Ever since its inception in 2011, University Prep has developed a reputation as one of the strongest football programs in the City League.
In their first decade of football, the Panthers made five trips to the City League title game and won three championships. Although five years have passed since University Prep won its most recent City League crown in 2016, Lou Berry’s bunch is eager to regain bragging rights over the rest of its rivals after coming up just short in recent years.
“I’m really excited about this upcoming season, especially from the perspective of our leadership provided by the core group of seniors,” Berry said. “That’s pretty much been the highlight of my offseason thus far.”
Last year, the Panthers finished 2-2 in the regular season, then dropped a pair of nail-biters in the playoffs — a 25-21 loss vs. Allderdice in the City League semifinals and a 9-8 defeat vs. Brashear in the third-place consolation game. Still, University Prep has proven to be a tough out for any opponent, year in and year out, and this year should be no different.
Senior receiver-defensive back Rashan Murray (6-1, 180) highlights the Panthers’ group of returning starters, and the Akron recruit is expected to make a big impact on both sides of the ball in order for University Prep to have any success.
“There is no question, we want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible and feed off his playmaking ability,” Berry said. “The work he’s put in the offseason should bear the fruit that he’s probably the most dynamic player in our league.”
Murray will follow in the footsteps of 2019 University Prep grad Michael Snowden, now an outside linebacker at Akron. Berry said Snowden still acts as a mentor toward many of the players on the team, and it’s no surprise that his younger brother, sophomore receiver-defensive back Amare Gee, is one of the most promising prospects in the city in the class of 2024.
“We’re looking for some big things from Amare on both sides of the ball. He’s a very athletic, dynamic player with the ball in his hands,” Berry said. “He started every game for us last year at corner. He’s phenomenal.”
Going into preseason camp, the starting quarterback position was still up for grabs between senior Keon Smalls and junior Amir McLeod. Both spent some time under center last season, but McLeod has also emerged as a potential receiving threat for the Panthers, which could make Berry’s decision easier when it comes to picking a starter.
As for the big boys in the middle, senior Robert Arms (6-0, 240) is a three-year starter who will be counted on to lead the offensive and defensive lines. Berry also pointed to junior running back Tarelll Allen-Tooks (5-11, 205) as a prime candidate to lead the backfield in touches while also earning a starting role at middle linebacker.
Time will tell whether or not University Prep makes it back to the top of the City League this year. But if history is any indication, the Panthers will certainly be right in the thick of things when it comes time to determine a champion.
“Certainly, I feel as if Westinghouse is the team to beat, because they have a lot of returning starters,” Berry said. “Every week is going to be a challenge in our league, because there is a lot of talent, and coaches are really working hard within their programs to improve during the offseason.
“We want to dispel that mindset that City League athletes can’t play at the highest level. We prove it each and every season, not just within our program, but across our league. That’s always something we take pride in.”
Coach: Lou Berry
Years at school: 11
2020 record: 2-4
Returning starters: Offense 8, Defense 8
Key returners: Rashan Murray (6-1, 180, Sr., WR-DB), Amare Gee (5-10, 160, So., WR-DB), Robert Arms (6-0, 240, Sr., OL-DL)
Keys to success: Get the ball into Murray’s hands as often as possible. Develop a solid running game to help take pressure off inexperienced quarterbacks.
Schedule
Aug. 27 | at Highlands* | 7 |
Sept. 3 | at Sharon* | 7 |
Sept. 10 | at Steubenville (Ohio)* | 7 |
Sept. 17 | Perry | 7 |
Sept. 23 | Allderdice | 7 |
Sept. 30 | Westinghouse | 7 |
Oct. 8 | Brashear | 7 |
Oct. 15 | at Farrell* | 7 |
*Non-conference game
First Published: August 14, 2021, 11:00 a.m.