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St. Petersburg Catholic Barons Gear Up for New Season

The St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football team practicing for the upcoming season.

News Summary

The St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football team is preparing for a promising new season under first-year head coach Jesse Chinchar. With aspirations to end their playoff drought, the team features key players like quarterback Chase Burrill and wide receiver Keyshaun Birks. The Barons aim to reclaim their competitive edge in Florida high school football ahead of a challenging schedule, including significant games against Tampa Catholic and Victory Christian Academy.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football team is gearing up for its most anticipated season in recent years, embarking on a new journey under first-year head coach Jesse Chinchar. As the 2025 high school football season approaches, Chinchar aims to lead the Barons to a successful campaign, promising a fresh perspective and competitive spirit to the program.

The Barons are coming off a .500 season in 2024, finishing with a record of 5-5. Chinchar takes over the reins after serving as the offensive coordinator at Tarpon Springs High School last season and previously holding the head coach position at Clearwater Academy International for 12 years before its closure in February 2024.

Chinchar is optimistic about the team’s potential and believes that with the right training and dedication, the Barons can snap a dry spell and make the regional playoffs for the first time since 2014. The upcoming schedule offers several ripe opportunities for proving their mettle, including key games against Tampa Catholic on August 29 and Victory Christian Academy on October 3.

The roster features promising talent, including junior quarterback Chase Burrill, who led Northside Christian with a 63.0% completion percentage, totalling 1,922 passing yards and throwing for 13 touchdowns last season. His growth will be essential for the Barons as they aim to bolster their offensive game.

Senior wide receiver/defensive back Keyshaun Birks joins the team after an impressive season at Tarpon Springs, where he made 17 catches for 342 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Additionally, Birks demonstrated defensive versatility with 57 total tackles and four interceptions. Senior wide receiver Brendan Wright is expected to be another strong contributor, having caught 45 passes for 542 yards at Clearwater Central Catholic, showcasing the ability to make substantial plays.

On the defensive side, senior tight end/defensive end De’Vion Frazier brings valuable experience, having recorded 57 total tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and four sacks while also contributing on offense. Junior running back/linebacker Larry Christian III adds depth with a solid performance at Northside Christian, amassing 66 carries for 265 yards and contributing defensively with 45 tackles.

The offensive line, which is crucial for any successful football team, features senior linemen Grayson Zepp, who transferred from Clearwater Central Catholic, and Zack Corrigan, both of whom will play a significant role in protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the backs. Senior linebacker Alex Malyszko is also on the roster, although he only played three games last season at Tarpon Springs.

The team’s schedule is set to kick off with a preseason game against Clearwater Countryside on August 15, followed by a series of challenging opponents throughout the season. The Barons will face Alachua Santa Fe on August 22, followed by Tampa Catholic and Evangelical Christian in the subsequent weeks. The season will emphasize both skill development and team cohesion as they navigate through a blend of competition.

With the anticipation building among players and fans alike, the Barons are looking to establish a winning culture this season. Fans interested in staying updated on game results can download the SBLive Sports app, which provides live updates on high school football games.

The new era under Coach Jesse Chinchar represents not just a fresh beginning for the St. Petersburg Catholic Barons, but also a chance to reclaim their position as a competitive force in Florida high school football. As the school rallies behind its team, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling adventure for players and supporters alike.