MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - The Vikings are gearing up for what is sure to be a war with the Maryville College Scots. Berry comes into the game with an 8-2 record, with quality wins over Centre College and Randolph Macon.

The Scots are 8-1 overall and undefeated in USA South regular season play but lost to Centre 17-14 early on in the season. 

The Vikings' offense will need to stay ahead of the sticks against a Maryville defense that ranks top 20 in the nation in 3rd down conversion percentage. All-American Running Back Brandon Cade will be at the center of their attack. Cade ranks 8th in the country with 16 rushing touchdowns on the year. Berry will need to lean on Cade early and often to move the chains against the stout Maryville front line. Look for freshmen running back Brayden Hardy to spell Cade and make big plays for the Vikings as well behind their stellar offensive line. 

Berry Quarterback Christian Lewis will also need to come up big and use his weapons on the outside to take the top off of the defense. Wide Receivers like Khamari Smith, Bryce Herring, and Brendan Gray will be key factors in the Viking attack through the air.  

The Viking defense comes into the game only giving up 17.4 points per game, which puts them in the top 50 in the nation in scoring defense. The unit is led by defensive back Jake Whitten who leads the team with 36 solo tackles and 25 assists. The Vikings will also need senior defensive backs Kristofer Thomas and Nick Willis to provide shutdown coverage on the outside. They are tasked with slowing down a pass-heavy Maryville offense led by quarterback Bryson Rollins, who has 20 passing touchdowns this season and just 6 interceptions.  

The Berry defensive line is powered by Dawson Livingston, Michael Clark and Luke Carlton, who have combined for a total of 11 sacks on the year. The linebacking core is rounded out by ball-hawking performers like Christopher Lewis and Nick Palmer, who both have 2 interceptions each this season. 

Possibly the biggest key to the game is the Vikings' special teams unit. The special teamers have made the difference for Berry in multiple games this season by providing excellent field position and even generating points through blocked punts. The Vikings rank 2nd in the nation in blocked punts. A stellar performance from them this weekend could produce the momentum that the Vikings need to overtake the Scots. Look out for junior Cade Petty who has been a difference maker all season and already has 2 blocked punts this season.  

Everything you need to know about the Playoff Game can be found here.