Page 2 Football Preview September 2015
CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL
Ready to move forward
Calvert Head coach: Rick Sneade (fifth season)
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Last year: 3-7, 1-5 (sixth in 1A-2A-3A Division)
By ANDY STATES
Athletes to watch: RB/LB Levi Brickner (Jr., All-SMAC, All-County), QB Jack Lanham (Jr.), OL/DL Tavoy Maddox (Sr.)
Cavaliers excited at what lies ahead in 2015 Staff writer
Levi Brickner wants a new pet. Not for himself, mind you, but a collective pet for the Calvert football team. “A couple of the guys who played football last year also played baseball. We had a pet turtle on varsity,” the junior running back and linebacker said. “We just want to bring a pet to football, maybe a hamster or a bunny. A little bird, maybe.” “It can be our alter-ego of our whole team,” added junior Shamar Gray, who also said he thought a lizard would work. “They’re little. They’re not hard to take care of. We just need something for game days. We can bring it out on a leash.” Whether the Cavaliers gain an animal or not, the numbers and excitement around the program have been building. Heading into this season, the Cavaliers had the numbers to have a freshman team in addition to the junior varsity squad, and also have a varsity roster that is comprised of only juniors and seniors. In the past, Calvert has needed to bring up at least a handful of sophomores to fill out the roster. Add everything together and you have a program that is excited to see what lies ahead. “We had a lot of sophomores up last year. We have a lot of returning guys and didn’t lose a lot of seniors,” junior quarterback Jack Lanham said. “I just think we have a good attitude. We’re all on the same mission. We all
Key personnel losses: OL Tyler Berberian (All-County), LB James Mathesius (All-SMAC, All-County), RB M.J. Wallace (All-SMAC, All-County) Strengths: After years of suffering from a lack of depth, this year the Cavaliers figure to enjoy significant depth up front on both sides of the ball. The team also boasts a deep stable of running backs, and while it did graduate several key players from last year’s squad, there are capable players stepping into those holes this season. Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL
Calvert quarterback Jack Lanham looks for a passing opportunity during a recent practice.
Schedule Sept. 4 at Northern, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at North Point, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. McDonough, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 vs. Leonardtown, 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Patuxent, 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Westlake, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Lackey, 7 p.m.
have a winning attitude. We’re all out here just trying to get better each and every day.”
“Ifeellikethisfootballteamhascome a long way considering years ago we didn’t have the team leadership role,” added senior lineman Tavoy Maddox. “We just had a group of individuals. We have people here who actually care and want to do things. All of our coaches have been with us since freshman year and they just grow with us and grow with the team. It’s a family.” Last year’s performance also left some reason for optimism. Calvert went just 3-7 overall,butfinishedtheseasonwitha37-19 win over Chopticon, which was a Class 3A South Region playoff team. The Cavaliers lost just 28-20 in the season’s penultimate week to Patuxent, which ended its season in the 2A South championship game. “I think this year we’re finally at our peak,” Lanham said. “We’re all on the same mission, have the same mindset. We have one goal — to win.”
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Weaknesses: Calvert has not been able to get over the hump to establish itself as a winning program in recent seasons. Making progress toward that end is the goal this season. The Cavaliers will be tested early, as the team opens with games against county rivals Northern and Huntingtown the first two weeks before playing perennial playoff contender North Point in Week 3. Coach’s comments: “I want to have a great time. Not myself, personally, but I want the whole program to enjoy the moment and have a great time. We’re at a place now where the expectations are exactly where they need to be. They’re set. It doesn’t mean the kids are doing everything right all the time. They need to be coached. We have to do a good job of that, but I just want to have a good time and for these kids to go out and enjoy themselves. Right now, we’re in a good place with that.” ANDY STATES
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September 2015 Football Preview Page 3
CHOPTICON HIGH SCHOOL
Leadership is in place
Chopticon Head coach: Anthony Lisanti (10th season) Last year: 7-4, 4-2 (tied for second in 3A-4A Division with Huntingtown)
Braves bringing pride back again for 2015 season
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Athletes to watch: RB Brandon Blackwell (Sr., All-County), LB Josh Rackey (Sr., All-County) Key personnel losses: QB Donovyn Jordan (All-SMAC, All-County), WR Nick Gray (All-SMAC, All-County), LB Brady Snyder (All-SMAC, All-County), TE Anthony Lisanti, WR Alex Sanders, FS Tyler Mills (AllSMAC, All-County), OL Justin Aeschlimann
By TAMMY SHOWALTER Staff writer
The Chopticon Braves football team finished tied for second in the 3A-4A division last year with Huntingtown at 4-2. The Braves were 7-4 overall, falling in the Class 3A South Region semifinals. For head coach Anthony Lisanti, there’s one game in particular from the 2014 season that he’d like to have back: Oct. 17 versus North Point. The 49-35 loss to the eventual 3A-4A division champion Eagles put an end to Chopticon’s 6-0 start. “We had the chance to beat the biggest 4A school,” Lisanti said. “We were the biggest, baddest kid on the block undefeated. We had them where we wanted them. “We were 6-0 at that point in the season. It was 28-27, and we just blocked their punt and we’re inside their 20 [-yard line] and we threw a pick. We should have scooped and scored that blocked punt.” The Braves will get an opportunity to get that win back when they host the Eagles on Oct. 9. For this year’s squad, Lisanti said, “I’d like to see them be more aggressive. Sometimes we forget the physicality of football. It’s pretty easy when you’re sitting in the air conditioning all summer. These kids need to understand we need to bang a little bit.” Lisanti also has brought more staff, a mixture of talented coaches from
Strengths: Lisanti is happy with the offensive line and the experienced defense. Lisanti wants to see more aggressive play from his team and the experience from the camps will enable that aggressiveness to occur. Weaknesses: The Braves passing game is still developing. The quarterback position is very much up for grabs. Staff photo by TAMMY SHOWALTER
The Chopticon Braves are looking to make a statement this year as they now have moved to Class 4A. Eric Reese, under center, is competing for the quarterback position.
Thomas Stone and Leonardtown as well as a former player. “I’ve got a good, strong staff,” Lisanti said. “I’m pretty excited about it.” Senior outside linebacker and slot receiver Riley McMullen was wearing a gold jersey in a recent practice. “That jersey is given to the player that most exemplifies what it means to be a Brave,” Lisanti said. “He’s probably the best leader we’ve got.” McMullen, who said he’s ready to bring pride back again, participated in the SMAC showcase that was held at Westlake over the summer, representing the top 10 football players from each Southern Maryland Athletic Conference team. “My goals are to continue what we started last year because in years past
we’ve been slacking as a team,” McMullen said, “but last year really brought it back together and made playoffs. I’m really hoping to continue that.” Teammate and senior running back Brandon Blackwell couldn’t finish out the 2014 season after getting injured in an Oct. 10 game against Westlake. Blackwell, an All-County athlete, averaged eight yards a carry before getting injured. “He’s back and working his tail off.” Lisanti said of Blackwell. Blackwell said it’s always been a brotherhood at Chopticon and, although many seniors graduated, others will step up. “If we come together and play hard for each other, we can be better than we were last year.”
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Coach’s comments: “At any scrimmage, you want to find out where you’re strong and where you’re weak and come out healthy. We will continue to grow and compete every week.” TAMMY SHOWALTER
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. La Plata, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. McDonough, 6 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. St. Charles, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. North Point, 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Northern, 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Patuxent, 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Great Mills, 6 p.m.
