CLEARWATER – The Marauders of Clearwater Central Catholic finished undefeated for the first time in the history of their program this season after decades of representing Pinellas County on the small private level. It was supposed to be a “rebuilding” season in the eyes of the pundits, but don’t you dare try and tell that to anyone in their camp. The confidence-level was higher than it ever was–they just need a little more time to step up and become a little more mature.
Starting CB/RB Rashaad Stewart (6-0/175lbs) is one of those underclassmen that is a part of that “youth movement” that’s been talked about at CCC this season. Stewart’s career thus far (just a junior) has seen him rack-up 163 tackles since his freshman season along with an interception, a QB hurry and 45 passes deflected out on the island. He’s added some versatility to the offense as the third leading rusher for CCC with 611 yards and eight touchdowns for the 12-0 Class 3A state semifinalists.
The Marauders are 34-5 since Stewart arrived on campus as a freshman and have played at this stage the past three seasons–aka his entire career at Clearwater Central Catholic. We caught up with Rashaad this afternoon and he gave us his assessment on the season, the “adjustment” to the youth movement along with his thoughts on playing on the offensive side of the ball when he’s already made a pretty good name for himself on the defensive side. Here is CCC’s Rashaad Stewart in his own words.
BCP: It’s been a pretty good season thus far to say the least–what are your thoughts so far?
Stewart: “It’s been pretty good so far. A lot of people thought this would be a rebuilding year by losing a lot of seniors. We came together as a team–our young guys have really come together as a team this season. I think the youth has played to our advantage this season because of how hungry everyone is this whole season to prove people wrong.”
BCP: About that “youth movement” after last year’s players graduated. What’s that been like to experience?
Stewart: “It’s been the same players–it’s just that all of us have bigger roles now. The same people who see making plays this year–were there last season–we just weren’t as big in name–but we stepped up and it hasn’t been a change in the aura or anything like that. If anything, we’re just a little more mature, now.”
BCP: The message from Coach Davis this season was?
Stewart: “After the spring game he simply said that it’s going to take everybody to make this happen–not just one person. We’re not going to be giving the ball to one person to rush-but everybody will have a chance–everybody will be getting a shot at catching the bal. We’re not just going to be relying on one person.”
BCP: Speaking of rushing the ball–you’ve got some nice yardage this season. What’s that been like to play on the offensive side of the ball?
Stewart: e“It’s been pretty good. I didn’t get to run the ball last year, but I had to step in and help my team and not worry about being the leader rusher in the county or anything like that–just doing whatever it takes to help my team win ball games. It’s good to show college coaches I can run the ball a little bit–not just play corner.”
BCP: What’s been the biggest difference that you’ve noticed between the two positions?
Stewart: “The biggest difference between the two positions is just in the preparation of watching a ton of film and sitting in the meetings. Just getting to know defenses–it’s not that hard though since I already play defense. I can use what I know on defense against opposing DB’s and whatnot.”
BCP: Is offense a possibility at the next level?
Stewart: “On the next level, college coaches keep coming to me and telling me they like my length, so I’m probably going to play corner on the next level and my versatility out there on the edge.”
BCP: There’s a certain 2-ton elephant in the room regarding your opponents this week. How’s the mindset?
Stewart: “We’re just taking it as a new year–obviously we still know what happened last season, coach said it a few times, but we’re really just focusing on this year. We’re just attacking it as a new team.”
BCP: It’s inevitably human nature to look into the future and your squad’s future is about as bright as it can get. Have you guys thought about that at all?
Stewart: “We’re really looking forward to this season continuing, but we also know that we’ve got a lot of the kids coming back next year and that we have a lot of up-and-coming kids that will show out next season–but we’re definitely focused on what’s happening this week and this season.”