RICHARDSON – Richardson Berkner quarterback Lawrence Williams danced on the sideline at Eagle-Mustang Stadium in the closing seconds of Friday night's game.

He had every reason to celebrate. His team used a suffocating defense and bruising rushing attack to beat Richardson, 33-7, spoil its rival's senior night and keep its playoff hopes alive. Berkner can clinch a playoff berth with a win over W.T. White next week.

Berkner's defense dominated Richardson from the first series. Defensive back Jerome McCullum intercepted Christian Cline's pass on the third play of the game and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.

Berkner (6-3, 3-3 in District 9-5A) entered with the sixth-best defense in the area. It held Richardson to 75 total yards, nine first downs and added three sacks.

Richardson (4-5, 3-3) closed to within 9-7 in the second quarter with a 25-yard touchdown run on fourth down by D.J. Jackson.

But Berkner's defense made up for that in the second half. After its offense fumbled and Richardson drove to the Berkner 11, the defense forced a fumble. Justin Yancey pounced on the ball to end the scoring threat and keep Berkner alive for the final playoff berth in the district.

Berkner fullback Christian Corbitt sealed the game with some powerful running. He rushed for 151 yards – with 68 yards coming on the first drive of the fourth quarter – and three touchdowns.