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Page 4 Football Preview September 2015
GREAT MILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Working on football IQ
Great Mills Head coach: Tyrone Bell (fourth season)
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Last year: 2-8, 0-6 (seventh in 3A-4A Division)
By TAMMY SHOWALTER
Athletes to watch: LT/DL Anthony Whigan (Sr.), RB/ST Tajon Whiten (So.), WR/DB Yann Zeba (Jr.)
Hornets are turning a corner for 2015 season Staff writer
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The Hornets focused on team building skills over the summer, putting time in the weight room and discussing current events through its newly implemented Phoenix mentoring program that’s headed by assistant coach and offensive coordinator Damon McGill. The program was started midway through the 2014 season. The summer attendance grew and so did the pride and determination among the Great Mills football players. The team is hoping to give its school a reason to celebrate this season. “We want more than two wins, yes ma’am,” said junior cornerback and safety Yann Zeba, and three-year starter. “I want to have a winning season and go to the playoffs this year. That’s the main goal.” The last winning season for the Hornets was 1996 when current head coach Tyrone Bell played his junior year for the team. In now his fourth season as head coach, Bell said, “This year we are going back to basics. We will only move as fast as our football IQ allows us.” Bell said if it means doing less but with more physicality and accuracy, then that’s what they’ll do. “Our IQ is OK, but we do need some work,” Zeba added. “We’re putting in the work.” Senior lineman Tim Ursery, a threeyear starter, said his team is on its way to playing a smarter game. “We’re going to be smarter than we
Key personnel losses: DB Jacob Taylor (All-County), LB Kyle Dexter (All-SMAC), DE Aaron Ware (All-SMAC) Strengths: The Hornets defensive front should keep the team in games, Bell said. The team is going back to the basics in hopes of achieving the program’s first winning season since 1996. Five of its first six games at home.
Staff photo by REID SILVERMAN
Tajon Whiten, far right, nearly intercepts a pass during 7-on-7 drills at a recent practice.
were last year,” Ursery said, “because we’re about as smart as we were last year right now at this point. I feel a lot better about this season. Our offensive line has been pretty much the same since my sophomore year and now we’ve all grown up together.” Ursery said being a part of the mentoring program gave the team insights into current events and taught them how to be men. “It was cool. We learned a lot. We learned how to tie a tie and little things like that, about growing up and being an adult.” Ursery said. Zeba said they were taught proper manners as well. “We learned confidence building,” Zeba said. “Saying yes ma’am, yes sir.” Senior Ja’ron Butler will now be playing wide receiver, a new position for him. He said he plays for his family, for
his mother Jackie Butler who suffered a stroke, and for his father, Ralph Butler. “The pride for me this year comes from putting the time in the weight room; sweat, tears, bleeding and everyone coming together as one,” Butler said. “It’s just a blessing being out here with the team and bonding. This is the best you can get, just being here playing football.” Ursery is impressed with how well Bell has grown the program. “Four years ago, we couldn’t even field a junior varsity team because we lost so many kids to grades,” Ursery said, “and now we’ve gone from a 2.0 GPA to last year only losing three kids to grades. We’ve bumped up a point on the cumulative. It’s things like that. It’s more important than going 0-10. “We had to change the image and now we’re ready to start winning.”
Weaknesses: Bell said the passing game needs a lot of work. Great Mills got off to a 2-1 start in 2014, but September features two games against playoff teams from a season ago in Patuxent and Huntingtown. Coach’s comments: “We will only move as fast as our football IQ allows us. We’ll do less and be more physical at it, that’s the goal.” TAMMY SHOWALTER
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. McDonough, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Patuxent, 6 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Huntingtown, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Northern, 6 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at North Point, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Chopticon, 6 p.m.
September 2015 Football Preview Page 5
HUNTINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Nothing to see here
Huntingtown Head coach: Kevin Gilligan (second season)
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Last year: 7-4, 4-2 (tied for second in 3A-4A Division with Chopticon)
By ANDY STATES
Athletes to watch: WR/DB Skyler Berry (Sr.), WR/QB/LB AJ Demino (Sr., All-County), OL/DL Tyler Livingston (Sr.), OL/DL Dejaun Marble (Sr.), WR/DE Ethan McComb (Sr., All-County), RB/DB Allen McKelton (Sr., All-County), OL/DL Mike Morrone (Sr., All-County), QB/WR/LB Andrew Pawlowski (Jr.), OL/LB Nick Stahr (Jr.)
Hurricanes look to continue tradition in 2015 season Staff writer
Everything can change drastically from one year to the next in high school athletics, but if you ask Huntingtown senior Allen McKelton about the difference between this year’s Hurricanes squad and last, he doesn’t think much has changed at all. “I don’t think there’s really a difference,” he said. “We might be a little smaller, but we’re a lot more physical this year. We’re ready to come out Week 1 against Patuxent and do our thing this year. A lot of kids are excited. We’ve been waiting for this day to start hitting each other. Sept. 4 we’ll show what we can do.” Seemingly, not much has changed with Huntingtown’s program through the years. The team just keeps on going. The Hurricanes have consistently been among the top teams in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference since making their first playoff appearance in 2007. In addition to maintaining its status as a conference power, Huntingtown has qualified for the playoffs in each season since that initial berth, a string of eight consecutive seasons. The Hurricanes went 7-4 overall a year ago, continuing that streak of playoff appearances despite a slew of key injuries. Huntingtown’s season eventually ended in the Class 3A South Region semifinals at Thomas Stone, which proceeded to advance to the state semifinals.
Key personnel losses: OL Josh Clagett (All-SMAC, All-County), LB Brian McCourt (All-SMAC, All-County), QB Robbie Payne (All-SMAC), OL Tristan Ramberg (All-County) Strengths: Huntingtown has five seniors who have been starters on the team since sophomore year. Weaknesses: The Hurricanes lack experience on the lines.
Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL
Coach’s comments: “Everyday they have a choice, either they are going to get better every practice or they are going to take a step back. It is a simple choice and it is theirs to make.”
Huntingtown runs a drill during a recent practice in preparation for the upcoming season.
Nothing has changed in regards to the team’s expectations. “I have high expectations,” senior A.J. Demino said. “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people. I think if we come together as a team and buy into this brotherhood, I don’t think anybody on our schedule can compete with us. Our defense is flying around first day already. We’ve been hitting people, getting real excited.” “We’ve always been a tight-knit group,” senior Skyler Berry said. “We’re trying to bring that back together again. We always are a brotherhood, always close-knit, have the chemistry. On the field we come together as one.” Huntingtown opened last year with four straight wins and logged three consecutive shutouts to open the season. Eventually, with injuries catching
up to the team as it reached the meat of its schedule, the team lost regular season contests with Chopticon, Patuxent and North Point, which all qualified for the postseason. This year, the schedule allows no time for the Hurricanes to slowly work their way into the season, as county rival Patuxent awaits in the opening week. As practice started this summer, Huntingtown senior Ethan McComb was confident the team would be ready when the bell eventually rings. “Obviously it’s really exciting to get started again,” he said. “The team’s looking good. The defense is flying around, the offense is looking good. I’m just excited to get back out here and especially excited for Patuxent in Week 1.”
