WEST PALM BEACH – Dave Rimes had a relatively successful senior campaign at Berean Christian.
The 2020 running back/linebacker finished this past year with 1,363 yards on 156 carries and 16 touchdowns (8.74 yards per carry). He ended as our No. 93-ranked overall player from his class.
It could be argued that the best game for Rimes this past season came in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference quarterfinals against Shorecrest Prep. The bruiser had nine carries for a whopping 266 yards and five touchdowns in the first half of Berean Christian’s 48-18 home win on Oct. 26, 2019.
“It was nice hitting 1,300 yards and I could not have done that without my linemen,” Rimes said. “But I think the best shining moment was at practice when everything started to click in. The first couple games, we really did not click in. But when we did, it was awesome to watch us click. I’m glad I got to play a part in it as well.”
Berean Christian head coach Mario Jackson discussed the level of impact that Rimes has had on the program.
“Dave has a hunger and a desire to compete that’s on another level,” Jackson said. “His approach to off-season and in-season preparation is insane. He doesn’t take plays off, and he’s always looking for that competitive edge to better than the day before. Dave has the ability to make those around him play better because of his intensity.”
Berean Christian (4-5 final record) has fielded a close-knit senior core group that includes the likes of Rimes, athlete Tyler Christian, quarterback Wade Gill, and athlete Caleb Goertzen. Now, the Bulldogs core four will move on to college.
“I could say a whole lot about them, but the one thing I want to say is those guys are my closest friends and teammates, and I would not know what to do without them,” Rimes said. “It sucks that we are all going our separate ways, but I can truly say those guys are my best friends.”
Once Berean Christian’s improved season ended in a 44-21 SSAC semifinal loss to eventual champion Canterbury (Fort Myers) on Nov. 1, 2019, Rimes knew what he wanted to do next.
“I am officially done with football,” Rimes said. “My main focus is on rugby.”
NEXT CHAPTER
The fun really began for Rimes when he played for the Atlantis rugby team in international play this past month. There, he helped lead his team (North American Lions) to the semifinals of the sport’s tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“Overall we had a very good team, but we were very young,” Rimes said. “It was a U19 division and most of us were 16 or 17. There wasn’t many 18 year olds. But it definitely opened up my eyes to different cultures and how different cultures have their own way of playing rugby.”
Just recently, Rimes played with a rugby team in Barbados and left as a tournament champion.
“I was the youngest on the team because I was on a men’s team,” Rimes said. “But the team in Barbados was crazy.”
Aside from the Atlantis rugby team and the North American Lions, Rimes has a rugby team back home. He stars for the Wellington Wizards club program.
At the end of the day, Rimes is hoping that his experience in both football and rugby will give him a chance to play collegiate rugby.
“I am looking for place to develop my skills, find a team that I can grow with, and gain an education while playing the sport,” Rimes said.
At this time, there are no known offers on the table for Rimes. But one can expect something to materialize down the road.
Until then, we’ll be watching and waiting to see what happens next.
“Seeing Dave play rugby is like a work of art,” Jackson said. “He’s strategic, it’s raw, and his passion for the sport radiates on the field. The work that Dave puts in for football and rugby compliments each other.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jordan Peterkin (Media J) and Lisa Schlager
