Football: Lakeland Christian at Berkeley Prep preview

Class 3A state semifinals

Lakeland Christian (11-0) at Berkeley Prep (11-0), 7:30

The Buccaneers, ranked No. 2 in the class and No. 19 overall in the state by MaxPreps, are in the state semifinals for the second straight season. Since losing to Jesuit in last year’s season opener, Berkeley Prep has won 18 of its last 19 games, the lone loss coming against Hollywood Chaminade (23-21) in the state semifinals. A win on Friday would not only keep the Buccaneers perfect season intact, but also put the program in the championship game for the first time and set up a possible rematch with Chaminade in the final. Berkeley Prep has won each of its last nine games by 14 or more points. The defense has posted five shutouts during that span, too. On offense, the Buccaneers are led by their running game. Seniors Travis Bates (1,500 yards, 18 touchdowns) and Xavier Townsend (1,020 yards, 18 touchdowns) provide a solid 1-2 punch. Defensively, Berkeley Prep has seven players with 30 or more tackles, led by Tre Reader with 105. Last year, the Buccaneers played Lakeland Christian twice, winning in the regular season (34-28) and in the playoffs (31-8). The Vikings also are undefeated. Eight of their 11 wins were decided by double digits. In the playoffs, though, Lakeland Christian had to rally in the fourth quarter to beat Frostproof (10-3) and West Palm Beach Benjamin (24-21). Breylin Smith, who has rushed more than 1,200 yards this season, is the Vikings’ top offensive threat. 

Stat leaders

CategoryLakeland ChristianBerkeley Prep
Passing yardsParker St. John, 849 (10 TDs, 2 INTs)Troy Reader, 737 (12 TDs, 2 INTs)
Rushing yardsBreylin Smith, 1,273 (13 TDs)Travis Bates, 1,500 (18 TDs)
Receiving yardsT.C. Bell, 255 (5 TDs)Xavier Townsend, 402 (7 TDs)
TacklesCarver Wineinger, 74Tre Reader, 105
SacksMack Estrada, 9.5Keon Keeley, 16.5
InterceptionsT.C. Bell, 5DJ Hooker, 2