Berkeley Prep Has Waited For This Chance

As they prepare for Friday's Florida 3A state football championship against seasoned Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, veteran head coach <strong>Dominick Ciao</strong> and his football team that has that quiet confidence. The Buccaneers are undefeated through 12 games and headed to a place that they have been trying to get to. With a huge task in front of them, this program also knows that even though the Lions are going to the title game for the sixth straight year, that season-ending loss to Chaminade-Madonna last year was just 23-21, so they know that they have every right to be in this game as anyone. With this season's 12-0 mark, and the previous two 8-2 year's this is a team that has climbed the ladder to the top. Even as far back as 2018 (7-4) and 2017 (5-4), the wheels were in motion. The Buccaneers have relied on big plays on offense – and a steady, well coached defense that has matched up with everyone on their roster. While the schedule is not what the Lions was this season – and it was regarded as one of the toughest in Florida – they took care of business against everyone, and that is why this team believes Friday night could be one of the best games of the state series. The optimism comes from offensive weapons <strong>Travis Bates</strong> (RB, 5-11, 195) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50059" first="Xavier" last="Townsend"]</strong> (RB, 5-11, 180). Both have gotten it done against every opponent, and even though the Lions are among the best anywhere, it will be a big-time talent matchup. In addition, the Buccaneers also have a solid senior class that has more than stepped up. Prospects such as <strong>T.J. Bullard</strong> (S, 6-1, 185), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111464" first="Drew" last="Canody"]</strong> (WR, 6-2, 195), <strong>Speros Grapsas</strong> (OT, 6-4, 265), <strong>C.J. Hawkins</strong> (WR, 6-7, 220), <strong>Benjamin Heller</strong> (OG, 6-3, 230) and free safety <strong>D.J. Hooker</strong> (5-10, 170). Also, keep an eye on <strong>James Kavoukis</strong> (DE, 6-2, 275), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111561" first="Tre" last="Reader"]</strong> (LB, 6-2, 205) and receiver <strong>Nijier Washington </strong>(5-11, 170). <strong>THIS TRAIN WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL</strong> Even after this group of seniors moves on, you can guarantee that this program is in it for the long haul – with Class of 2023 juniors <strong>Johnny Ferrelli</strong> (LB, 6-0, 190), <strong>Chase Gerstner</strong> (OT, 6-3, 260),<strong> James Hankerson Jr</strong>. (OT, 6-3, 245), <strong>Damien Henderson</strong> (WR, 6-1, 170) and promising defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128058" first="Keon" last="Keeley"]</strong> (6-6, 230). The junior class also features <strong>Jordan Lasky</strong> (P, 6-0, 160), <strong>Xavier Perkins</strong> (DE, 6-3, 205), <strong>Troy Reader</strong> (QB, 6-1, 185), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111532" first="Chad" last="Staley"]</strong> (OT, 6-3, 270) and standout defensive lineman <strong>Brice Stevenson</strong> (6-2, 270). The sophomore and freshmen classes are also stacked with promising talent – such as <strong>Titus Bullard</strong> (DE, 6-2, 205) and <strong>Brad Paxton</strong> (PK, 5-11, 150), and 2025 future impact players <strong>Juelz Aurelien</strong> (CB, 5-8, 160) and <strong>Joseph Troupe</strong> (RB, 5-7, 200). <strong>TAMPA BERKELEY PREP BUCCANEERS (12-0)</strong> Clearwater Central Catholic, W 35-21 Clearwater Calvary Christian, W 28-26 Tampa Robinson, W 36-0 Brandon, W 56-0 Tampa Catholic, W 38-0 Tampa Freedom, W 47-7 Lakeland Victory Christian, W 30-0 New Orleans Isadore Newman, W 49-24 Tampa Plant, W 43-14 Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 38-0 Clearwater Central Catholic, W 36-22 Lakeland Christian, W 42-14 <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMPA BERKELEY PREP</strong> &nbsp; <strong>SIGN UP FOR FLORIDA STOCK RISER EVENT - TODAY: </strong><a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/info?website_id=4&event_id=397">https://events.prepredzone.com/info?website_id=4&event_id=397</a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: </em></strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com"><strong><em>Floridakids1@aol.com</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong>