The big story coming into this game was about the man the legend that is Nelson Agholor and what could be done to stop him. The only problem is the defensive unit as a whole was more of an issue than Agholor was offensively. Just to put things in perspective Nelson ran for 177 yards and 3TD’s yet Berkeley Preps staunch defensive was still more impressive keeping CCC off balance, stopping drives and keeping them out of the red zone all night with a shutout victory.
On the 1st drive of the game Berkeley Prep made it look easy with a 5 play ,72 yard drive led mostly by the running of Agholor. CCC seemed clearly shell shocked or star struck. Either way it didn’t look good. When CCC received the ball their offensive game plan was obvious to wear down the smaller, faster Berkeley Defense. It seemed like a well-thought strategy considering CCC’s offensive line outweighed the Berkeley Prep Defensive Line by nearly 100 pounds. What could not be known however, was how tenacious those smaller linemen were.
Their 2nd level defense was a swarming bunch led by Schyler Miles who seemed to be in on every tackle. BP’s offense stayed on a roll early on their second drive. They moved the ball down field on play action passes and Agholor runs and he capped the drive with a 3 yard TD. CCC could have gone into the half only down 14-0 but a bad snap on a punt and an errant punt that only went literally nowhere gave BP the ball at the CCC 3 yard line. Agholor scored on the next play to go into the half 21-0. CCC’s defense played a good 2nd half not allowing Agholor and Destin Nicholls to have any success, but unfortunately the Berkeley Prep Defense ended up being too much for CCC. They were blowing up sweeps and dives and QB Jacob Shade was harassed all night when he tried to throw. CCC’s defensive backfield is talented also including Devon Garnett, but the main issue for them tonight was the front 7. The Defense Line did not get enough push from the 3-5 set which seemed to play to Berkeley’s offensive strengths.
Tonight’s game featured one of the best Athletes in the nation in Nelson Agholor but there were other prospects on the field for both teams that deserve some mention.
Berkeley Prep
Kenny Barrett OT 6’6, 305lbs. (Senior).
Kenny was a massive figure who towered over every player on the field. This is his 1st year of playing organized football but he has been a baseball player (pitcher) and basketball player all his life. His athleticism showed as he was able to move pretty well for a guy his size constantly getting to CCC 2nd level to make blocks.
Schyler Miles LB 6’3″ 228lbs. (Sr.)
Miles was all over the field and made many plays. He has a good motor and he is an imposing figure in the middle of the defense. I feel he is one of the most underrated players in the area.
Clearwater Central Catholic
Trey Larry DB 6’1″, 175lbs. (Jr.)
Trey was faced with keeping his eye on the WR and stopping Agholor as he was getting to the 3rd level all night. There were some breakdowns in coverage but he held his own against the BP WR’s. He was a key figure in the 2nd half of keeping Agholor in check making several big hits in the secondary.
Michael Stevenson RB/DB 6’1″, 180lbs. (Jr.)
Michael is typically more known for his offensive prowess at RB but with CCC’s offense being stagnant tonight he was still able to make an impact at the Safety position. He and Larry alike were pivotal in the 2nd half keeping the BP offense in check also making several big hits on Agholor.
CCC’s defensive backfield is talented also including Devon Garnett, but the main issue for them tonight was the front 7. The Defense Line did not get enough push from the 3-5 set which seemed to play to Berkeley’s offensive strengths.