The Sebastian River High School (SRHS) coaches are proud to announce seniors CJ Santini (#7) and Mason Gignac (#8) as their “Players of the Week”.
They are being recognized for their exceptional work ethic, leadership, and passion for the game. These student-athletes have demonstrated versatility and dedication.
Chayton “CJ” Santini #7
CJ Santini is a versatile 6’0 ft senior football player at SRHS. He is being recognized for his standout contributions on both sides of the ball and his dedication to the team. The 3.0-GPA student-athlete plays wide receiver, long snapper, and defensive back. Santini has been involved in football for three years, bringing energy and reliability to the Sharks’ lineup during a competitive season.
“My favorite football memory is from one practice when it was really hot and I was very tired,” Santini said. “Then it started to rain, and there was no thunder, so we could actually practice in the rain. It was a game-changer.”
Beyond the gridiron, Santini enjoys spending time with his family, girlfriend, and friends. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue studies in automotive technology after graduation.
In a nod to his support system, Santini offered shout-outs to his parents and girlfriend. “I would like to shout out my mom and dad for always supporting and helping me prepare for my football games,” he said. “And a special shout-out to my amazing girlfriend, Kaylee, for always being there for me.”
Coach Perry praised Santini for his relentless work ethic and dedication, stating, “He just works. He has worked extremely hard to find his value to the team. He’s taken a ton of pride in learning his job the best he can. It’s called work ethic. Chayton is not afraid of the process. Trusting our team process, Chayton is going to find his way to become impactful for us during this season. With his development and work ethic, Chayton is going to have plenty of opportunities to help us in this long season.”
Mason Gignac #8
SRHS senior Mason Gignac has been named a Sharks’ football player of the week due to his leadership, work ethic, and lifelong passion for the game. The 3.7 GPA student has ambitious post-graduation aspirations: playing football at an NAIA school or walking on at Florida Atlantic University while studying sports business to pursue a career in sports agency or Division I coaching.
Gignac has played football since age 6 and now shines as a key player for the Sharks. His Gignac also dreams of opening an athletic training gym to mentor high school and college athletes. Although he has no formal offers, Southeastern University and Webber International University have expressed interest in him.
Reflecting on his favorite football memory, Gignac said, “Catching my first touchdown when I was 7 and seeing the biggest smile on my dad’s face is something I’ll never forget.”
Off the field, Gignac finds balance in the gym, which he credits as a way to manage emotions and improve himself. He also enjoys time with friends and family, trips to the beach, boating, golfing, and attending church on Thursdays and Sundays.
Gignac attributes much of his success to his coaches. “Coach Perry and Coach Harris have made a big impact on me,” he said. “Coach Perry has always motivated me to keep putting in 100% and to outwork everyone. From the hundreds of hours in the weight room and on the track in the offseason, he was always pushing me to my fullest potential, telling me, ‘The harder you work, the more that’s going to come back to you.’ He’s also helped me off the field with my character, ensuring I’m a leader and pushing me to always do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Coach Harris and I have a great relationship; he’s helped me learn plays, study film better, and always gets a laugh out of me. Both coaches have had a tremendous impact on my success.”
Coach Perry praised Gignac’s relentless drive: “Mason just works. He’s taken pride in mastering his role and shows an incredible work ethic. He’s not afraid of the process, and with his development, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to make an impact this season.”
Gignac’s dedication stems from his faith and family. “I feel that God has put football in my life to teach me how to give my all every day, even through hardships, trusting that the hard work will pay off,” he said. “I also credit my mom and dad. My mom never misses a game and works so hard to make me and my sister happy; she gives me the courage to keep going. My dad is always talking football with me, helping me fix mistakes, and letting me know when he’s proud of me.
Coach Perry commended Mason Gignac’s relentless drive and positive mindset, stating, “Mason displays an exceptional attitude and work ethic. He’s able to take that positive attitude and work ethic and apply it to what he’s doing. He’s just improving every day, understanding his role better. I just love his tenacity; I love his grit. I feel like he’s very hungry. Which is what I love about him, just seeing his willingness to get better every day and wanting to impact our season in any way, whether it’s special teams or his position. As he keeps applying what he’s learned, he’s going to find his niche within the team, with the positive attitude he brings every day. Sooner than later, he will make a play to help us along this season.”
Upcoming Game
The SRHS Sharks’ next home game will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. They will be playing the South Fork Bulldogs of Stuart.
It will be senior night for the football team’s seniors: Cameron Lovretin 75 , Gavyn Baker 46, CJ Santini 7, Colton Mcmann 10, Baby Face Malakai Smith 20, Zayden Figueroa 5, Jaden Jackson 21, EJ Johnson 3, Mason Gignac 8, Dominic StJohn 28, Nicholas Hernandez 6, Ryan Marshall 38, Jacob Mann 4, Devon Dawkins 34, KJ Powell 31, Michael Williams 32, Angel Owen (Camera Crew), James Hamilton (Camera Crew), Ryan Besaw (Manager), Aj Rossi 13, Jamiey Parker 27, JaKhari Carter 15, Dedrick Glenn 99, and Tori Roux (Camera Crew).
