We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 St. Thomas Aquinas High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Raiders this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 14-1
- Points Scored: 626
- Points Allowed: 157
Key Losses
St. Thomas Aquinas has to replace over a dozen starters who all signed college offers following the 2023 season. That group includes running backs Jordan Lyle and Ryan Mack, wide receiver Chance Robinson, and cornerback Romanas “OJ” Frederique, all of whom signed with the Miami Hurricanes.
Wide receiver James Madison II, linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, and defensive tackle Justin Bodford all signed with Missouri.
Linebacker Bowen Drewes and running back Stacey Gage signed with UCF.
Punter Michael Kern is at Texas, safety Allen Bryant is at Pitt, defensive back Earl Kulp is at Purdue, offensive lineman William Roberts is at Bethune-Cookman, offensive lineman Bryan Wallace is at Southern University, defensive back Cameron Williams is at Toledo, and linebacker Kedrick Burley is at Middle Tennessee State.
Who’s Back
Head coach Roger Harriott said that his team’s key returners in 2024 include senior quarterback Andrew Indorf and senior offensive linemen Matias Garcia, Caleb Harris, Logan Husband, and Samson Chazulle. Harris and Husband are both three-star recruits.
Senior running back Tyrique “Mike” Williams and three-star tight end Cameron Roberts are also back.
Senior kicker Nicholas Romero gives the special teams a boost with his return.
The key juniors returning are running back Jerry Derosier and linebackers Ian Destinobles and Phillip Goodrich.
Sophomore quarterback Derrick Baker and wide receivers Ah’Mari Stevens, Omar Gonzalez, and Julius Jones return on offense.
The defense welcomes back linemen Mark Matthews, Trevoris Finley, and Wyatt Smith, who will also see time at tight end.
What to Expect
Harriott said he has an “optimistic outlook” for the upcoming season based on what he has seen from his team over the spring and summer.
“Our seniors have successfully established a strong leadership presence,” Harriott said.
The team has established a “For the Family” team mantra for the upcoming season.
“This (mantra) portrays an authentic brotherly love personality to continue to elevate our culture and storied traditions,” Harriott said. “We are looking forward to winning with a championship effort on and off the field this season.”
Prediction
Can Harriott and the Raiders make it six state titles in a row? Yes. I see them finishing 14-1 and winning the Class 5A state title in 2024.
Game to Watch
Aug. 24 versus Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