ANDY STATES
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Patuxent, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Calvert, 7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Westlake, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Chopticon, 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Northern, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. North Point, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Stone, 6:30 p.m.
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Page 6 Football Preview September 2015
LA PLATA HIGH SCHOOL
Changing the culture Former NFL player Milstead new head coach of Warriors n
By PRINCE J. GRIMES Staff writer
Sweat was dripping, faces were grimacing and minds were focused at La Plata High School’s football practice one late August evening. The team of yesteryear was barely noticeable despite many faces returning. New head coach Rod Milstead, a former offensive guard who played nine years in the National Football League, came to the team this spring intent on building a new culture in his first year, one where players do whatever it takes to be great. “These guys thought what they were doing was good enough, and it wasn’t,” Milstead said. “Their window of comparison was subjected just to SMAC, and I’m looking outside [at] the bigger picture. I’m looking down the road with these guys trying to get scholarships and things like that. Then we need to think outside the box and do what teams in Florida, teams in Texas, what they’re doing. Those teams that have spring football, [like] California.” Well traveled, Milstead knows exactly what good enough looks like. After playing football at Delaware State University, he was drafted by the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 1992 draft. From 1992 to 1999, Milstead played for Dallas, Cleveland, San Francisco and Washington. He was a member of the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XXIX over the San Diego Chargers.
Staff photo by PRINCE J. GRIMES
La Plata first-year head coach Rod Milstead conducts practice. The Warriors are looking for their first playoff appearance since 1994, the same year Milstead and the San Francisco 49ers won a Super Bowl.
Schedule Sept. 4 at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 vs Leonardtown, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Northern, 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Patuxent, 7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs Thomas Stone, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 vs St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 vs Calvert, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 vs McDonough, 6:30 p.m.
Milstead last coached as an assistant at Delaware State. The year before that, he coached at North Carolina Central University. From 2000 to 2006, Milstead coached at his alma mater, Lackey High School. His credentials have gone a long way with the current team of Warriors.
“It makes us respect him a little more,” junior wide receiver Brett Pilkerton said. Pilkerton will look to fill the void left by his brother Jack, who led the team with 630 yards receiving last season. “I think [Milstead] playing in the NFL makes us realize that he knows what he’s talking about, and he’s a good leader for this team to follow and set us in the right path.” And because players believe Milstead when he tells them what it takes to be great, their practice habits are reflecting that belief. Some guys are being pushed as hard as they’ve ever been pushed and what’s more is the fact that they aren’t complaining about it. In fact, the team has increasingly warmed up to the new style of practice. “It’s a [culture] shock,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Cole Baucom said. “I’ve never worked as hard as I have. Even during the offseason, we didn’t do half the stuff we do now. No one really pushed us like this. No one did it. He’s been shocking it.” La Plata hasn’t reached the postseason since 1994, the same season Steve Young led Milstead and the 49ers to a Super Bowl. “I want to make playoffs. That would be awesome, especially senior year,” said Austin Smith, who is moving from defensive end to middle linebacker. “[The team culture] is definitely a lot more serious and a lot more focused. If you came to a practice last year, it’s a lot more organized [now].” “Milstead, with the experience he has, it’s a lot different,” senior safety Kyle Wyant said. “What he brings to us, and the family atmosphere that he brings. A lot more enthusiasm. It’s good.”
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La Plata Head coach: Rod Milstead (first season) Last year: 2-8, 2-4 (tied for fifth in 3A-4A Division with Leonardtown) Athletes to watch: DB/WR Cole Baucom (Sr.), WR/CB Tavian Brake (Sr.), DT Darius Butler (Sr.), NG/G Anthony Foster (Sr.), Ath/WR/DB/P Cody Gegent (Sr.), RB/ LB Aaron Hernandez (Jr.), G George Livers (Sr.), WR Brett Pilkerton (Jr.), S/LB Kyle Wyant (Sr.) Key personnel losses: DL Brett Burch, RB Calvin Lanier, WR/LB Jack Pilkerton (All-SMAC, All-County), WR Karl Thomas, LB Keith Viering (All-SMAC, All-County), OL Alex Devine (All-SMAC, All-County) Strengths: The new work ethic of this team will go a long way if and when the going gets tough in real-game scenarios. They’re more prepared and mentally equipped to handle anything thrown their way. The Warriors will be fundamentally and technically sound. Weaknesses: As a first-time head coach, Milstead is learning as he’s going. Situations may arise that he can ultimately handle but will be ill-prepared to make adjustments until he knows what to expect and when to expect it, on and off of the field. On the field, the team lacks top-end speed. Coach’s comments: “What I’ve done is assembled a group of coaches that share the same mindset that I do, in terms of building the complete athlete. That’s what we’re doing at La Plata, building the complete athlete. Not just a football player, but he has to be a good person on the field, off the field, in the classroom and in the community as well.” PRINCE J. GRIMES
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September 2015 Football Preview Page 7
LACKEY HIGH SCHOOL
Youth movement going on
Lackey Head coach: John Lush (fifth season)
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Last year: 7-3, 4-2 (second in 1A-2A-3A Division)
By PRINCE J. GRIMES
Athletes to watch: CB Jaquan Ball (Sr.), OLB Nathan Proctor (Jr.), WR Corterris Simpson (Sr.), OLB/SS Richard White (Sr.)
Chargers linemen are sophomores Staff writer
There’s a youth movement happening on the Lackey High School football team this season, but that won’t be an excuse for taking a step back. If the Chargers get it their way, no one will even notice. While expecting to start sophomores at all five spots along the offensive line, and every position on the defensive line, Lackey is aiming to be better than its 7-3 team was a year ago. Head coach John Lush believes it may take at least eight wins to make the playoffs, a mark that would’ve gotten Lackey into the postseason last year. “We only have one returner on offense,” Lush said. “It’s a youth movement. It’s exciting, but to us, we’re not rebuilding. These kids, we’ve got a good system in place, when they’re young in the [JV] program, they’re expected to come up, be able to play, and be able to win.” The play of Lackey’s young players in the trenches could have a huge ripple effect on the team in a positive or negative way. Under center, senior Jacob Fields is replacing Dionte Myles as the starting quarterback. If the line is able to protect Fields, he could thrive. Constant pressure on a new quarterback, however, could cause him to become more uneasy as the season goes on. The line also will have to block for a new running back as 1,200-yard rusher Deontez Fleet is now gone. Even with an experienced line, it would have
Key personnel losses: WR Cortrelle Simpson (All-SMAC, All-County), RB Deontez Fleet (All-SMAC, All-County), QB Dionte Myles (All-SMAC) Strengths: Defensively, Lackey returns four starters with the most experience being in the secondary. Weaknesses: Starting all sophomores along the offensive and defensive lines means this team will be solid up front for years to come, but mistakes aren’t out of the question this season.
