Since the National Football Foundation’s Collier County chapter started in 2017, the scholarship money has continued to increase every year.
That was the case once again at Saturday night’s ceremony at the Hilton Naples, which saw $56,500 in scholarship money handed out, an uptick after distributing $52,000 last year.
Naples defensive lineman Brady Clark received the program’s premier award, the George and Joanne Downing Scholar Athlete of the Year worth $10,000. Clark joins Luke Walker (2024) and Jett Su (2019) as the Golden Eagles to win the award in its eight-year history.
“It’s just been a lot, but it’s been all good stuff,” Clark said. “I’m happy the hard work has paid off… The second or third to last award, I knew something might be up. I got pretty excited but I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much. I wanted to wait until the very end to make sure.”
Clark received Naples Daily News All-Area First Team honors following a season in which he racked up 47 tackles (13 for loss), 8 sacks, and a pair of pick-sixes which secured Naples’ first regional championship since 2018.
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The 6-foot-1, 290-pound defensive linemen put pen to paper with Davidson on Wednesday, recapping what’s been a solid week for him and coach Rick Martin.
“First of all, just to go back to Luke Walker winning it last year and Brady winning it this year, you said it,” Martin said. “They had profound impacts on our defense, and a profound impact on me just as a person, as a coach. I’m so blessed to have coached both of those guys.
“For Brady, I think everybody that knows Brady, we know this is the most nerve-wracking thing he’s ever done, just having to be around so many people and to answer questions in front of a large room. I am having a blast with this. I think he’s done an unbelievable job with this tonight. I’m blessed that he’s standing here with this trophy.”
Joining Clark with a $10,000 check was First Baptist linebacker Trent Maloney, who as a two-year starter in the Lions linebacking corps, recorded 245 tackles (17.5 for loss), 8 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 blocked punts. Maloney was a second-team selection on defense as a junior before finishing as a first-team selection as a senior.
“It’s been awesome,” Maloney said. “Coach (Matt) Jansen, coach Sparacio, coach (Mike DiGrigoli), all of them, they’ve been leading me in the right direction. Switching from offense to defense has been an incredible experience.
“I’ve been able to play my heart out on the field and play the position that’s truly been meant for me. I’ve loved every second of it.”
First Baptist coach Billy Sparacio lauded Maloney, who made the switch to defense entering his junior season after trying to break through as a wide receiver.
“I can talk for an hour about Trent Maloney,” Sparacio said. “He’s just been a great leader, a perfect example of what we stand for at FBA, as a scholar athlete but also a really strong Christian young man that’s been a great example for Christ at our school and in the community. I’m really proud of him.”
Scholarship winners of $2,500 included Richardson Joseph of Golden Gate, Jamesly Jean-Louis of Immokalee, Steeve Cenelus of Immokalee, Ivan Cisneros of Lely, Michael Nguyen of Palmetto Ridge, and Jake Bruni of St. John Neumann.
After signing with Penn to play lacrosse on Wednesday, CSN’s Cal Wyatt received the Charlie Gogolak Award, valued at $4,000. Wyatt hauled in 15 passes for 223 yards with a touchdown for the Seahawks.
Along with the record amount in scholarships distributed, four individuals were honored for their contributions. Louisville assistant and former Barron Collier coach Mark Ivey was the recipient of the Contributions to the Game award, while STARability chair and referee Jeffrey Maconaghy received the Community Service award, and senior Florida senator Rick Scott was this year’s recipient of the Distinguished American award.
“For me to be up there with them, I wouldn’t say they finished the race,” Ivey said of the seniors. “There’s a lot more important things to do down the road. But they finished a race… Football shapes you and builds you. Being around great people is what it’s all about.”
Golden Gate alum Claudin Cherelus was named this year’s Collier County Legend. Cherelus broke through in the NFL as an undrafted free agent and has found his footing with the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South.
“I actually don’t feel like it’s fair for me to accept this award without her,” Cherelus said of his mother. “She’s the only reason I’m here. She put me, my brother, and my sister all in college by herself… She did it. I want to thank her.
“The game has brought me to places I would’ve never imagined. I always tell people I dream of this because I’m still dreaming, in my third year in the NFL. Coming from Golden Gate, that doesn’t just happen overnight.”
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
