University Prep preview from the PPG.....
When Lou Berry started the program at University Prep in 2011, he took a win-fast, win-often approach.
The result has been three City League titles in six years, including last season’s thrilling, 15-14, come-from-behind victory against a Brashear team that was seeking a third consecutive championship.
University Prep scored with 56 seconds remaining to secure the win — and that treasured third City crown.
“Although we’ve had a short existence, there is an expectation to win,” said Berry, whose program also won City titles in 2011 and 2013. “We’ve been blessed to have that early success, and it was our first team that laid the groundwork. I think [a] big part of what we’ve done is that we like to challenge our kids. We run tough and competitive practices, which can be stressful mentally. But by the time we’re playing on Friday night, we feel the kids are prepared to perform at a high level.”
Scheduling tough non-conference opponents, such as Steubenville and Maryland state champion Fort Hill this fall, along with fielding a talented roster, have also greatly contributed to the program’s success.
Promising running backs Dorian Jackson and Damon Macklin look to lead an offense that returns just three starters. It was Jackson, the reigning 100- and 200-meter City track champion, who ignited a fourth-quarter comeback in the City final with an 8-yard scoring run that made it 14-9.
“Dorian plays on both sides of the ball for us, and he’s the centerpiece to our team,” said Berry, whose offense outscored City League opponents, 148-35, en route to four conference victories to close the season. “He’s a fast, physical back, and he can score in a variety of ways. In Macklin, we have a dynamic, shifty player who’s blossoming into a tremendous leader for the program.”
At quarterback, Berry is putting his trust in sophomore Kenneth Pipkins, who did not play last season. Despite his youth, Pipkins performed well in the offseason and demonstrated a high football I.Q., Berry said.
“He possesses great leadership qualities for such a young player,” said Berry, whose team ended last season with a loss to Erie Cathedral Prep, 58-12, in the PIAA Districts 8-10 Class 4A playoffs. “He loves the game, and he works hard at getting better every day.”
Pipkins has the luxury of throwing to senior Raujee Clerfe, the team’s No. 2 receiver in 2016 who played in the shadow of graduate Darious Shields, the MVP of the City League championship. Up front, senior Donte Massie will anchor both sides of the line.
“We feel like we’ve been able to find the recipe for success so far,” Berry said. “But this is a new season. And when you’re the champion, everyone wants to knock you off.”
Coach: Lou Berry
Years at school: 7
2016 record: 6-5
Returning starters: Offense 3, Defense 5
Key returners: Dorian Jackson (5-10, 180, Sr., RB-DB), Raujee Clerfe (5-10, 190, Sr., WR-LB), Damon Macklin (5-6, 150, Jr., RB-DB)
When Lou Berry started the program at University Prep in 2011, he took a win-fast, win-often approach.
The result has been three City League titles in six years, including last season’s thrilling, 15-14, come-from-behind victory against a Brashear team that was seeking a third consecutive championship.
University Prep scored with 56 seconds remaining to secure the win — and that treasured third City crown.
“Although we’ve had a short existence, there is an expectation to win,” said Berry, whose program also won City titles in 2011 and 2013. “We’ve been blessed to have that early success, and it was our first team that laid the groundwork. I think [a] big part of what we’ve done is that we like to challenge our kids. We run tough and competitive practices, which can be stressful mentally. But by the time we’re playing on Friday night, we feel the kids are prepared to perform at a high level.”
Scheduling tough non-conference opponents, such as Steubenville and Maryland state champion Fort Hill this fall, along with fielding a talented roster, have also greatly contributed to the program’s success.
Promising running backs Dorian Jackson and Damon Macklin look to lead an offense that returns just three starters. It was Jackson, the reigning 100- and 200-meter City track champion, who ignited a fourth-quarter comeback in the City final with an 8-yard scoring run that made it 14-9.
“Dorian plays on both sides of the ball for us, and he’s the centerpiece to our team,” said Berry, whose offense outscored City League opponents, 148-35, en route to four conference victories to close the season. “He’s a fast, physical back, and he can score in a variety of ways. In Macklin, we have a dynamic, shifty player who’s blossoming into a tremendous leader for the program.”
At quarterback, Berry is putting his trust in sophomore Kenneth Pipkins, who did not play last season. Despite his youth, Pipkins performed well in the offseason and demonstrated a high football I.Q., Berry said.
“He possesses great leadership qualities for such a young player,” said Berry, whose team ended last season with a loss to Erie Cathedral Prep, 58-12, in the PIAA Districts 8-10 Class 4A playoffs. “He loves the game, and he works hard at getting better every day.”
Pipkins has the luxury of throwing to senior Raujee Clerfe, the team’s No. 2 receiver in 2016 who played in the shadow of graduate Darious Shields, the MVP of the City League championship. Up front, senior Donte Massie will anchor both sides of the line.
“We feel like we’ve been able to find the recipe for success so far,” Berry said. “But this is a new season. And when you’re the champion, everyone wants to knock you off.”
Coach: Lou Berry
Years at school: 7
2016 record: 6-5
Returning starters: Offense 3, Defense 5
Key returners: Dorian Jackson (5-10, 180, Sr., RB-DB), Raujee Clerfe (5-10, 190, Sr., WR-LB), Damon Macklin (5-6, 150, Jr., RB-DB)