Staff photo by GREG DOHLER
Linebacker Nathan Proctor, left, participates in a punt coverage drill during a recent practice.
been hard to match Fleet’s level of production, but a group of sophomores will nonetheless make the attempt to clear some lanes for Josh Bannister and the other backs. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line also will have to play big in order to open up room for talented pass rushers like junior Nathan Proctor to get penetration. “I’m most excited about the younger guys that’s come up from [JV],” said Proctor, one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects. “I feel like they got a lot to prove. They’ve proven themselves through the first scrimmage. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do this summer. They have a lot of heart. They don’t have quit in them.” The disposition of people around Lackey echoes what Proctor said. New players stepping in are expected to
play well and keep the ball rolling for Lackey, which will be playing in the Class 2A South Region for the first time, with 2A state champion Frederick Douglass High School of Prince George’s County. “We got to work on the chemistry a little bit, but everything’s coming together,” Fields said. “We did [lose a lot], but fortunately, we have a few kids who have really, really good skills — receivers.” One of those receiving threats is Corterris Simpson, the younger brother of Lackey’s leading receiver last season Cortrelle Simpson. Corterris said he’s looking forward to everyone giving everything they have this season. “Everybody just put in that effort,” he said.“Givemeeverythingtheygot.Come together as a team. On fourth down, just go, don’t stop. We push each other.”
Coach’s comments: “We’re moving to the 2A South, it’s going to take eight wins to make the playoffs. ... Defensively, we got a couple key pieces on the back end that should be able to help us faciliate the youth movement.” PRINCE J. GRIMES
Schedule Sept. 4 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 vs North Point, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 vs Patuxent, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 vs Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 vs La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Calvert, 7 p.m.
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Page 8 Football Preview September 2015
LEONARDTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Building upward
Leonardtown Head coach: Ron Weinberger (second season)
Raiders looking for more in 2015 campaign
Last year: 3-7, 2-4 (tied for fifth in 3A-4A Division with La Plata)
By TAMMY SHOWALTER
Key personnel losses: RB Tyrell Freeman (All-SMAC, All-County AOY), LB Justin Harmon (All-SMAC)
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Athletes to watch: RB/DB Shaquan Dyson (Sr., All-SMAC, All-County), CB/TE Hunter Klein (Sr., All-County), DT/OL Zeke MacPherson (Sr.), LB/OL Jamie Higginbotham (Sr.), LB/TE Zach Knell (Jr.)
Staff writer
1961583
The Leonardtown Raiders football team has doubled in size and numbers and that’s after coming off a 2014 season that saw it be named St. Mary’s County champions after defeating Chopticon and Great Mills. A new conditioning program was implemented and head coach Ron Weinberger said he had a record number of athletes come out and buy into the program. New volunteer coaches came out and are supporting the program and putting in quality time with the athletes. “The kids worked really hard in the offseason. We averaged 55 kids,” Weinberger said. “We were averaging just eight last year [in the weight room].” On the field, there’s the loss of star running back Tyrell Freeman, who set the school record with 1,887 rushing yards, which also was third in the state of Maryland for a regular season 10-game schedule for those yards, to graduation. So a new leader will need to step up and make his mark now on the Raiders program and turn things around from a 3-7 overall record last year. Senior running back and defensive back Shaquan Dyson said, with a smile, that his goal was to
Strengths: Weinberger said, “We’re getting there.” He sees his team’s overall speed has improved and the team’s average GPA of 3.1 should translate to the field as the players have a much better focus this year. A new offseason conditioning program was implemented this year with a team record in attendance. Staff photo by REID SILVERMAN
Raiders head coach Ron Weinberger talks to his players following a recent practice.
break Freeman’s record. Dyson, an All-SMAC and All-County athlete a season ago, led the state in interceptions with seven last year. “I want to break that record, too,” Dyson said of the interception record. “I’m trying to get over 2,000 for rushing yards this year. Coach [Weinberger] had us running a lot and getting us prepared for the season basically this summer. I feel prepared. We’re pretty young and basically building. We’re hoping to get better and better.” Defensive back Zeke MacPherson, a four-year varsity player, said he’s looking to end his senior year with a winning season and get back to where the team was two years ago when Leonardtown finished 8-2 overall and second in the 3A-4A Division.
“We’ve been working out in the weight room a lot this year, a lot of guys have,” MacPherson said. “We have a lot of young guys, not too many seniors, but everyone’s out here working hard. Hoping a lot of juniors step up this year and fill some roles.” Senior cornerback and tight end Hunter Klein, a three-year varsity starter, made a name for himself late last season and looks for more this season. “I feel like I’m going to have more opportunities to make big plays for my team this year,” Klein said. “I’m starting the season at corner, and I’m having a lot more practice there. I think I still need to work on the open field tackles. By midseason, I feel like we’ll be doing well. We have the potential to have a good season.”
Weaknesses: Overall, it’s a young team with many who will gain experience as the season progresses. Coach’s comments: “The team is much focused and together as a group which will help us to be a better team. The first game of the season against Lackey will help provide us where we fit in the overall conference measurement.” TAMMY SHOWALTER
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Lackey, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Thomas Stone, 6 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. Northern, 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at Calvert, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at North Point, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Huntingtown, 6 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Chopticon, 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m.
September 2015 Football Preview Page 9
MCDONOUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Smaller squad on tap Rams seek Class 1A crown in 2015 season
n
By TED BLACK
Staff writer
Before gathering his teammates around him in an oval that covered virtually one-half of the practice field recently, McDonough senior tight end and middle linebacker Jordon Holmes and the remaining Rams all ran final sprints with a purpose. McDonough is the lone Class 1A school in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference and it is seeking to get to its ultimate destination at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the state finals, through the 1A North Region while the remainder of its Southern Maryland Athletic Conference foes will contest southern regions. When he sent the players on their last sprints, McDonough third-year head coach Ryan Gick reminded them that there are only going to be four state champions this year in Maryland, one in each classification, and the first step toward their potential title will begin Sept. 4 at Great Mills High School. Holmes and his fellow seniors quickly understood that the upcoming season was their last chance to attain one of the coveted four state crowns available. “These practices have been hard,” said Holmes, who would like to play college football next fall for Towson University. “Every day the coaches remind us that we have to stay focused. Our only thought now
Staff photo by TED BLACK
McDonough senior tight end Darren Burgess, left, and senior cornerback Noah Wiley, right, prepare for a play during a recent practice.
Schedule Sept. 4 at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at Calvert, 7 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. Patuxent, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Northern, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at La Plata, 6:30 p.m.
is on getting ready for Great Mills. I can’t wait. We’ve been conditioning all summer. Once we get the season started, all this hard work will pay off.” Fellow senior Lamir Hinton, who will see time on both sides of scrimmage at running back and outside linebacker, also is eager to get the 2015 slate under way.
McDonough Head coach: Ryan Gick (third season)
Hinton spent his first two seasons at Westlake then transferred to McDonough a year ago after the new boundaries were unveiled to account for the opening of St. Charles High School. Hinton has his first sights on Great Mills, but he also is eager to face Westlake, coincidentally the Rams’ homecoming opponent on Oct. 10. “There were a couple of us that came over to McDonough after they changed the school zones,” Hinton said. “We have a lot of respect for their coaches. But here we play a spread offense, whereas over there they usually run a Wing-T. It’s always exciting this time of year. We know that this is our last chance to win a state title. It all starts with Great Mills. We’ll be ready.” Hinton, who has yet to commit to a college next fall, admitted that on each side of the ball he has had an NFL player to emulate. On offense it is Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, while on defense it was former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Hinton said his personal goal this fall is to rush for 1,000 yards and perhaps lead the Rams to the state title. “This is my senior year, and I’m ready,” said Hinton, who plans to major in mechanical engineering in college. “This is our last chance to win a state title. We want to be one of the four teams that gets it done. Our coaches have really been pushing us hard in practice. The days have been hot and humid, but that’s OK. We know we’ll be ready for the season.”
