Berkeley Prep Not Going Away
In this article:
When veteran head football coach Dominick Ciao and his Tampa Berkeley Prep football team upset previously unbeaten Miami Norland in the 2M state title game earlier this month, it sent shock waves throughout the football world. But when you examine…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhen veteran head football coach Dominick Ciao and his Tampa Berkeley Prep football team upset previously unbeaten Miami Norland in the 2M state title game earlier this month, it sent shock waves throughout the football world.
But when you examine both programs, maybe that 28-20 win at Bragg Memorial Stadium at Florida A&M University was not such a surprise.
The Buccaneers, who lost only to 1M state finalist Clearwater Central Catholic at the start of the season, 21-14, and Clearwater Calvary Christian, had been a program all year that made an impact on the defensive side of the ball – while leading the state in time of possession, running the ball and moving the clock.
When they knocked off Tampa Catholic, Calvary Christian and powerhouse Plantation American Heritage in the playoffs, there was a strong feeling that if the Vikings came to Tallahassee overconfident, this is team that was more than capable of winning it all, and for the first time in school history, they did.
As the off-season begins, here is a program, like many, lose some key seniors, but at the other end of the ledger, also will bring back some quality football talent. Many that made a huge impact down the stretch and into the title game.
Even with the classifications changing, and two-time state champion Cocoa looming as an obstacle, this program has already proven that it will stand up against anyone and will be one of the favorites in 2024.
With rising seniors (2025) Juelz Aurelien (CB), Eli Chames (QB/DB/LB), Rico Garcia Rico Garcia 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Tampa Berkeley Prep | 2025 FL (QB), star running backs Dallas Golden Dallas Golden 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Tampa Berkeley Prep | 2025 State FL and Joseph Troupe coming back, there is plenty of offensive firepower.
In addition, prospects such as Phillippe Harkless (S), Jordan Kaufman (OLB), Zahir Orozco (OL), Ryan Pope (OL), Marco Souchet (CB), Owen Watts (CB) and tight end Justin Zames will also return with big game experience under their belt.
EXPERIENCED UNDERCLASSMEN WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
While the rising senior class will be impressive, you may want to keep an eye on the Class of 2026 where there are plenty of playmakers.
Among those gifted student/athletes will be Tony Bland (WR), Mateo Brink (DE), Jacob Butler (RB), Jacob Covington (DT/OL), Justin Del Giudice (LB), Rehan Dost (CB), Lee Harrod (CB), Josh Hermann (WR), Johnnie Jones Johnnie Jones 6'6" | 260 lbs | OL Tampa Berkeley Prep | 2026 State FL (OL), Ben Linsky (TE), Nate Lovelace (OL) and receiver Dylan McDonough.
The Buccaneers will also roll out rising juniors like Peter Pisano (PK), Winston Sullivan (LB), L.J. Ulmer (LB), Roman Wazni (LB) and receiver Jimmy Wehrell.
As the Class of 2026 made some major strides, so did the rising sophomore class (2027). Led by quarterback Cooper Hayes, this is a group that will indeed be much needed in 2024.
Other prospects such as Logan Carter (OL), Warner Donat (OLB), Alex Gray (TE), Dylan Henderson (CB), Luby Jones Luby Jones FL Jr. (RB), Charlie Licht (DB/WR), Michael Mariani (TE), Zach Mitchell (LB) and two-way lineman Truman Slauson all had the opportunity to gain valuable big game experience.
The class also has James Sullivan (QB), Matt White (RB) and defensive end Jared Zames.
Statewide Coverage Daily. https://prepredzone.com/florida/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.