The Berean Christian School’s football game against Jupiter Christian School was suspended Friday, Sept. 11 right before halftime. Jupiter had taken an early 14-0 lead after recovering two consecutive onside kicks. However, once Berean’s offense took the ball, that lead dissolved. Quarterback Chris Mauck took control in the air, leading the team to a 35-22 lead by the time play was halted.
On Monday, Sept. 14, play resumed with 62 seconds to go in the first half. Starting on Berean’s 48 yard line, Mauck took 36 seconds to put the Bulldogs into the end zone and give Berean a 42-22 lead at half time. Berean continued its dominating passing attack in the second half, claiming Berean’s third win on the young season with a 56-30 victory.
Mauck completed 24 for 33 with 344 yards and four touchdowns. Nick Doucette had two receptions for touchdowns, while Keilon Stube and Jared Hammond added one each. Kasey Montrois and Luke Jameson each added a run to complete the offensive scoring. The Berean defense was led by defensive tackle David Combs, who recovered a fumble in the end zone. Montrois added two interceptions. Back for his first game of the season, after recovering from off-season knee surgery, all-conference defensive back Sawyer Losey added another pick to give Berean’s defense a boost. Mauck’s dominating performance earned him honors as Prep Builders’ Offensive Player of the Week for Week 3.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Bulldogs were back in action against Inlet Grove High School. While Inlet Grove’s size and speed tested the Berean defense, the Bulldogs battled to a 35-19 win.
On the Hurricanes’ fifth play from scrimmage, Montrois picked off a deep post and took it back for a quick 7-0 lead. Berean’s defense stopped Inlet’s next offensive series, and Mauck wasted no time driving the Bulldogs into the red zone. On first-and-goal from the 5 yard line, Mauck hit Stube over the middle for a quick touchdown. The kick was no good, and the Bulldogs led 13-0. That is when Inlet’s line kicked in, making its way down the field with a power running game. Helped by a Bulldogs fumble, the Hurricanes put in two touchdowns, ending the half with the game tied 13-13.
The Bulldogs got the second half kickoff, and Mauck got his offense back into rhythm. On third-and-goal, Mauck bootlegged outside and delivered a bullet between two defenders for Stube’s second touchdown catch of the night. The kick was good, and Berean led 20-13. The defenses traded several series, with Jamison and Luke Langsam securing the middle and stopping the Hurricane running attack. Inlet fumbled on its own 35 yard line, and Berean took full advantage of the turnover. Mauck hit Jay Morgan with a quick slant inside. This gave the Bulldogs some breathing room at 27-13.
But the Hurricanes were not done yet. They made two big throws downfield. Keeping the drive alive with deep passes and some Berean penalties, the Hurricanes made it interesting at 27-19, after a two-point attempt failed. The Hurricanes got the ball back for one more attempt, but turned it over on downs with a great play on fourth down by Brendon Shipley. Berean sealed the deal with Stube racing around the left end for the final score, sealing Berean’s 35-19 win. Mauck finished the night 15 for 28 on 195 yards and three touchdowns. Stube had seven catches for 102 yards.
The Bulldogs travel Friday, Sept. 25 to take on a St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach. Catch the Bulldogs game each week, streaming live at www.bereanbulldogs.org/live.
