Berkeley Prep at Clearwater Central Catholic, 7:30

Three things to know

Rivalry renewed

The private school powers often meet early in the regular season in a matchup that often serves as a playoff preview. After all, Berkeley Prep and Clearwater Central Catholic have met in the postseason three out of the past four seasons. The Buccaneers have won the past three meetings, including a 36-22 victory in last year’s region final. That was Berkeley Prep’s closest playoff game until its state final loss to Hollywood Chaminade. Given the thrillers these teams have produced, expect another close contest on Friday.  

Passing fancy

For the past few seasons, Berkeley Prep and Clearwater Central Catholic have relied on their ground games to move the ball on offense. That has a lot to do with the talent on their offensive lines and having a bevy of playmaking backs. But this year, both teams have passing games with deep strike capabilities. They showed in last week’s preseason games with the Buccaneers’ Troy Reader and the Marauders’ Jershaun Newton each throwing long touchdown passes. 

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Key matchup

Berkeley Prep’s strength is on defense, particularly its line. That is expected considering the Buccaneers have Keon Keeley, a five-star recruit who recently decommitted from Notre Dame and is being heavily pursued by Alabama. But Berkeley Prep has more up front than just Keeley. There also is Brice Stephenson, a Holy Cross commit, and Xavier Perkins, who is getting plenty of notice from colleges. They have to find a way to maneuver  around Clearwater Central Catholic’s stellar offensive line, led by Kevin Terry, a Temple commit, and Shane Elam, who is being pursued by several colleges. This battle in the trenches could be the deciding factor in the game. 

Star power

Both teams have plenty of players who have already committed to colleges. Here is the list, which doesn’t include Berkeley Prep’s Keon Keeley, one of the top players in the country who recently decommitted to Notre Dame.

Berkeley Prep

ATH Damien Henderson

College: Harvard

QB Troy Reader

College: Notre Dame (baseball)

DL Brice Stevenson

College: Holy Cross

Clearwater Central Catholic

ATH Julian Allen

College: Toledo

DB Nate Johnson

College: Boston College

LB Curtis Roberts

College: Florida Atlantic

OT Kevin Terry

College: Temple