NO. 19- TAMPA CATHOLIC CRUSADERS

2016: 6-4, lost in 3A Regional Finals

Head Coach: Mike Gregory, 30-18 in four seasons

Key Returners:  WR Ahmarean Brown(34 rec,399 yds, 3TD, 1 Rush TD)  Charlie Dean(323 passing yards, 2TD,3 INT) LB Dorien Gooch(67 TKL) DE/OLB Zander Lemay(72TKL, 6 SK) FS/WR Chris Murray(42TKL, 5SK) Raymond Benefield OLB/RB(63 TKL)

The Scoop: Despite a rough start to the 2016 season that included a bye week and a cancelled game in the first three weeks, the Crusaders were able to rebound and earn a spot in the state playoffs in 2016 losing in the Regional Finals.

Tampa Catholic is looking to capitalize with a defense that returns nine starters including one of the teams leading tacklers, senior Dorien Gooch. Gooch is the son of former NFL linebacker Jeff Gooch who played for the Lions and the Bucs and has multiple offers from some serious DI college contenders.

Head Coach Mike Gregory turns the offensive reigns over to quarterback Charlie Dean who played behind starter Austin Sessums, Dean is young but did get some snaps last season and now has had the team all summer in 7 on 7’s and Gregory is excited to see what he can do for the TC offense. The Crusaders are explosive on both sides of the football. They will rely heavily on the experienced defense in the early going as Dean and some of the younger players on offense gather confidence and regular season game experience.

Player to Watch: Ahmarean Brown, The junior WR is an explosive home run hitter in the passing game. Gregory will use him all over the field where he will use his speed and quickness to cause some huge mismatches.

Quotable: “We’re part of something that is bigger than us, we’re apart of Crusader nation, we’re a part of the history of alumni who’ve come thru here and the great players who have come before them and the great teams that have come before them and we have to live up to that expectation”- Mike Gregory

2017 Schedule

8/18    vs Robinson

8/25    vs Gibbs

9/1      @ Tarpon Springs

9/8      @ Clearwater Central Catholic

9/15    vs Crestview

9/29    @ Berkeley Prep

10/6    vs Steinbrenner

10/13  @ Cypress Creek

10/20  @ Bishop Verot

10/27  vs Belleview

11/3    @ Jesuit