Clearwater Academy International football program looking to belong in elite conversation

The Knights have a bevy of Division I talent heading into 2022

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA- Proving that a high school football program belongs on the big stage with some of the Tampa Bay area’s powers is a big deal to Clearwater Academy International.

Clearwater Academy won the SSIA championship in 2021  / Photo by Ben Sherman

The Knights are coming off a 10-2 season in 2021, winning the SSIA (Sunshine State Independent Association) championship and playing outside of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state series has always put Clearwater Academy International somewhat under the radar in Pinellas County. 

Now heading into the 2022 season with one of their most talented teams to date, the Knights want to make a little bit more noise this summer/fall.

Knights are coming off a 10-2 record in 2021 / Photo courtesy of Clearwater Academy Knights Football

“To prove we belong on the big stage,” Clearwater Academy International head coach Jesse Chinchar said. “We’re playing some of Florida’s best programs and it would mean a lot to us to show our growth by knocking off some big time teams.”

The Knights have no shortage of good programs littered along their 2022 regular season slate, as Chinchar has made sure to challenge his team. Clearwater Academy so far on its schedule has Miami Palmetto (9-3 in 2021; Qualified for Class 8A playoffs), Fort Dorchester (AAAAA program in South Carolina; 12-1 in 2021), Palmetto (Class 7A playoff team), Sarasota Riverview, Lakeland and 2021 Class 8A champion Venice.

Clearwater Academy brings back also a bevy of talent to this year’s team, including running backs Ben Cottrell (Canada transfer), Khalid Campbell (Canada transfer) and wide receivers Jaiden Williams, Makih Johnson. The Knights will have to replace some key playmakers from a year ago like quarterback Luca Stanzani, running back Merton Theagene and wide receiver Dylan Djete.

With tons of talent at the skill position, Clearwater Academy should be one of the best in Pinellas County  / Photo courtesy of Clearwater Academy Knights Football

Offensive line will be solid with Lucas Simmons (Florida State commit) and Jason Zandamela (Offers from Florida State, Indiana, Michigan State). The Knights on defense should be stout up front with defensive linemen Sean Sevillano Jr. (Offers from Duke, Indiana, Kansas, USF), Samuel Ehret, and Ludovick Martin. 

With so much talent up on the line of scrimmage for the Knights, being able to play with mostly any team in the state physically is possible and that’s why Chinchar has lined up so many playoff-caliber programs. Though the Clearwater-area itself is filled with other good programs like Clearwater, Countryside, Clearwater Central Catholic and Calvary Christian, the Knights do not want to be forgotten in the mix whatsoever.

Feels great to be a nole!🍢🍢

— Lucas Simmons (@LucasSimmons55) July 12, 2022

"That’s the goal (winning a state championship),” Chinchar added. “But taking it one game at a time."

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.