This year they also achieved their first District Championship in 20 years.

The St. Petersburg Catholic High School (SPCHS) Barons have made history, completing a perfect 10-0 season, undefeated for the first time in school history and capturing the program’s first district championship in 20 years. The 2025 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in school history, marked by record-breaking performances, individual honors, and a renewed energy surrounding Baron athletics.

Quarterback Chase Burrill shattered expectations and records alike, breaking the all-time Pinellas County passing touchdown record with 45 TDs, both regular season and overall TDs for a full season including playoffs. He is on pace to break the State of Florida FHSAA record. His leadership and playmaking were crucial in leading the Barons to their undefeated run and district crown. Senior Brendan Wright contributed greatly to the team’s success, teaming up with Chase for 16 receiving touchdowns. 

On the defensive side, Courtney Taylor set a new school record for tackles in a season with 126, solidifying his place among SPCHS’s all-time greats.

Head Coach Jesse Chinchar was named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) 1A Coach of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership and the program’s historic turnaround.

Three Barons earned FACA All District recognition for their stellar play this season: DE Colton Shaw, WR Brendan Wright, and CB Keyshaun Birks. In addition, five seniors were named to the Pinellas County Senior All Star team, representing the Barons among the area’s elite: S Forrest Loving, LB Courtney Taylor, DL Devion Frazier, LB Alex Malysko, and WR Brendan Wright.

The Barons’ success also extended beyond the field, as four student-athletes have committed to Division I scholarships, continuing the tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics.

This historic season comes at a time of new leadership within the athletic department. In early 2025, Athletic Director Ryan Mueller, a proud SPCHS Class of 2012 alumnus, returned to his alma mater to lead transformative changes across Baron athletics. In addition to key program and coaching changes, the school has completed a full renovation of the weight room, further enhancing training facilities and opportunities for all student-athletes.

“This season represents everything we strive for at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, a commitment to excellence in all things and building leaders on and off the field.” said Head Coach Jesse Chinchar. “Our players made history, and they’ve set a new gold standard for what it means to be a Baron.”

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Baron family,” added Athletic Director Ryan Mueller. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and community have worked tirelessly to elevate every aspect of our program. The results certainly speak for themselves.”

With an undefeated record, a long-awaited district championship, and a program full of college-bound talent, the Barons have reestablished St. Petersburg Catholic High School as one of Pinellas County’s premier football programs. The team begins the FHSAA playoffs as #1 seed in Class 1A, Region 3, hosting a home game at Joe Paul Stadium against Evangelical Christian. Game time is 7:00 p.m. this Friday, November 14th.