CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC POSITIONED FOR ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP RUN IN 2026

For most programs, sustained success is difficult to achieve. At Clearwater Central Catholic, it’s become the standard.

For four consecutive seasons, the Marauders played for an FHSAA state championship. Last season, that streak came to an end with a playoff loss. Now, Clearwater Central Catholic enters 2026 looking to begin another run.

The Marauders return an experienced roster, proven production on both sides of the ball, and key offseason additions that have only strengthened one of the area’s most consistent programs.

Leading the offense is returning quarterback Khayse Barrett, one of the area’s most experienced signal-callers. After throwing for 1,938 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, Barrett returns with another year of experience and a strong understanding of the offense. His leadership, decision-making, and ability to make plays under pressure give Clearwater Central Catholic one of the more reliable quarterbacks in the region.

Barrett will have no shortage of weapons around him.

Wide receiver Malik Newton returns after totaling more than 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season. Alongside him, Pharaoh Tillmon returns after eclipsing the 500-yard mark and catching five touchdowns, while Luke Wilson also finished with more than 500 receiving yards and five scores. Together, they give Barrett one of the area’s most experienced receiving corps entering the fall.

The offensive line also returns valuable experience, providing continuity up front and giving the offense a strong foundation heading into the season.

Defensively, Clearwater Central Catholic has built its identity on physicality, discipline, and execution. Year after year, the Marauders have consistently fielded one of the area’s toughest defenses, and much of that production returns in 2026.

Senior linebacker Dicarieze Williams is back after leading the Marauders with 127 tackles a season ago. Three-star defensive back and Georgia State commit Harrell Clyde returns after recording 77 tackles, while fellow three-star defensive back Daveon Belhomme brings back another proven presence after finishing with 51 tackles last season.

The offseason brought more than just returning talent.

Clearwater Central Catholic also bolstered its defense with the additions of Desmond Lee and Larkin Dudley, two of Pinellas County’s top returning defenders. Their arrival adds another layer of experience, competition, and depth to a unit that has consistently been one of the area’s best.

One of the biggest reasons for the program’s consistency has been head coach Chris Harvey and his staff. Their ability to develop players, maintain a winning culture, and prepare their team week after week has kept Clearwater Central Catholic among the premier programs in the Tampa Bay area.

Reaching four consecutive FHSAA state championship games is a feat few programs can match. While last season’s playoff exit ended that streak, the standard inside the program remains unchanged.

Now, the Marauders have an opportunity to build on that tradition.

With an experienced quarterback, proven production at the skill positions, a defense returning plenty of proven production, quality offseason additions, and one of the area’s most established coaching staffs, Clearwater Central Catholic has positioned itself to once again be in the championship conversation this fall.

The standard hasn’t changed.

Inside the program, the goal hasn’t changed either.