Add another epic chapter to the exciting, yet short history of games between Berkeley Prep and Lakeland Christian. The Vikings nearly rallied from a 21-point first half deficit to defeat the Buccaneers, but Christian Alexander was sacked by Berkeley Prep DT Bo Peek on a 4th &16 play to seal the Buccaneers win.
One year after the matchup between these two teams took two days and two overtimes to finish, there was again no shortage of excitement in Bright House Sports Network's Viking Stadium. One-handed TD catches, electrifying returns and bone-crunching hits all took center stage, along with a thrilling fireworks show to celebrate Lakeland Christian School's 60th anniversary.
Player of the Game Jacob Mathis showed why he's one of the top juniors in Florida, earning Player of the Game honors with 6 receptions for 87 yards and 3 TD. Senior QB Brad Mayes finished 12-of-16 for 242 yards and 3 TD. And when the game was on the line, the Buccaneers defense recorded three straight sacks of Alexander.
For Lakeland Christian, Alexander turned in another outstanding performance, with 240 passing yards and 47 rushing yards. Larenz Deshazor tallied 11 receptions for 121 yards.
Berkeley Prep (4-0) starts 1-0 in the extremely tough 3A District 4. They host Springstead next week. The path to their first-ever postseason gets even tougher for the Vikings (3-1) with the 0-1 district start. They host Avon Park next week.