Last year: 5-5, 2-4 (fifth in 1A-2A-3A Division) Athletes to watch: RB/SS Lamir Hinton (Sr.), MLB/TE Jordon Holmes (Sr., All-County), RB/CB Noah Wiley (Sr.), DE/TE Darren Burgess (Sr.), NG/DT Donte Edelen (Sr.), DT/G Warren Clements (Sr.), FS Dervonn Holton (Jr.), WR Demarco Davis (Jr.), RB/OLB Malik Brandon (Jr.) Key personnel losses: QB Derrick Butler (All-SMAC), WR Josh Teachey (All-SMAC, All-County), OL/DL Casey Phillips (All-SMAC, All-County), DL Mikhail McMillan, RB/DB Khalil Smith, DB/RB Tyus Garcia, OL/DL Mufu Taiwo (All-SMAC, All-County) Strengths: Despite losing a solid group of seniors on both sides of the ball, the Rams still have plenty of talent on the line and at various skill positions. Several of the seniors are now in their second season with the program after transferring from Lackey and Westlake prior to the 2014-15 school year. The Rams’ spread offense could produce ample yards and points in the fall. Weaknesses: As is often the case with any Class 1A school in a league with primarily 2A and 3A squads, the Rams will be one of the smaller squads in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference. Attrition and injuries could play a large role in the Rams’ ability to contend for the 1A North Region title this fall, especially in a conference that has region title contenders in other classifications. Coach’s comments: “We’re definitely going to have one of the smaller squads in our league, but I still think we will be competitive. From what I have seen in our practices and our scrimmages the guys have certainly put in the work. I thought most of them stayed in shape during the offseason. We had a lot of guys transfer in from different schools last season, but now they’re definitely used to playing with one another.” TED BLACK
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Page 10 Football Preview September 2015
NORTH POINT HIGH SCHOOL
Raising the bar
North Point Head coach: Tom Petre (second season) Last year: 9-2, 6-0 (3A-4A Division champion)
Transfers ready to impact Eagles in 2015
n
Athletes to watch: WR Devonte Young (Sr.), CB/RB Jesse Stauffer (Sr.), |OL/DL Malik Brown (Sr., All-SMAC, All-County), LB/DE Keisean Wilson (Jr.), WR Kelsey Nail (Sr.), K Christian Fisher (Sr.), DB Perrin Turner (Sr., All-County), RB/WR Warren McGee (Sr.), RB Andre Gathers (So.), QB Jemichael Jones (So.)
By AJ MASON
Staff writer
Their faces may be new to the North Point football roster, but that has not kept Devonte Young and Jesse Stauffer from becoming two of the more talked about Eagles players heading into the 2015 season. Young, a big-play wide receiver and transfer from Gwynn Park in Prince George’s County, verbally committed to Iowa over the summer, while Stauffer, a defensive back who transferred from St. Mary’s Ryken, verbaled to the University of Maine. And while the players played elsewhere last season, North Point head coach Tom Petre said the NCAA Division I recruits have already meshed perfectly with the team through offseason workouts and will make an immediate impact once the season commences Sept. 4 versus Thomas Stone. “Devonte and Jesse are two great kids. ... They didn’t act like they were big shots or above anybody,” Petre said. “They came in and knew they had to earn their way right through like everyone else. They bought in to the offseason and other guys on the team have accepted them in through their work ethic.” With a 6-foot, 190-pound frame and a 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range, Young will be a quick fit for North Point, coming off a junior campaign where he caught five touchdowns under Gwynn Park head coach Danny Hayes. After his family moved him out of Gwynn Park’s zone to Waldorf, Young said that he was excited to be with the North Point family.
Key personnel losses: QB Brandon Battle (All-SMAC, All-County), RB Christian Houston (All-SMAC, All-County), WR Cole Poncheri (All-County), LB Quinton Mayo (All-SMAC, All-County), WR Alex Hodge, WR Geordan Clark (All-County) Staff photo by GREG DOHLER
North Point’s Devonte Young, left, looks for running room after making a catch during a scrimmage against visiting Friendly High School on Aug. 21 in Waldorf.
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Calvert, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. Leonardtown, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Northern, 6:30 p.m.
“I want to be able to help the team out through the hard times and the easy times,” said Young, who will see time as a wide receiver, running back
and safety. “I didn’t even know I was going to North Point until like a month before my parents moved me out of [Prince George’s]. Just because I committed doesn’t mean I stop working. I believe that if we work hard we can make it to states this year.” Stauffer helped lead the Knights to a 7-2 overall record last season. In 2015, Stauffer, at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, will be a big part the Eagles secondary and the backfield. “As soon as I got here [to North Point] this summer and got my feet planted, the coaches really got my [highlight] tape out and helped me with the recruiting process,” said Stauffer, who also runs the 40-yard time in 4.5. “I love the atmosphere and the mentality of winning. I already knew most of the players on the team from elementary school. This team is already embracing me and I love it. I can’t wait until the season starts.”
Strengths: With several returning starters and key additions in Young and Stauffer, North Point has meshed well in the offseason and is hungry to advance to the Class 4A East Region playoffs where it had its season ended in the semifinals last season. Petre said that they have a tight-knit group that is eager to defend their division title and is very goal-oriented and also brings experience. Turner and Nail, both three-year players on varsity, will be key leaders on the team this season. Weaknesses: The Eagles have a lot of youth on the roster and have 10 sophomores who will see a lot of playing time on the varsity level. Coach’s comments: “We set the bar where we wanted it last year and we want to maintain that. It all starts with the offseason and the guys that we brought into the program have had a smooth transition.” AJ MASON
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September 2015 Football Preview Page 11
NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
Grinding it out
Northern Head coach: Darren DeMeio (third season) Last year: 4-6, 3-3 (fourth in 1A-2A-3A division)
Patriots are optimistic about the season ahead
n
Athletes to watch: QB Gunnar Christenson (Sr.), WR/LB DJ Dunlap (Sr., All-County), RB/DB Christion Holland (Sr.), WR/DB Quame Holland (Sr.), RB/DB Josh Kennerly (Sr.), TE/LB/K/P Bryce Rogers-Black (Sr., All-County), ATH/DB Colten King (Jr.), WR/DB Gabe Watkins (Jr.)
By ANDY STATES
Key personnel losses: RB/DB Mazzi Bunn (AllSMAC, All-County), QB/RB/DB Deshawn Freeland (All-County), OL Jacob Reese (All-SMAC, All-County), RB/DL Travon Riggs (All-SMAC, All-County)
Staff writer
If one went to a Northern football practice in the weeks leading up to the 2015 season, there likely would be a similar message emanating from those on the practice field: Young or not, the team is going to be better this year than last. “Our athleticism is better this year than last year,” senior Christion Holland said. “We have younger players, so they have a chance for varsity experience. When they’re seniors they can be better leaders than we were. It should be a good season for us.” Northern, which has gone a combined 9-11 overall in the two seasons Darren DeMeio has been head coach, figured to have no more than 10 seniors on the roster when the season opens against county rival Calvert on Sept. 4. The team looks to have roughly 35 juniors and a few sophomores sprinkled in the mix, as well. That lack of seniors could be problematic or it could be offering opportunity to players ready to receive it. The enthusiasm and work ethic is certainly there, according to senior Quame Holland. “I think the attitude and mentality is way better than last year,” he said. “We have a young group this year, but there’s definitely a lot more heart in this team than any Northern team in a while.”
