MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Vikings are the Southern Athletic Association Champions after a commanding 48-14 victory over the Lynx of Rhodes College.

Berry's balanced attack and relentless defensive effort propelled the Vikings to a dominant 48-14 victory over Rhodes College at Crain Field on Saturday, closing the regular season with an 8-2 record and claiming the name SAA Champions in a three-way tie with Trinity and Centre. The Vikings have clinched the NCAA berth with the lead in the three-way tie!

The Vikings struck early, with Christian Lewis finding Khamari Smith for a 34-yard touchdown on their opening drive, giving Berry an immediate 6-0 lead. Trey Richards extended the advantage in the second quarter, connecting on two field goals from 35 and 22 yards, pushing the score to 12-0 by halftime.

The offense erupted in the second half, starting with Brandon Cade's 10-yard touchdown run to make it 20-0. Rhodes managed two quick scores in the third quarter to close the gap to 20-14, but Berry's resilience shone in the fourth quarter, where the Vikings exploded for 28 unanswered points. Highlights included Brayden Hardy's 12-yard rushing touchdown and Cade's electrifying 25-yard scoring run. John Turner sealed the deal with a 34-yard sprint to the end zone in the final minute.

Defensively, Berry was dominant, holding Rhodes to just 51 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. Christopher Lewis' 28-yard interception return in the first quarter set up Berry's first score, while Dawson Livingston's 14-yard sack in the fourth quarter highlighted a suffocating defensive effort.

Christian Lewis led the charge offensively, throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns, with standout contributions from Khamari Smith (41 receiving yards and a touchdown) and Brandon Cade (131 rushing yards and two touchdowns).

Now, the Vikings await the selection show on Sunday at 5:00 PM to determine their first opponent and stop in the NCAA Tournament.