One of four Sunshine State teams in Top 25, Chiefs look to make jump as one of Florida's elite programs.
Video: Early Contenders presented by Shock Doctor We set the tone for 2018 by looking at high school football's elite.
Head coach: Matt DuBuc
Last season: 11-2, lost 58-57 in triple overtime to eventual state champion American Heritage in the 5A Florida quarterfinals.
Last decade: 71-38
Famous alumni/players: Blair Walsh, NFL kicker; Donnell Bennett, former NFL fullback; Ryan Shealy, former MLB infielder.
Star power (According to 247Sports): 5-star recruits — 0; 4-star recruits — 1; 3-star recruits — 7
KEY PLAYERSDE Khris Bogle (6-3.5, 200, Sr.) —
The top 100 recruit is one of the best edge rushers in the country. He had 13.5 sacks in 2017 and expect the same type of production during his senior season.
QB Nik Scalzo (5-11, 185, Sr.) —
The 2019 Kentucky commit is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country.
RB Vincent Davis (5-8, 165, Sr.) —
The 2019 Pittsburgh commit averaged nearly 10 yards per carry in 2017. He and
Tajae Davis help form one of the best backfields in Florida.
LB Yahweh Jeudy (6-2, 215, Sr.) — The 2019 Kansas State commit is one of the best ball-hawking linebackers in the nation.
TE Nikolas Ognenovic (6-5, 230, Sr.) — The 2019 Kentucky commit will be Scalzo's top target in 2018.
KEY GAMESAug. 25 — vs. No. 13 Miami Central
Aug. 31 — at Milton (Ga.)
Oct. 12 —
at American Heritage (Plantation)
STORYLINES• Cardinal Gibbons was so close last year to finally beating American Heritage. The only two losses for the Chiefs came against the No. 4 team in the country ... by a combined five points. With a ton of talent returning in 2018, this is the season Cardinal Gibbons emerges as one of the state's elites.
• DuBuc has done an amazing job in his first two seasons. The Chiefs have gone 20-4 and he led Cardinal Gibbons to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 in his first year. The third year could be a charm as the Chiefs will be among the favorites to win the 5A state championship.
