MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - No. 17 Berry (11-1) took down the No. 21 Trinity University Tigers 31-23 to advance to the NCAA D-III Quarterfinals for the first time in program history on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Valhalla Stadium.
It was a slow start to the game for both teams as each team's first drive ended in a punt. The Vikings then looked to take advantage with 8:26 left in the first as they drove down to the Tigers 37 yard line thanks to a 33 yard catch and run from Brendan Gray but the Vikings then turned over the ball giving it right back to the Tigers.
The Tigers looked to take advantage but the Vikings defense came up with a huge stop facing 3rd and 3 on their 49 as Cole Carver forced a fumble recovered by Christopher Lewis to give the offense another chance. The game would remain scoreless though as another promising Vikings drive ended with an interception this time in the endzone.
The Tigers looked to take advantage but once again the Vikings defense was up to the task forcing a three and out and giving the offense great field position as Nate Lyons set them up at the Trinity 49. The Vikings would then open the scoring as Christian Lewis found Josh Rogers for a 24 yard touchdown pass on 2nd and 6 to put the Vikings up 6-0. Lyons would then follow with a successful two point run to make it 8-0.
The Vikings defense then forced a three and out but the Tigers defense responded in kind to give their offense the opportunity to tie the game. Once again the Vikings defense dominated as they forced another three and out. The Tigers then committed a major miscue as the snapper threw the ball over the head of the punter giving the Vikings the ball at the Tigers one yard line. Lewis then plunged up the middle for a touchdown as the Vikings went up 15-0 with 5:09 left in the half.
The Tigers looked to redeem themselves on their next drive but once again the Viking defense forced a turnover as Christoper Lewis forced a fumble to give the Vikings the ball back at the Trinity 45. Colby Sikes then ran the ball three straight times with a 17 yard rush and then a 28 yard rushing touchdown to increase the Vikings lead to 22-0 with 1:45 to go. Both teams would have the ball again but neither team added points as the Vikings took a commanding 22-0 halftime lead.
The Tigers came out of halftime fired up and quickly marched down the field with a six play 75 yard drive to cut the Vikings lead to 22-7 with 11:47 to go in the third. The Vikings would respond with a 13 play 66 yard drive culminating with a one yard rushing touchdown from Christian Lewis to increase the Vikings lead to 28-7. The Tigers would also score as they blocked the extra point attempt and returned it for two points to cut the Vikings lead to 28-9.
Feeling the momentum the Tigers then marched right back down the field on a four play 75 yard drive to cut the Vikings lead down to 28-15 with a failed two point conversion. The Vikings offense then went three and out giving the Tigers a great chance to get closer. The Vikings defense then came up with a huge stop on 4th and 5 from the Berry 23 as Jaden Mellville forced an incomplete pass for a turnover on downs. The Vikings looked to put the game away but the Tigers defense continued to hold them at bay. The Vikings defense then returned the favor with another fourth down stop this time as the Trinity 17. The Vikings would then get a 30 yard field goal from Trey Richards to increase their lead to 31-15 with 5:10 remaining.
With their backs against the wall the Tigers looked for a comeback and looked like the Vikings would get a stop on fourth down but a costly penalty gave the Tigers another chance. The Tigers then took advantage as they got a touchdown with 2:55 remaining to cut the Vikings lead to 31-23. The Tigers then got the ball back off an onside kick giving them a chance to tie it. The Vikings weren't about to let that happen as Chaz Pope picked off the Tigers QB on 3rd and 3 at the Berry 45 to seal the win and send the Vikings to their first ever quarterfinals.
With the win the Vikings advance to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals and will take on No. 9 John Carroll on Saturday.
Pope pick secures Vikings' first quarterfinal trip
/seasons/2025/boxscores/20251206_snpc.xml
2025
Trinity (Texas)
23
Berry
31
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 21 Trinity (Texas) (10-2) | 0 | 0 | 15 | 8 | 23 |
| No. 17 Berry (11-1) | 0 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 31 |
Dec 06, 2025