Berkeley Prep’s star quarterback Brad Mayes has a refreshing outlook on high school athletics.

"I put the team before myself," said Mayes.

The outgoing senior‘s career stats read, in part, like this: 4,088 pass yards, 36 passing touchdowns, and 14 rushing touchdowns in three years as a varsity starter. His prep career earned him a full athletic ride to play at Lehigh. He is also, as humble as they come.

"Football is about the team and Brad always conveyed that message," said Berkeley Prep football coach Dominick Ciao.

"I've never really focused on the stats," said Mayes. "I just try and go out there and win."

That approach is serving him well during his first season of varsity basketball. He goes from superstar to substitute. A masterful quarterback to a thankless role player averaging 1.5 points per game.

"It doesn't bother me, although I do sometimes think about it," said Mayes. "If it's late in the game on the football field I am normally the one out there making the play. Here, I am normally the one talking up the team."

"He's an old school type of kid," said Bobby Reinhart. "It’s basketball season now, so he wants to play basketball. That's the beauty of it, to see kids playing for the love of the game."

"He goes as hard as he can in practice," said football and basketball teammate Jacob Mathis. "He gets everybody else better and when he comes into games he does what he has to do."

"He is playing with the second unit in practice, but he is always pushing those starters," said Reinhart. "One of the things that make him special for us is versatility."

Versatility came into play on January 10th. The day of the Headmaster’s Challenge versus Tampa Prep.

"Being a senior Brad was not going to miss that," said Reinhart.

"I did not want to miss the basketball game," said Mayes.

"You definitely do not want to miss that game," said Mathis. "That's one that even if you were hurt, you'd be trying to play in that one."
But what if you are invited to play in the Blue-Grey All-American football game at Raymond James Stadium later that night? If you’re Brad Mayes you find a way to play in both.

"It was such an early (basketball) game I got to come out here, but because of the events before it ran late," said Mayes. "So, as soon as the game was over, I wasn’t able to celebrate with my team. I had to haul outta here and head over to the stadium (Raymond James)."

Why didn’t you want to sacrifice one or the other?

"Out here I am a team player," said Mayes. "I know those guys needed me there and then I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to play in an All-American game."

During the Blue-Grey game Mayes played one series helping lead his South team to a victory. He went 4 for 7, throwing for 79 yards. So, which was a more rewarding experience?

"I think they were both rewarding equally," said Mayes. "We came out here and beat a pretty good Tampa Prep team and then I got to go out there and play in an All-American game and actually win that one too. I actually got to go 2-0 on the day."

Oh and when hoops season is over, baseball season is on deck for Mayes.