As the final whistle blew on the spring game, it became clear that St.Thomas Aquinas football is already looking far beyond spring. For the Raiders, the spring game was not just a scrimmage; it was an opportunity to build chemistry, develop leadership, and set the foundation for another championship run. Senior quarterback Cody Conness believes the experience revealed both strengths and areas of improvement. “We have a lot of injuries right now, and I think a bunch of young guys stepped up, which is good,” Conness said. “I think that we didn’t show the best of our offense, but I know it will be fixed in the season.” As one of the team’s leaders, Conness understands that success begins with accountability.“One thing I gotta do better is lead and be a better teammate,” he said. “For our team, obviously, we want to win states and a national championship. For myself, I want to lead by the right example and be a great teammate every day.” His expectations for the season are simple but impactful: “Be a leader and someone to rely on while also having good stats.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Anthony Boswick focused his offseason efforts on improving both his football IQ and confidence. “I focused on being smarter and technically sound while playing and playing with a lot of confidence,” Boswick said. “Not worrying about making mistakes—just focus on the next play after the mistake.” Boswick has high expectations for the defense this season.“I want to leave as part of the most dominant defense in the country,” he said. “As a secondary, I want us to lead the country in turnovers as a group, and for myself, I want to make an impact and play a good role on the team.”
Junior Quarterback Blake Calixte is already circling one game on the schedule. “I’m ready for that Week 2 game on August 29, 2026, against the DeSoto Eagles,” Calixte said. “Everyone be there.” His season goals are just as ambitious.“ Go 15-0 with my guys, be national champs, and become eight-time state champs,” he said.Calixte credits both preparation and faith for the confidence he brings onto the field.“ I worked hard, so I know that I am prepared,” he said. “I talk to God about it, and I feel like God put me in the position where I’m at and where I’m going to be. I know He wouldn’t give me something that’s too hard for me.”He also offered advice to younger athletes.“If you ever feel down, just believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you have the most confidence in the world. Ain’t nobody can stop you when you believe in yourself.”
For Marvin Zephirin, the spring game provided a realistic preview of what lies ahead.“The spring game prepared me very well for the upcoming season,” Zephirin said. “It was really like a real game. We prepared to the best of our abilities, just like regular competition.” Teammate Shavis Linder Jr agreed, emphasizing the value of team chemistry.“It prepared me to get ready for the fall season and allowed us to have more chemistry,” Linder said.
Defensive back Zayden James Gamble believes the key to success this year may be simpler than most people think.“My main goal as a leader is to have fun, win, and take nothing for granted,” Gamble said. While championships remain a focus, Gamble believes enjoying the journey is just as important.“A lot of people get caught up in the championships and the hard work, but the goal for this year is to have fun and win,” he said. “Because I know that if we have fun and take nothing for granted, no one will be able to stop us—not even remotely.”
As the Raiders continue their offseason preparation, one thing is clear: this team is motivated by more than wins and losses. Built on leadership, confidence, faith, chemistry, and a championship mindset, the players believe the work being done today will pay off when the lights come on this fall. If the confidence and determination displayed during the spring are any indication, St. Thomas Aquinas football may once again be preparing for something special.