Weaknesses: Northern lacks Friday night experience. The junior-heavy roster will enter the season with no more than 10 seniors, with a few sophomores mixed in with about 35 juniors.
Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL
Quame Holland holds for Bryce Rogers-Black during a recent Northern practice.
Last season, the Patriots opened the season with three straight losses. Northern was shut out twice in the campaign’s first three weeks and was outscored by a combined 115-6 in those losses to Huntingtown, North Point and Chopticon. All three made the playoffs. But the team showed some life as the season progressed, and reeled off a three-game winning streak before dropping the season finale 44-29 to eventual Class 2A South Region finalist Patuxent. But this is a new year filled with new hope. DeMeio has been impressed with the attitude and willingness to work his team has shown throughout the offseason. The Patriots also possess significantly more speed this year than in the recent
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past and could have an impressive stable of running backs that could wreak havoc on opposing defenses. “This group has learned the right mentality,” DeMeio said. “They’ve learned how to practice right and they’ve learned how to approach the game right to get better. That’s probably what we’re most excited about with this group.” Ultimately, the formula for success is simple according to senior Bryce Rogers-Black. “Just keep working hard, grinding, putting everything together, becoming one and being a team,” he said. “I believe we’re doing it and we’re all recognizing and realizing what we have to do in order to win. Everybody on this team wants to be winners and I believe that’s what we’ll be this year.”
ANDY STATES
Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Calvert, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Patuxent, 7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. La Plata, 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 vs. Chopticon, 7 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at North Point, 6:30 p.m.
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Coach’s comments: “This year we’re looking for how much grit our guys have. We have a young football team. It’s a young group we’re really happy to coach, really coachable. We’re looking to see how much grit we can have, how much toughness we can have. That will judge how well our season goes.”
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Page 12 Football Preview September 2015
PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL
Reaching for the sky
Patuxent Head coach: Steve Crounse (14th season, All-County COY)
Panthers hungry for success in 2015 season n
Last year: 8-4, 5-1 (second in 1A-2A-3A Division, Class 2A South Region runner-up) Athletes to watch: LB Mikey Donaldson (Sr.), ATH/DB Tyler Gross (Sr.), ATH/DB Greg Leonard (Sr., All-County), RB/DB Chris Long (Sr.), ATH/DB Jared Massengill (Sr., AllSMAC, All-County), LB Josh Murphy (Sr.), OL Tim Nickisch (Sr., All-SMAC, All-County), DL Vonnie Watkins (Jr., All-County)
By ANDY STATES Staff writer
Jared Massengill was a sophomore in 2013 when the Patuxent Panthers reached the Class 2A state final and ultimately finished as the state runner-up. He’s a senior now, and with that Massengill believes come distinct responsibilities. “It means to me that I want to carry our team,” he said. “More than SMAC champions or regionals, it’s all about states to me. It’s about being on top. Winning states, not just getting there.” The past number of seasons have seen Patuxent establish itself as a consistent winning program. The Panthers have been successful in making the playoffs year after year in one of the more difficult regions in the state, have reached regional finals and have that 2013 state finals appearance of which several current seniors took part. “We have kids who were part of a state finals appearance and part of a regional championship appearance,” Panthers head coach Steve Crounse said. “I think they want to keep the tradition going. The tradition is theirs now to carry on. It’s a little bit of a burden when it comes to playing football at Patuxent. They want to be a class that carries it on and gets back [to the state final]. Getting to the state final two years ago has been a burden. You always want to get back and get another shot at that game.” “It was a lovely experience,” senior Tyler Gross said. “I just want to get back there and play again, see what happens.”
Staff photo by ANDY STATES
Coming off successive years that ended in trips to the Class 2A state final and 2A South Region final, the Panthers are hoping to continue that winning tradition this season.
Schedule Sept. 4 at Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Northern, 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. La Plata, 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Calvert, 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Chopticon, 7 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Stone, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m.
The team does have some big shoes to fill, notably those of Tyler Crounse and Geoff Ricker. The former quarterbacked the Panthers to 21 wins the past two seasons, while the latter was
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Key personnel losses: RB Mike Caputo (All-SMAC, All-County), QB Tyler Crounse (All-SMAC, All-County AOY), Talmage Lewis (All-SMAC, All-County), LB Geoff Ricker (All-SMAC, All-County), DL John Smith-Holmes (All-SMAC, All-County)
Weaknesses: To start, Patuxent needs to find a way to replace quarterback Tyler Crounse, who was the Calvert County Athlete of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons and the All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Player as a junior. The Panthers have an impressive group of skill players, but they need to find a way to get them the ball. Patuxent is also lacking in varsity experience in spots on the offensive line. There is promise, but there could be some growing pains. Coach’s comments: “Overall, the kids have been working real hard. Our focus is pretty clear and I’m excited about what this team can do. It’s just going to be a matter of us finding what our niche is as a team
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the heart of the defense. But that just leaves opportunity, according to Massengill, who believes the pieces are in place for the team to continue to move forward without skipping a beat. “I think we’re being doubted this year a little bit,” he said. “We lost Geoff and Tyler, but we have quarterbacks to replace [Crounse] and I think the offense is helping them out. They’re getting [the ball] to the skill players and letting them do their thing. I think our defense is a lot better this year than last year.” A year ago, likely the biggest question mark Patuxent had entering the season was how its offensive line would hold up. Going through the summer this year, that unit, though relatively inexperienced, looked to be a possible strength. “We should have a good season,” Gross said. “Everyone is learning things fast. Sept. 4 we play Huntingtown, it should be a good game.”
Strengths: Crounse likes the Panthers’ overall team speed and has been impressed with the work ethic shown by the players. He believes the group is hungry to take a crack at improving on last year’s season, which ended in the 2A South Region championship game. Patuxent has a strong group of senior leaders, several of whom were contributing players on the 2013 team that reached the 2A state final.
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September 2015 Football Preview Page 13
ST. CHARLES HIGH SCHOOL
Becoming a family
St. Charles Head coach: Avery Williams (second season)
n
Last year: 0-10, 0-6 (seventh in 1A-2A-3A Division)
By PRINCE J. GRIMES
Athletes to watch: FB/DE Dylan Atwell (Sr.), ATH/WR/RB/DB/KR Nicholas Barnes (Sr.), DT/G Donte Edelen (Sr.), ATH/WR/DB/ KR Jeffrey Hughes Jr. (Jr.), RB/LB William Kwenkeu (Sr., All-SMAC), LB Josef Ross (Sr.)
Spartans get a full offseason to prepare for 2015 Staff writer
Key personnel losses: None
The recurring theme around St. Charles High School football practices these days is family. Last season, the brand-new team was a fusion of players from three different high schools, thrown into an obvious build-from-the-ground-up situation, destined for a losing season. But through that experience, the players became tighter. They rallied behind one another, learned to trust and play for the person next to them, realizing they were in it together. St. Charles finished the season 0-10 overall, but progress was made. “Overall, the team unity,” Spartans head coach Avery Williams spoke of where the most progress was made. “[Last year], they still considered themselves to be McDonough Rams, and La Plata [Warriors], and now they have actually bought into the idea that they’re a Spartan. That’s the biggest strength, they’ve come together as a family.” “It was weird [at first]. It was different. People from different schools that learned different things,” senior defensive tackle and offensive guard Donte Edelen said. “The main focus for the program is just family.” Edelen’s position on the offensive line is a perfect example of why gaining that unity was so important. Linemen need to work as one functioning body rather than five individuals. Without that chemistry, St. Charles struggled
Strengths: In the second year of their defensive scheme, players should finally have a firm grasp of the concepts and how to attack offenses. Weaknesses: The team is still looking for cohesiveness along the offensive line. It’s not a big unit, so working together will be important to cover up individual deficiencies.
