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Postseason longevity a priority for Calvary Christian

Getting bounced by Berkeley Prep still stings, but the Warriors think they’re built for more this season.
 
Calvary Christian varsity quarterback Harold Cook, center, hands the ball off to running back Kai Martin during a summer workout. (DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times)
Calvary Christian varsity quarterback Harold Cook, center, hands the ball off to running back Kai Martin during a summer workout. (DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times)
Published Aug. 8, 2019

CLEARWATER — Calvary Christian made the Class 3A playoffs for the second straight time last season. But the postseason stay was short after a 21-13 loss to Berkeley Prep in the second round to cap a 6-6 season.

That game has been an offseason motivator for the returning Warriors.

“We’ve been thinking about that Berkeley game and how we didn’t finish," junior linebacker/tight end Isaiah Washburn said. “We just have to work harder to get past that point. We’ve got tons to improve on."

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As is the case for most teams during preseason, expectations are high. The Warriors have reason to believe. Several key players return, including starting quarterback Harold Cook, top receiver Richie Ilarraza and lineman Mike Lofton are back. Top rusher Jordan Niles transferred to Clearwater Central Catholic, but senior receiver/safety Shelton Quarles Jr. comes over from Carrollwood Day and should make an impact.

If there is a negative, it is that there are only 32 players on the varsity roster.

“And two of them are kickers," Warriors coach Reggie Crume said.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t depth, especially on offense. Aside from Niles, junior Kai Martin has impressed at running back. And there will be others who will have a chance to get the ball.

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“I don’t think we’re built around one or two guys," Crume said. “You’re going to see seven or eight guys touching the ball on offense. You’re going see a lot of guys flying around on defense. You’re going to see a lot of kids getting involved."

Calvary Christian has a preseason game Aug. 16 at Lakeland Christian. The regular season starts the following Friday at home against Melbourne Central Catholic, a late replacement for Miami Palm Glades Prep.

The Warriors will get a shot at redemption on Aug. 30 against Berkeley Prep. They will not play region rival Clearwater Central Catholic in the regular season, but could meet the Marauders in the playoffs.

And playoffs are the expectation. The players are thinking even bigger than that. They have a group chat on Snapchat titled “State Championship."

“State championship," Washburn said. “Think about it all day, every day."

RELATED: Shelton Quarles Jr. lands in the HomeTeam 100