Football State Finals
All games are played at Tallahassee’s Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Admission is $17 in advance and $20 the day of the game via GoFan. Parking is included in the price.
Class 2M
Berkeley Prep (12-2) vs. Miami Norland (14-0), 10 a.m., Saturday
How they got here: Berkeley Prep d. Middleton 21-0, d. Tampa Catholic 42-28, d. Calvary Christian 31-27, d. Plantation American Heritage 17-14; Norland d. Miami St. Brendan 55-0, d. Miami Monsignor Pace 52-27, d. Miami Central 31-28 (OT), d. Jacksonville Bolles 28-7.
Stat Leaders
| Category | Berkeley Prep | Norland |
| Passing yards | Cooper Hayes, 586 | Ennio Yapoor, 3960 |
| Rushing yards | Joseph Troupe, 1,386 | Juan Rodriguez, 1,100 |
| Receiving yards | Dallas Golden, 356 | Isaiah Scott, 1,031 |
| Tackles | Dion Cooper, 92 | Anthony Mattison, 81 |
| Sacks | Gavin Holman, 12.5 | Two tied with eight. |
| Interceptions | Dallas Golden, 5 | Larry Tarver, 4 |
Outlook
Berkeley Prep is in the state championship game for the second time in the past three seasons.
This trip was somewhat unexpected.
After all, the Buccaneers graduated their top three pass rushers from last year, Keon Keely (Alabama), Xavier Perkins (Florida State) and Brice Steveson (Holy Cross), all of whom are playing in college. That trio combined for 29.5 sacks, including 17 from Keely, who was one of the most coveted recruits in the county.
But the Buccaneers had more than enough reinforcements.
The defense remained stingy, allowing eight points or less in six games. The offense continued to be punishing, led by 1,000-yard rushers Joseph Troupe and Dallas Golden. And the special teams stayed efficient.
The result was another deep playoff run, culminating with a chance to win what has been an elusive state title.
Berkeley Prep coach Dominick Ciao is used to these situations. He is the third coach from the Tampa Bay area to make at least three title game appearances, joining Armwood’s Sean Callahan and Plant’s Robert Weiner. Ciao’s first trip was with Jesuit in 1992. The last two have been with the Buccaneers.
After starting 3-2, Berkeley Prep has won nine straight games. And the Buccaneers have plenty of confidence after going on the road and knocking off Plantation American Heritage 17-14 in last week’s state semifinals. In that game, Berkeley Prep stuck to a familiar formula. Golden and Troupe each rushed for more than 80 yards. Dion Cooper returned an interception for a touchdown and Gavin Holman recorded 11 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
On Saturday, the Buccaneers likely will try to play keep away again and remain opportunistic on defense.
The Vikings, ranked first in the class, fifth overall in the state and 11th nationally by MaxPreps, earned their lofty status by going undefeated, including victories over Miami Columbus, Miami Central (twice) and Miami Booker T. Washington.
Their offense is led by quarterback Ennio Yapoor, who holds the Dade County record with 10,545 career passing yards. The roster is loaded with other talent, including14 players who have already committed to colleges.
 — Dec. 8, 2023){kind=link}