MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Viking football blitzed this season's All-SAA awards, with a total of 28 honors. Senior defensive tackle Michael Clark and head coach Tony Kunczewski headlined with SAA Defensive Athlete of the Year and Coaching Staff of the Year.
Clark was an unstoppable force on the interior of the Viking defensive line this season. He had 24 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, while generating constant pressure in the backfield. The senior from McDonough, Georgia, was the anchor that led the top ranked scoring defense in the SAA, which allowed just 11.9 points per game to opponents.
Head coach Tony Kunczewski's reign at the helm of Berry football saw one of its most impressive statistical seasons in school history. Kunczewski led the team to earn a top eight NPI ranking and a first-round bye for the first time in school history on his way to the SAA Coaching Staff of the Year honor.
Offensively, the Vikings were lights out as usual, landing a total of 15 athletes on the all-conference list, with four of the big guys up front earning first-team honors alongside their speedy running back Josh Rogers. McCormack Langford, Bryson Hill, Reed Richards, and Riley Stevens all paved the way for a Berry offense that led the SAA in rushing with over 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground. Offensive lineman Tyler Martin and tight end Hunter Coleman also made their ways to All-SAA Second Team for their efforts on the front line. A beneficiary of the high-powered rushing offense was Josh Rogers, who ran for 470 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Griffin, Georgia, native made a huge impact after missing most of 2024 due to injury to bring back his blistering speed that the team missed dearly last season.
Second Team All-SAA Offense saw five key players make their way to the list for the Vikings. Running back Colby Sikes completed a one-two-punch in the backfield between him and Rogers to make his way to Second Team honors. The senior from Dacula, Georgia, rushed for 539 yards and 6 touchdowns, while also breaking out for two receiving touchdowns as well. Senior wideout Khamari Smith earned a Second Team nod with 19 catches for 319 total yards and 3 touchdowns. The Gadsen, Alabama, native is coming off his best game of the season where he torched Southwestern for 5 catches for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns as he rounded out his case for all-conference. Kicker Trey Richards earned his way to all-conference stardom for the first time in his career after punching through 21 touchbacks and making each of his two kicks this season.
First Team All-SAA Defense was bombarded by Vikings this season, with five players earning the award. Clark was also named to First Team All-SAA in addition to his Athlete of the Year award. Dawson Livingston, Cade Petty, Christopher Lewis, and Chaz Pope all earned the honor. Livingston was remarkable as an edge rusher with a team-leading 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. The Jackson, Georgia, native's combination of speed and power gave opposing tackles nightmares on the exterior of the line of scrimmage. Cade Petty made his way to the list after expanding his role from a special teams weapon to a hybrid linebacker for the Viking defense. He posted 29 total tackles, 1 INT, 2 TFL, and blocked a nation-leading 5 punts/kicks. Christopher Lewis was the general of the defense throughout the season on his way to impressing for his second straight all-conference honor. He led the team with 50 tackles and had 5 TFLs, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 3 pass break ups.
The final First Team All-SAA selection was head-hunting safety Chaz Pope. The Alabama native brought in 38 total tackles, a team-leading 3 interceptions, and one forced fumble. The lone Second Team All-SAA member of the Viking defense was defensive end Jaden Melville. The senior was a nightmare for opposing offenses with 4 TFL's (3 sacks) and 39 total tackles.
With one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country, the Vikings tabbed four receivers with Honorable Mentions. Brendan Gray, Nate Lyons, Bryce Herring, and Cam Coleman all made huge plays throughout the season in big situations as wideouts. Walker Williams rounded out the Honorable Mentions with his blocking and receiving abilities as a tight end. Defensively, Gian Traverzo, Jack Murray, Brycen Williams, Steven Pickett, and Ben Brookshire rounded out the Honorable Mentions for one of the most feared defensive units in the south. Punter Miles Hamby also earned Honorable Mention for his work in providing real estate for the Viking defense.
Offensive lineman Riley Stevens was awarded SAA All-Sportsmanship honors for his zeal and spirit throughout the season.