Staff photo by PRINCE J. GRIMES
St. Charles High School running back William Kwenkeu taking a hand-off at practice.
to do much of anything offensively last season. The Spartans want to be able to establish their offense by running the ball, so Edelen said the offensive linemen have collectively taken it upon themselves to make sure guys like running back William Kwenkeu has holes to run through. “We definitely came together as a strong unit [this summer],” Kwenkeu said. “Last season, we really didn’t have an offseason. This year we have that chance,thatopportunity.Withthatbeing said, we’re becoming strong, together. We’re earning that Spartan pride. “You have to look at it like [family]. On that field, that’s the person that’s goingtofightforyou,who’sgoingtowork hard for you. You got to do the same for that person. That’s where you build that bond. That strong foundation.”
Asking coaches what they worked on during summer passing leagues and practices, chemistry was always one of the first things they mentioned. This year, the Spartans finally had a full offseason to gain that chemistry. They will also have some seniors this season for the first time, leveling the playing field a bit and bringing some leadership to the field. “We’ve been coming out everyday and getting what we needed to get done. We come out hungry and we finish hungry,” senior fullback Dylan Atwell said. “I feel like we’ve become a family. ... It definitely took that hard defeat of last year, but we worked through it. We’ve grown. We’ve helped each other through thick and thin.”
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Coach’s comments: “The most optimism comes from the fact that we had an offseason. Last year, when I got the job, basically in July, I had to try and throw everything together. So now, we have some coaches and players that have been working hard for the last eight months and that should give us our biggest gains.” PRINCE J. GRIMES
Schedule Sept. 4 vs Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 vs Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 vs North Point, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Northern, 7 p.m. Oct. 30 vs Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 vs Leonardtown, 6:30 p.m.
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Page 14 Football Preview September 2015
ST. MARY’S RYKEN HIGH SCHOOL
Beginning in the WCAC
St. Mary’s Ryken Head coach: Jerry Franks (fourth season, All-County COY)
Knights officially welcomed in as league member
Last year: 7-2 (Independent)
By TED BLACK
Key personnel losses: WR Kyle Goodard (All-County), QB Ryan Bowles, OL Boakum Vital (All-County), DL Casey Bernard (All-County), MLB/FB Alfonso Nazarro
After three seasons of playing an independent schedule that included several games against teams from the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, the St. Mary’s Ryken football team is going to play a full WCAC schedule this fall. Ryken, which went 7-2 overall last season and is 22-7 in three seasons under head coach Jerry Franks, a former coach at DeMatha, the defending WCAC champions, will open the slate with three nonconference games before traveling to Prince George’s County to face the Stags at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover. DeMatha defeated Ryken, 21-12, last fall in Franks’ first meeting against his former school since his final season there in 1982. One of his former Stags players, Dino Campbell, is an assistant coach at DeMatha. “It’s not a big deal for me, but it’s definitely big for the program,” said Franks, whose team opened the season Aug. 28 at Archbishop Spalding in Anne Arundel County. “I had been retired for a few years from the public schools and [Ryken] asked me to come here and coach. They said they wanted to be part of the WCAC within five years and we’re basically right on time.”
Strengths: Ryken will have three returning starters on the offensive line and the defensive line, so it will have plenty of size and experience in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Ryken is also solid at running back with Montgomery and Jackson and Jones.
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Athletes to watch: DB Jessiah Rojas (Sr.), CB/WR Justin Ford (Sr.), RB/CB Rashard Jackson (So.), RB/LB Devin Montgomery (Sr., All-County), RB/S Damien Jones (Sr.), LB/TE Andrew Rothstein (Sr.), C/DT Richard Lehman (Sr.), T/NT Matthew Hunt (Sr.)
Staff photo by REID SILVERMAN
St. Mary’s Ryken lineman Matthew Hunt pushes back a lineman during bag drills.
Franks has held a bevy of head coaching and assistant coaching positions since leaving DeMatha, including stints with Navy, the University of Connecticut and Northern, Calvert and Huntingtown high schools. Franks guided Calvert to the Class 3A state title in 2000 and led Huntingtown to an appearance in the state finals and two other berths in the state semifinals during his eight seasons with the Hurricanes. “I have always enjoyed coaching at various levels,” Franks said. “I’ve been with the high schools and even had the chance to coach at a couple of colleges. Everyone at Ryken is excited to play an entire WCAC schedule this year. It’s obviously a very good league with some of the best talent in the entire metropolitan area. My goal this year is to be able to put a competitive team on the field each week.”
Ryken will have a number of returning starters up front on both sides of the ball, including seniors Matthew Hunt (6-foot-3, 320), Richard Lehman (5-10, 225), Jarrett Moore (6-2, 260) and Myles Austin (5-10, 226). Hunt is an imposing presence on both sides of the ball as a tackle and nose tackle, while Lehman is the son of one of Franks’ former players at DeMatha. Ryken’s offensive line should be able to provide plenty of holes for a solid running back trio that includes seniors Devin Montgomery (5-10, 200) and Damian Jones (6-0, 185) and sophomore Rashard Jackson (5-11, 175). “We definitely graduated a number of key starters from last year,” Franks said. “But we have a very good group of returning players and now it’s up to them to take over the leadership role for the team.”
Weaknesses: Ryken does not boast one of the deeper rosters in the league, so attrition could prove a hindrance in the latter half of the season. Coach’s comments: “We’re going to have plenty of size up front on both sides of the ball, so I think we’ll do well this season. But our only focus right now is on getting ready for Spalding. They have a very good program up there and I have a lot of respect for their coaches.” TED BLACK
Schedule Aug. 28 at Archbishop Spalding Sept. 4 vs. Woodson (Va.), 7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Mount St. Joseph, 7 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. DeMatha at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, Landover, 7 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Gonzaga (D.C.), 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. John’s (D.C.), 3 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. O’Connell (Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at McNamara, 2 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Good Counsel, 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Carroll (D.C.), 2:30 p.m.
£ È£x £
Staff writer
September 2015 Football Preview Page 15
THOMAS STONE HIGH SCHOOL
A new challenge
Thomas Stone Head coach: Paul Friel (fourth season, All-SMAC COY, All-County COY)
Cougars look to have another strong season in 2015 n
Last year: 11-2, 6-0 (1A-2A-3A Division champion; Class 3A South Region champion) Athletes to watch: DB/WR/RB Taejon Gray (Sr.), DE/ LB/FB Hassan Marshall (Sr., All-County), DE/TE Kristopher Beynum (Sr., All-County), OL/DL David Henderson (Sr.)
