Berkeley Prep, which was making its second state championship game appearance in the past three seasons, was regarded as charming foils for Miami Norland’s assault on immortality. 

But with their punishing – and confounding – rushing attack chewing up yards on clock-consuming drives and their defense continuing to be opportunistic, the Buccaneers produced one of the greatest upsets in Florida finals history with a 28-20 victory over the heavily favored Vikings in Saturday’s Class 2M championship game. 

By doing so, Berkeley Prep also made some history of its own, winning what had been an elusive state title for the program and beloved coach Dominick Ciao. 

The Buccaneers were seemingly enlivened for this moment the previous week when they went on the road and knocked off another perennial powerhouse, Plantation American Heritage, in the state semifinals. 

That gave Berkeley Prep the confidence it could not compete but also beat any South Florida juggernaut standing in its way. 

Norland, ranked 11th in the nation by MaxPreps, emerged as the top team in Miami with wins over Central (twice), Columbus and Booker T. Washington that put the Vikings on the brink of a perfect 15-0 season. 

But it all collapsed under the weight of the Buccaneers’ bruising ground game and ferocious pass rush. 

From the start, Berkeley Prep made the plays it needed on defense. 

Josh Herman picked off a pass to thwart Norland’s first scoring drive. 

Moments later, the Buccaneers’ offense went to work. 

Much like their state championship game appearance two years ago, Berkeley Prep relies on a 1-2 running punch. Back then, it was Xavier Townsend (Central Florida) and Travis Bates (Duke), both of whom are now in college. 

Now, it is Joseph Troupe and Dallas Golden. 

Troupe is a battering ram who routinely splatters defenders. Golden uses spectacular bursts of speed to get around the end. 

Though they have differing styles, the duo is effective with each rushing for more than 1,000 yards this season. 

Together, they ran right at the Vikings. 

All morning long. 

The plan worked nearly to perfection. The only blemish came in the first quarter when Buccaneers’ freshman quarterback Cooper Hayes threw an interception on fourth-and-goal that went the other way before the score was nullified because of a penalty. 

No matter. 

Berkeley Prep forced a turnover, then capitalized on it with Hayes’ throwing to Golden on a screen pass for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. 

Norland answered with a touchdown of its own, then seemingly seized control by forcing the Buccaneers to punt. 

Once again, the defense delivered. 

Titus Bullard recorded a strip sack and Nikhil Jefferson recovered the fumble. That set up a touchdown run by Golden for a 14-7 lead that the Buccaneers would take into the half. 

Berkeley Prep again thwarted Noland’s high-octane offense by coming up with a goal line stand to start the second half. 

With their running leading the way, the Buccaneers marched down for another score on a touchdown pass from Hayes to Troupe. 

After the Vikings cut it to 21-13, Berkeley Prep countered with a score on Hayes’ quarterback plunge. 

For the remainder of the game, the Buccaneers’ defense kept Norland quarterback Ennio Yapoor, the all-time leading passer in Dade County., in check.

The Vikings scored once more to make it 28-20 but could not get any closer.

In the final two minutes, Berkeley Prep sealed the win with a fourth down conversion.

Golden finished with 162 yards rushing on the ground and Troupe added 130.

As the final seconds ticked away, the Buccaneers began their celebration.

They came in as charming underdogs who took Norland’s perfect season and made it imperfect.

And Berkeley Prep did it by creating its own perfect ending.