We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Cardinal Gibbons High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Chiefs this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-4
- Points Scored: 421
- Points Allowed: 319
Key Losses
Tight end Colton Heinrich leaves a void in the Chiefs’ passing-friendly offense, where he thrived more than the average tight end, catching 65 passes for 863 yards over the past two seasons. He is now at the University of Georgia.
Speaking of the passing offense, the quarterback responsible for leading that offense has also left for the next level of his career. Michael Merdinger threw for 2,849 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, with a career total of 3,570 yards passing while at Cardinal Gibbons. He is now at the University of North Carolina.
Who’s Back
Returning at quarterback is junior Jayden Torres, who served as Merdinger’s primary backup QB in 2023. Although Torres saw limited playing time behind Merdinger last year, he showed flashes of the dual-threat skills that will be on display as he looks to solidify his role as the Chiefs’ new starter.
Torres will be challenged by sophomore backup QB Cody Thomas.
The receiving corps will be one of the most experienced position groups for the Chiefs this year as seniors Trent DuBuc and Brian Williams return, while newcomer Tyler Jackson joins Cardinal Gibbons for his senior season in 2024.
The team will be stout in the defensive backfield with the return of cornerback Jamarcus Pierre. The three-star recruit is committed to Temple University.
Pierre will have another three-star defensive back joining him once again in the Cardinal Gibbons defensive backfield with the return of Jonathan “Greedy” Rousseau, who is committed to the University of Buffalo.
One of the team’s top defenders will be back, according to head coach Matt DuBuc.
“Jordan Falconer is our best defensive lineman, and it’s good to have him back,” DuBuc said.
Also returning is five-star punter Brent Fardette, who has been invited to play in the U.S. Army Bowl.
What to Expect
While Cardinal Gibbons has a ton of talent returning in 2024, that doesn’t necessarily put DuBuc at ease.
“This is the first time in nine years here that I really don’t know what to expect,” the three-time state championship coach said about the upcoming 2024 season.
With players freely transferring in the offseason, it becomes harder for coaches to know exactly what their teams are going to look like from one season to another.
But if Cardinal Gibbons can keep its current roster of players, then this could be DuBuc’s best chance of securing that fourth state championship with the Chiefs.
“We’ll know pretty quickly what type of team we will have,” DuBuc said.
Prediction
11-4 as DuBuc gets the Chiefs to the Class 2A state championship
Game to Watch
Season opener on Aug. 23 versus Lake Mary and four-star quarterback Noah Grubbs, a Notre Dame commit
