as the full-time starter. Mario Mayo, who rushed for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season, returns as the main ball carrier. TJ Moore and Jamai Rutherford are the top two receiving targets. The offensive line is solid, led by four-star recruit Eddy Pierre-Louis and Army commit Chris Luna. The unquestioned leader on defense is linebacker Lewis Carter, an Oklahoma commit who had 66 tackles, two sacks and an interception a year ago. Other defenders to watch include defensive linemen Baraka Andrews (35 tackles last year) and Xavier Porter (13 tackles, four sacks) and safety Cyrus Chapell (30 tackles, team-leading four interceptions).