The story of Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida is an interesting one. In 2008, CAI started a 6-man program that joined the FCAPPS League and immediately began seeing results on the field.
Current head coach Jesse Chinchar was a member of the school’s first football team. After only two losses in its first year of existence, Clearwater Academy won FCAPPS state titles in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 as its moved into 7-man football, followed by 8-man.
Along the way, the school became known for its international flavor with players coming from all-around the globe to play for the Knights.
In 2016, CAI grew into the 11-man game with an independent schedule against mostly smaller Florida opponents. Then, in 2019, the Knights dramatically upgraded their schedule to include powerful out-of-state programs like Elder (Cincinnati) and McCallie (Tennessee).
Related: Interview with Kevin Creasy, head coach at Oakland HS (Tennessee)
After dropping a six-point decision to Elder, which finished No. 49 in the High School Football America 100 national rankings, in September, the Knights arrived on the national stage with an 18-8 upset of McCallie in late October. McCallie entered the game ranked No. 76 in our national rankings.
Below you can listen to my interview with with Coach Chinchar about the growth of the program.
Jesse Chinchar, Clearwater Academy International
While COVID-19 is dramatically impacting the completion of Clearwater Academy’s 2020 schedule, the Knights still have a very impressive slate with two defending Florida state champs (Chaminade Madonna and Madison County) and a trip to Texas.
2020 CAI High School Football Schedule
8/14 – @Columbia (Lake City, Florida) – Preseason Game
8/21 – @Vero Beach (Florida)
8/28 – @All Saints Episcopal (Dallas, Texas)
9/4 – Open
9/11 – vs. Chaminade Madonna (Florida)
9/18 – Open
9/25 – @Tallahassee Lincoln (Florida)
10/2 – Open
10/9 – vs. Bishop Sycamore (Ohio)
10/16 – vs. Madison County (Florida)
10/23 – vs. Akelynn’s Angels Christian Academy (Florida)
10/30 @Venice (Florida)
