The River Ridge Royal Knights are another Pasco County team that’s full of players that are simply going to get the job done by any means necessary–regardless of the lack of stars. They’ve hung their hats on this mentality with great success over the last two seasons going 18-2 in the regular season and to the second round of the playoffs last season.

One of the main contributors on defense is Strong Safety Jake Berg (5-11/160)–a member of the Class of 2017. Berg’s number the last two seasons while a member of the varsity have been impressive to say the least. Last season, he was credited with 107 tackles–57 solo–with an interception, two fumbles recovered–one of those for a TD–while causing a fumble and blocking a field goal attempt.

This season, Berg has given much more of the same with 100 tackles–61 solo–with two fumble recoveries–one for a TD like last season–with a blocked extra point and field goal attempt to his credit. He’s also been credited with an eye-popping 28 passes defensed in his two seasons at the strong safety position as well.

Berg’s posted 10 double-digit games in total over the past two seasons with four in 2014, and six this year. While racking up 16 tackles for loss, he’s hit 16 tackles in a game once, while hitting 14 and 13 twice respectively in games. More of that defensive impact will be needed in the postseason as the Royal Knights will host Lecanto in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs this Friday.