The defending Florida State 2A Football Champion Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Cougars from Sarasota, defeated their rivals at home on Sept. 20, 2024, ending a six-game losing streak to Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers.
The 49-28 victory lifts the Cougars to a 5-0 record, while the Bishop Verot Vikings are now 3-2. The was the first win for Mooney in the decades-long rivalry since 2018. The win also breaks the series tie, with Mooney now leading 23-22 all-time.
Cardinal Mooney junior quarterback Devin Mignery threw two touchdown passes, one to junior Bo O’Daniel and one to senior Marcus Galloway. Mignery ran for two touchdowns, while sophomore running back Connail Jackson ran for 224 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore running back Ashton Kelly also ran for two touchdowns. Junior linebacker K.J. Brown had an interception.
Bishop Verot’s loss came despite a strong showing by senior quarterback Carter Smith and running back Deshon Jenkins Jr. Verot finished the game with 201 yards rushing. Both rushed for two touchdowns each, while Smith also had 118 yards passing in the game.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane attended the game, splitting his time between the two sidelines.
During halftime, Cardinal Mooney honored the legacy of Coach Kerry “Bake” Baker on the football field. A plaque was presented to his family by Con Nicholas, a member of the 1972 Mooney Football State Championship Team, joined by his teammates.
Family members receiving the plaque were Judy Baker, wife, Steve Baker (Class of ‘85) and Vanessa Baker, daughter-in-law, and Ryan Baker (Class of 2020), grandson.
Coach Baker was more than a coach, he was a mentor, role model, friend, and father figure to countless young athletes. His commitment to the students at St. Martha Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School instilled in them the values of discipline, hard work, fair play, and a strong Catholic faith. Coach Baker’s legacy lives on through the Kerry Baker Scholarship Fund, benefiting future Mooney athletes for years to come.
