Football Recap: Berry Starts Season with Win on the Road

Berry had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They were the clear victors by a 51-28 margin over the Pickens Academy Pirates on Friday. The Wildcats pushed the score to 44-6 by the end of the third, a deficit the Pirates cut but never quite recovered from.

Ayden Lake Norris

Rushing Yards

08/29/25 @ Pickens Academy	254
11/22/24 vs Wadley	187
11/15/24 vs Spring Garden	144
11/08/24 vs Addison	234
11/01/24 @ Victory Christian	369

Ayden Lake Norris went supernova, rushing for 254 yards and five TDs while picking up 14.1 yards per carry. His rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 144 rushing yards dating back to last season. Ashton Waltrip made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Berry was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 262 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 196 rushing yards in five consecutive matches dating back to last season.

Berry didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Waltrip and Jordan Jackson. Waltrip got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Berry and Pickens Academy will both get their first taste of in-conference action in their upcoming games. The Wildcats are set to square off against their familiar foe Marion County at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Pickens Academy will challenge rival Linden at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.