To the cheers of students, faculty, family and supporters, the players and coaches of the state champion Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School football team were honored during a special ceremony in Sarasota on Dec. 18, 2025.
The Cardinal Money Cougars won the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association state title in Miami on Dec. 10, defeating Bolles High School of Jacksonville 52-28. This is the second state title for the team in the last three years (2023), and third overall (1972).
The celebration took place in the school gymnasium and opened with a video which highlighted the championship season.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane offered the opening prayer for the ceremony. Bishop Dewane took the opportunity to praise the Cardinal Mooney student athletes, coaches and school community.
“Everyone connected to Cardinal Mooney can be proud of and celebrate the great achievement of this team,” Bishop Dewane said. “Sports is not only about physical achievements, however extraordinary they may be, but it is also about giving of oneself in fraternal competition and in support of others as members of a team.”
The Bishop also noted how he prays not only for the continued success of the athletes in the future, but as academicians, and as children of God in their life at Cardinal Mooney and in the world beyond.
The ceremony also included remarks from Principal Ben Hopper, Athletic Director Rafael Fernandez, head coach Jared Clark, as well as Con Nicholas, a member of the 1972 championship team. The final blessing was offered by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of the championship banner, which was done by Hayden Pettit and Trip McEachern.
The Cougars finished their season with a 13-1 record and the team finished ranked by MaxPreps as the No. 6 team in the State of Florida, and No. 60 in the nation.
The championship team was led by quarterbacks Davin Davidson, who finished the season with 2,192 yards, and 21 passing touchdowns, and Devin Mignery, who had 348 yards, 4 touchdown passes, while also rushing for 423 yards and an additional touchdown.
The leading rusher was Connail Jackson, who had 190 carries, for 2,547 yards, and 39 touchdowns. The top receiver was Kymistrii Young, who led the way with 42 receptions for 936 yards and 8 touchdowns.
The defense was led by KJ Brown, with 109 tackles; and Jayden Burnett, with 102 tackles. Elijah Golden had 67 tackles, including 14 sacks, while Bryce Fulda had 59 tackles, including 13 sacks. Vantrez Yarn led the team with 7 interceptions.
Congratulations Cardinal Mooney!
