Friday night lights are back, and the Bishop Kenny Crusaders look to make a run in the 3A section class in Florida. The Crusaders had a very good team last year, who finished second in their district which punched them a ticket to the playoffs.
It is clear how Bishop Kenny will run their offense this year. They will continue to lean heavily on junior running back Caleb Mattison. The four-star running back already holds 43 offers from schools like Florida, LSU, and Tennessee. Mattison scored three rushing touchdowns Friday evening against Suwannee and had over 100 yards rushing.
@mattison_caleb first of two rushing touchdowns tonight. Huge night for the junior running back in just one half. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/cvuHEUhhua
— Christian Schultz (@schultzmedia_) August 16, 2025
That team would make a good run before falling to the state runner-up, Raines Vikings. Bishop Kenny was able to keep some key starters, which should help them get back to the top of their district and back into the playoffs this year.
Having Mattison in the backfield will also open up plenty of opportunities in the pass game as well. Receivers Andrew McCoy Jr. and Jelani Dawkins showed off their speed and run-after-the-catch ability on some short passes Friday night.
Gavin Hawkins made his first official start at quarterback Friday for the Crusaders. The senior was impressive in his ability to command the offense and staying away from turnovers.
Bishop Kenny also has some great talent returning to their offensive line this year. Guard Spencer Rodriguez, tackle James Holder are the two massive returning players on their offensive line, creating run lanes for Mattison and protecting Hawkins all year.
Defensively, the 6 foot 236 pound Donavon Mattis will rotate at defensive tackle, and defensive end. Look for the junior to have a big year ahead. A returning force is Senior Aiden Piper who led the team last year with 5 sacks. He along with James Davis III who led the team in interceptions, and Gunner Rogers who forced the most fumbles last year (4) make up unit that hopes to multiply those totals and culminate with wins.
