By: Ross Van De Griek
In case you haven't heard already, our game of the week features two top 10 state ranked teams in their respective classifications. Berkeley Prep (5-0) comes into this week, as the #4 ranked team in Class 3A, according to MaxPreps.com & Victory Christian (5-0) comes into this week, as the #2 ranked team in Class 2A, according to MaxPreps.com.
Berkeley Prep (5-0) comes into this week, fresh off a 21-16 win over Tampa Catholic (4-2). Sophomre running back Travis Bates had over 100 rushing yards in the win last week, while junior quarterback Gavin Rupp threw for about 100 passing yards as well. Berkeley Prep's defense stood tall where it mattered the most last week, including a game-sealing sack by senior linebacker Jaylen Harrell & junior linebacker Austin Dean. Tampa Catholic however did get a punt return for a touchdown in the game last week, by Arizona State commit DeAngelo "DJ" Taylor.
Players to watch for Berkeley Prep: Senior linebacker Jaylen Harrell (Holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida State, Miami, Michigan & several others). Junior wide receiver RJ Garcia, junior quarterback Gavin Rupp, sophomore running backs Travis Bates & Xavier Townsend.
Victory Christian (5-0) will have an extra day to prepare for this game, as they are coming off a 48-14 win last Thursday night at Admiral Farragut. Senior quarterback Jeremiah Byrd only threw for 37 passing yards, on just 5 completions in the win last week. However, junior running back Cornelius Shaw was the story as he had 23 carries, for 235 rushing yards & found the end zone three times. It was a 7-7 game after the first quarter, but from the second quarter on Victory Christian took over.
Players to watch for Victory Christian: Junior running back Cornelius Shaw (Holds offers from Coastal Carolina, Kentucky, Nebraska, Tulane, UCF & others). Senior dual-threat quarterback Jeremiah Byrd (Holds offer from Southern Miss). Junior defensive back/wide receiver Jonathan Jean.
Score Prediction: Victory Christian 21, Berkeley Prep 17
All-Time Series: Berkeley Prep leads 6-2 (Won last 3 meetings)
Last Meeting: Berkeley Prep won 13-0 (9/4/2015)