Football: Clearwater Central Catholic at Berkeley Prep preview

3A region final

Clearwater Central Catholic (8-3) at Berkeley Prep (10-0), 7:30

A matchup between teams ranked among the top four in the class (the Marauders are No. 4 and the Buccaneers are No. 2) and the top 40 overall in the state according to MaxPreps. This also is a rematch from the regular season opener that Berkeley Prep won 35-21. That helped give the Buccaneers the momentum they needed to stay perfect so far this season. Another victory and Berkeley Prep will reach the state semifinals for the second straight season. Clearwater Central Catholic is used to deep playoff runs, too. The Marauders have been to the state semifinals seven of the past nine seasons. Both teams rely on strong run games, mistake-free passing games and stingy defenses. The Buccaneers have a solid 1-2 punch with Xavier Townsend and Travis Bates. Clearwater Central Catholic’s top back is Lenwood Sapp. 

Stat leaders

CategoryClearwater Central CatholicBerkeley Prep
Passing yardsBryce Martin, 1,594 (11 TDs, 3 INTs)Troy Reader, 631 (11 TDs, 2 INTs)
Rushing yardsLenwood Sapp, 1,442 (11 TDs)Travis Bates, 1,307 (16 TDs)
Receiving yardsNate Johnson, 907 (8 TDs)Xavier Townsend, 402 (7 TDs)
TacklesMelvin Jordan, 71Tre Reader, 88
SacksTwo players tied with seven. Keon Keeley, 16
InterceptionsTwo players tied with three. DJ Hooker, 2