Long passes and dazzling runs down field are often the highlights of Friday night football games. But some of the most impactuful highlights take place in the trenches with the brutes that are willing to fight for every yard.
One of these guys is senior fullback Luke Berry. The 5-9, 215 pound bruiser has always been about his team and his sport, even from a young age.
“I had always watched football as a kid,” said Berry, “I think in kindergarten one of my presentations was memorizing all the teams, so I definitely started young.”
Berry made his switch from soccer to football also very young, due to some odd circumstances.
“When I was little, I was actually into soccer, but I was too aggressive to play. My parents ended up moving me to football. I was way too physical, I ran people over.”
His other sports and hobbies are also pretty limited due to his one real passion. “I don’t really play any other sports, it’s just football. Then in the off-season, I usually just train more for football.” He also shared the result of that training, including an amazing 530 pound squat.
As one of the captains of the Knights, Berry realizes what his duty is as the team continues its incredible PIAA District 1 playoff run.
“I think as a captain, it’s important to keep everyone in line. My relationship with everyone on the team is great. Everyone knows each other on the team and I think it really keeps us going.”
“Luke is really one of the best leaders we have,” explained senior Zach Brandis. “He’s a great teammate to every one of the guys, and every day he’s there for us to provide not only a leader, but an amazing football player who backs it up in his play.”
“He has to have good communication, having to block for me out there,” quarterback Austin Shearer comments. “The communication and football knowledge is definitely there in Berry. He’s a really good teammate and player.”
Luke has options for multiple schools, but he is not focused on his distant future, just on what is about to come.
“I’m considering a few schools, but there are a few schools everywhere. I’m just having a great time about playing high school, and just worrying about this right now. When the next step comes, I’ll make my decision then.”
So when you’re watching the Knights play at Crawford Stadium this Friday night, notice how the big plays are set up by the big man Luke Berry.