News Summary
The St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football program, under new head coach Jesse Chinchar, aims for a winning season in its quest for regional playoffs. Following a balanced season last year, key players like junior quarterback Chase Burrill and senior wide receiver Keyshaun Birks are ready to lead the team. The Barons are prepared for a challenging schedule and are determined to reclaim their competitive edge in high school football. Fans can download the SBLive Sports app for updates.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football program is entering a new chapter as it prepares for the 2025 season under first-year head coach Jesse Chinchar. Following a 5-5 season last year, the team is aiming for a winning record and hopes to reach the regional playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Chinchar, who was the offensive coordinator at Tarpon Springs High School in 2024, has significant experience in coaching, having led Clearwater Academy International for 12 seasons before the school’s closure in February 2024. His transition to the Barons is seen as a pivotal moment for the program as it seeks to enhance its performance on the field.
The Barons are counting on a strong roster to execute Chinchar’s game plan effectively. Notable players include Chase Burrill, a junior quarterback who had an impressive 2024 season with a 63.0% completion percentage, achieving 1,922 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Another key player is Keyshaun Birks, a senior wide receiver and defensive back who also contributed significantly with 17 receptions for 342 yards and 7 touchdowns, along with 57 total tackles and 4 interceptions.
Also integral to the team’s success will be senior wide receiver Brendan Wright, who recorded 45 catches for 542 yards and averaged 12.0 yards per reception. Other vital contributors include De’Vion Frazier, a senior tight end and defensive end, who contributed 12 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns, alongside 57 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. Additionally, Larry Christian III, a junior running back and linebacker, is expected to make an impact after totaling 66 carries for 265 yards and 5 touchdowns last season along with 45 tackles on defense.
The offensive line, featuring senior players Grayson Zepp and Zack Corrigan, will also play a crucial role in safeguarding Burrill and creating running lanes. Zepp brings added experience, having transferred from Clearwater Central Catholic. On the defensive side, Alex Malyszko, a senior linebacker, is aiming for a better season after being limited to just three games last year due to injury.
As the 2025 regular season unfolds, the Barons have prepared a challenging schedule. They kicked off the season with favorable outcomes, including wins against East River and Tampa Catholic on August 22 and August 29, respectively. The middle of the season proved more challenging, with a loss to Evangelical Christian on September 5, but the team bounced back with victories against Indian Rocks Christian, Southwest Florida Christian Academy, Northside Christian, and Out-of-Door Academy.
The Barons faced setbacks against Victory Christian Academy on October 3 and Seffner Christian on October 24 but rebounded with a win against Haines City on October 31, showcasing resilience throughout the season. The two matchups against Tampa Catholic and Victory Christian Academy are particularly crucial for the team’s aspirations this season.
Fans eager to stay informed about the Barons can download the SBLive Sports app for live updates and team news. With Chinchar at the helm, the St. Petersburg Catholic Barons are looking to solidify their status as a competitive force in Pinellas County high school football this season.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: St. Petersburg Catholic Begins New Era
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- WRIC: Petersburg High School Hires Jerome Mathis
- Google Search: St. Petersburg High School Football
- St. Pete Catalyst: Local Coach Achieves NFL Dream
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Sports Illustrated: St. Petersburg Catholic Announces 2025 Schedule
- Google News: Florida High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
