Berkeley Prep
At a glance
Coach: Dominick Ciao (14th season)
Class: 3A, Region 3
Last season: 8-2 (lost in region semifinals)
Key players: RB/LB Travis Bates, Jr.; DL/LB Austin Dean, Sr.; WR/DB Henry Ferrilli, Sr.; WR/DB Renaldo Garcia II, Sr.; DB Damien Henderson, So.; DB DJ Hooker, Jr.; DL/OL/TE James Kavouklis, Jr.; DL/LB Tre Reader, Sr.; QB Gavin Rupp, Sr.; ATH Xavier Townsend, Jr.
Schedule
Sept. 25 TBD
Oct. 2 at Tampa Catholic
Oct. 9 vs. Lakeland Victory Christian
Oct. 16 TBD
Oct. 23 at Bradenton St. Stephens
Oct. 30 at Clearwater Central Catholic
Nov. 6 vs. Sickles
Things to know
Late start
Taking a precautionary approach due to the coronavirus, Berkeley Prep decided to officially start practice on Monday. Because of the prolonged wait, the Buccaneers will not kick off the regular season until Sept. 25. That is, if they can find an opponent. If not, Berkeley Prep’s opener will be at Tampa Catholic on Oct. 2. Though the schedule is condensed, the Buccaneers still plan on staying in the state series.
Stacked at the skill positions
Berkeley Prep’s offense has the key pieces in place to be potent. Gavin Rupp, who has offers from East Tennessee State, Gardner-Webb and Tennessee-Martin, returns at quarterback for his senior season. He can hand off to a pair of dynamic junior running backs, Travis Bates and Xavier Townsend. Or Rupp can drop back and throw to his top deep threat, RJ Garcia II, a senior who has already committed to Kansas State. Though the Buccaneers return nearly skill player, there still is work to be done on the offensive line, which lost several starters, including Zach Perkins, now at Maryland.
Versatile playmakers
The biggest loss on defensive was Jaylen Harrell, a linebacker who is now at Michigan. Austin Dean, a Rutgers commit, can play on the line or at linebacker. So can Tre Reader. Their flexibility to play multiple positions will be key in filling in certain spots. James Kavouklis will help anchor the line and Damien Henderson, DJ Hooker and Henry Ferrelli will man the secondary.
