In August 2006, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch previewed the football season with capsules of each St. Louis area conference. Below is their preview of the '06 season for the Berkeley Bulldogs:

Berkeley Bulldogs
2005 record: 2-8
Coach: Howard Brown, second year
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense

Players to watch: QB Mortez Jackson (sr., 5-11, 190), RB Kevin Simmons (sr., 5-9, 180), WR-DB Anthony Smith (sr., 5-11, 170), DE-OT Fred Jones (sr., 5-11, 250), DB-FB Josh Nichols (sr., 5-8, 185), DE-OG Vernon Thomas (jr., 5-10, 240), DL-OL Patrick Jones (so., 6-2, 315), DB Eric Willis (so., 6-0, 165)

Notable: Jackson moves under center after rushing for 648 yards and pulling in another 259 yards receiving last year. "He got the idea he's a senior, and his leadership skills have improved dramatically," Brown said. "He's always had it in him, it's just now he's using those resources to be a leader." ... Willis, who is Jackson's younger brother, will start at cornerback. ... Thomas had compiled four sacks when he was sidelined with an injury during the second game of the 2005 season. ... A transfer from Ritenour, Jones played varsity as a freshman. He came to Berkeley weighing 325 pounds, and Brown expects him to be around 305 by the start of the season. ... In his second season, Brown said he can now add variations to the Bulldogs' multiple set offense.

Bottom line: Jackson's athletic ability will help his transition to QB, and the Bulldogs' experience could make them a threat to contend in the Suburban East.