Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) football ready to return back to form

Marauders look to bounce back after falling short of state title in 2025

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a high school football game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange creating a dynamic, abstract composition.Clearwater Central Catholic's determined push to reclaim its spot among Florida's elite high school football programs is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Clearwater Today

Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) football is gearing up for a bounce-back season after falling short of the state championship in 2025. Head coach Chris Harvey is confident his experienced squad, led by quarterbacks Khayse Barrett and Sean Hickey, can reclaim their spot among Florida's elite programs.

Why it matters

Clearwater Central Catholic has been a consistent powerhouse in Florida high school football, reaching three straight state title games from 2022 to 2024. The Marauders' failure to reach the championship game in 2025 was a rare letdown, and the team is determined to regain its championship form.

The details

Despite losing 10 seniors, including five from the winningest class in program history, CCC returns a sophomore- and junior-laden squad with plenty of experience. The Marauders will be without a few key players, including cornerback Daveon Belhomme and receiver Luke Wilson, to start spring practice, but coach Harvey sees it as an opportunity to give other players a chance to step up. The quarterback competition between Barrett and Hickey will be one to watch, as both saw significant playing time last season.

  • Clearwater Central Catholic held its first spring practice on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Marauders will participate in a spring jamboree on May 16, 2026, against Tampa Jesuit and Orlando Evans.

The players

Chris Harvey

The head coach of Clearwater Central Catholic High School, leading the Marauders' football program.

Daveon Belhomme

A three-star cornerback for Clearwater Central Catholic who is currently on a college visit.

Luke Wilson

A 2028 wide receiver for Clearwater Central Catholic who is recovering from an injury.

Khayse Barrett

A Class of 2027 quarterback for Clearwater Central Catholic who threw for 1,938 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Sean Hickey

A Class of 2027 quarterback for Clearwater Central Catholic who saw playing time behind Barrett last season, throwing for 663 yards and 5 touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“You know it's crazy when you finished a season 10-3 and it was a down year.”

— Chris Harvey, Head Coach, Clearwater Central Catholic

“I think that it's important to use it for what it is. A lot of people focus too much time on the spring on winning a game. Nobody's ever won a championship because they won a spring game.”

— Chris Harvey, Head Coach, Clearwater Central Catholic

What’s next

Clearwater Central Catholic will participate in a spring jamboree on May 16, 2026, against Tampa Jesuit and Orlando Evans, giving the team a chance to evaluate its progress and prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

After a rare down year in 2025, Clearwater Central Catholic is determined to regain its championship form and prove that its recent success was no fluke. With experienced players returning and a renewed focus, the Marauders are poised to bounce back and reclaim their spot among Florida's elite high school football programs.