By AJ MASON
Key personnel losses: QB/DB Trey Lee (All-SMAC MOP, All-County AOY), RB/DB Juwuan Briscoe (All-SMAC, All-County), OL Daryl Wills (All-SMAC, All-County), LB/OL Ryan Sharp (All-SMAC, All-County), RB/LB Chad Walker (All-SMAC, All-County), RB/DB Marquis Bundy (All-County), LB Greg Goralski (All-SMAC, All-County)
Staff writer
There is no denying that 2014 was a special year for Paul Friel and the Thomas Stone football program. The Cougars won the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference’s 1A-2A-3A Division crown and then the 3A South Region championship to earn the program’s first state semifinal appearance since 1999. Many key players from last year’s team graduated, but do not make the mistake of thinking that means that Stone is looking at the upcoming season as one of a rebuilding nature. “Well, the expectations are still high, the kids that are returning haven’teventhoughtoftakingastep back,” said Friel, entering his fourth season as the team’s head coach. “They keep talking about this year they want to make that next step to the state championship.” While optimistic about reaching that goal the Cougars are returning five starters and will have some holes to fill for the 2015 season. Major holes will be in the backfield with the graduation of quarterback Trey Lee, last season’s SMAC Most Outstanding Player and All-Charles County Athlete of the Year, now at Towson University, and running back Juwuan Briscoe, an All-SMAC and All-County first-team selection now at Geor-
Strengths: The Cougars, who had one of their best seasons in program history in 2014, return five players on the roster this season, including three on the defensive line.
Staff photo by GREG DOHLER
Hassan Marshall, left, fights off a blocker while tracking a play during practice.
gia. The Cougars also graduated linebacker Ryan Sharp, a leader from a very stingy defense. “The guys realize that they have to fill some big shoes, but they have been showing up in doing the work in the offseason and in practice,” Friel said. “We are not there yet, but they are doing what they need to do. We have a long way to go. We just have to keep plugging away.” Senior defensive end Kristopher Beynum, one of three returning starters on the defensive line got a taste of what it was like win a region title and play in the state semifinals. Beynum collected 72 tackles and had four sacks last season. “We want to go to a state championship. We have to learn from
our mistakes from last year in the [state] semifinals,” said Beynum, who will be in his third year on varsity. “But it will be a process. We have to build up to that. As one of the leaders on the defense I have to make sure that everyone works hard every day.” Junior Taejon Gray, a returning starterinthesecondaryandasawide receiver, is excited for the season to get started and is very optimistic. “We lost some seniors, but we just have to get players to step up and try to fill those shoes,” Gray said. “We have a long way to get there. Everyone just has to listen to what the coach says, execute and play football. Last year was a fun experience and we can’t take any days off.”
Weaknesses: Experience and adjusting to the playbook during the games will be a process in getting use to for some of the players. Making calls and checks on both sides of the ball through formations is something that the Cougars will have to improve on as the season goes along. Coach’s comments: “If we keep progressing at this pace, I absolutely think that we can make another strong run like we did that last year.” AJ MASON
Schedule Sept. 4 at North Point, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Chopticon, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at La Plata, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. Westlake, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Calvert, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Patuxent, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Huntingtown, 6:30 p.m.
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Page 16 Football Preview September 2015
WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
Seeking redemption Wolverines look to rebound from last year’s 4-6 season n
By TED BLACK
Staff writer
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On a day when the squad was sent from the practice field prematurely by a nearby thunderstorm, the senior members of the Westlake High School football team quickly gathered themselves inside the gymnasium and the adjacent weight room. Westlake suffered through a 4-6 season in 2014 and the returning starting seniors on this year’s squad vowed to dramatically change that. With the season opener at St. Charles at hand Sept. 4, the Wolverines’ seniors know this is their last chance to restore the lost luster of a program that captured the state title in 2008. “I know it was tough last year,” said senior Kevin McGill, who plays offense, defenseandspecialteamsandhasalready committed to NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan. “It has been a lot tougher this year. The practices are a lot more intense. We all want to put last year behind us and move forward. Having already committed was a big relief, but I still want to help this team get more wins.” Senior Joshua Goodman, who will play on the offensive and defensive lines this season, admitted the team has already set high goals. Like McGill, Goodman insisted the practices have had more intensity and more energy this season, and he and his fellow senior teammates all are under the impression the summer workouts will pay long-term benefits.
Staff photo by TED BLACK
Westlake linemen are set to begin a drill as fourth-year head coach Marlon Curtis prepares to blow the whistle.
Schedule Sept. 4 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Great Mills, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Huntingtown, 7 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. North Point, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Lackey, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Thomas Stone, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Calvert, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Patuxent, 6:30 p.m.
“The goals are very high this season,” Goodman said. “We want to win states. We’ve been working really hard all summer. The coaches have made sure the practices are really intense. This is my senior year, so this is my last chance to compete for a state title. I want to play in college, but right now my focus is on the first game and this season.” Senior Jalen Elliott, who will play wide receiver for the Wolverines this
fall, has already set aside personal goals for those that will benefit the team. Like his senior teammates, Elliott knows this is his last chance to help revive the Westlake program. “I don’t really have any personal goals,” Elliott said. “I just want to help my quarterback and help our offense score touchdowns. We have been working really hard in practices. The intensity has really increased. I think a lot of that is due to the coaches. We’ve also learned to trust each other more.” Senior Shaikh Carmichael, who will see time on both sides of the ball as a running back and a cornerback, also is well aware that the upcoming season is his last for the Wolverines. Like Goodman and Elliott, Carmichael also has yet to secure any college offers, so the 2015 slate is his last chance to impress potential coaches and scouts that he deserves a chance to play at the next level. “This summer the coaches really pushed us in practice,” Carmichael said. “They worked us harder. Things were a lot more intense right from the start. This is our last chance to win states. On offense, I just want to gain yards and score. On defense, I think any game when I can prevent any catches is good. I just want to give 100 percent on every play.” “These days are where it all starts,” said fourth-year head coach Marlon Curtis, a Thomas Stone High School graduate. “Even on days when the practices get cut short, we can’t just take the rest of the day off. We have to go in the gym and go in the weight room. Right now our only focus is getting ready for St. Charles. They’re new, but it’s a county game so I know they’ll be waiting for us, so we have to be ready for them.”
Westlake Head coach: Marlon Curtis (fourth season) Last year: 4-6, 3-3 (fourth in 3A-4A Division) Athletes to watch: QB Chad Palmer (Jr., All-SMAC), RB/LB Alex Opiyo (Jr.), RB/CB Cory Hodnett Jr. (Sr.), WR Jalen Elliott (Sr.), DE/OLB Diondre Greer (Jr.), DT/T Joshua Goodman (Sr.), WR/S Kevin McGill (Sr.) Key personnel losses: DE Malachi Washington (All-SMAC, All-County), OL/DT Richardo Cardoza, LB/RB Lamont Hill (All-SMAC, All-County), WR Semaj Kitchings, DE/TE Brian Smith (All-SMAC, All-County), LB Bryant Daniels, RB/LB Raheem Johnson Strengths: The Wolverines will have plenty of talent at the skill positions, led by McGill, who has already committed to NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan, Opiyo, Elliott and Hodnett. Goodman gives the Wolverines plenty of experience at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. Weaknesses: Many of the starters will have to play on both sides of the ball, which could prove difficult to counter against several of the bigger schools in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference and later in the season. Inexperience could also play a role in the Wolverines’ season with various key players lost to graduation in the spring. Coach’s comments: “We had the worst season in the history of the program last year, so in order to get back the respect of other teams in this league we’re going to have to earn it. I think this group of guys has worked very hard in the offseason, and they’re much more disciplined and focused than they were a year ago.” TED BLACK