We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Berrien High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Rebels this season.
2024 Stats
Overall Record: 1-9
Points Scored: 139
Points Allowed: 400
Key Losses
Jackson Dean has arrived as Berrien’s new head football coach, and he’ll try to right the ship in Nashville.
Despite last season’s 1-9 finish, some solid players have graduated and moved on from the team.
That includes one of the team’s interception leaders in outside linebacker Randy Hughes. Another defensive standout not returning is Beau Lindsey, who also served as the Rebels’ long snapper last season.
Also gone are running back, defensive back, and kick returner Nyjel Johnson and speedy running back and defensive back Gabe Wesley.
Who’s Back
Dean gave us a list of returners from last year who will be back in 2025.
Quarterback Cash Perkins will lead the new-look offense. He will have wide receivers Cole Stone and Tay Lyas back as his top targets, along with tight ends and H-backs Drew Carnes and Miguel Gu also figuring in the passing game.
Dean pointed to wide receiver Jerrion Brown as a player who could turn out to be a difference-maker in 2025.
In the backfield, Berrien welcomes back running back Gene Watson.
Up front, offensive linemen CJ Smith, Lawson Webber, Wayne Dailey, and Jacob Connell are all back.
On defense, Berrien welcomes back defensive linemen Carnes and Gu; linebackers Amari Camon, Kadun Flanders, and Connor Bullard; and defensive backs Stone and Tre Mcqueen.
What to Expect
Dean and his staff have started off their campaign at Berrien with a “Raise the Bar” motto.
“It stands for brave, accountable, and resilient,” Dean said.
The former Cook offensive coordinator said he’ll also be implementing a more wide-open offensive style that will hopefully put points on the board in 2025.
“We’re going to be running a shotgun-style, gap-scheme-based offense with air raid passing schemes,” he said following spring practice.
On defense, Dean said the team will adopt a “four-down base with a two-high shell” look.
Dean was impressed with his new team coming out of spring practice, saying the “attitude and effort was great for the two weeks we got in.”
Prediction
Look for an improved Berrien team under Dean and a 5-5 finish in 2025.
Game to Watch
Aug. 15 at Cook as Dean starts the season with his new team facing his former team.
