football preview 090215

Football Preview September 2015

CALVERT HIGH SCHOOLCalvertHead coach: Rick Sneade (fifth season)

Last year: 3-7, 1-5 (sixth in1A-2A-3A Division)

Athletes to watch: RB/LB Levi Brickner(Jr., All-SMAC, All-County), QB JackLanham (Jr.), OL/DL Tavoy Maddox (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: OL TylerBerberian (All-County), LB JamesMathesius (All-SMAC, All-County),RB M.J. Wallace (All-SMAC, All-County)

Strengths: After years of suffering froma lack of depth, this year the Cavaliersfigure to enjoy significant depth up fronton both sides of the ball.

The team also boasts a deep stable ofrunning backs, and while it did graduateseveral key players from last year’s squad,there are capable players stepping intothose holes this season.

Weaknesses: Calvert has not been ableto get over the hump to establish itselfas a winning program in recent seasons.Making progress toward that end is thegoal this season. The Cavaliers will betested early, as the team opens withgames against county rivals Northernand Huntingtown the first two weeksbefore playing perennial playoff con-tender North Point in Week 3.

Coach’s comments: “I want to havea great time. Notmyself, personally, butI want thewhole program to enjoy themoment and have a great time.We’re ata place nowwhere the expectations areexactly where they need to be. They’re set. Itdoesn’t mean the kids are doing everythingright all the time. They need to be coached.We have to do a good job of that, but I justwant to have a good time and for these kidsto go out and enjoy themselves. Right now,we’re in a good placewith that.”

ANDY STATES

n Cavaliers excited atwhat lies ahead in 2015

By ANDY STATESStaff writer

Levi Brickner wants a new pet.Not for himself, mind you, but a

collective pet for the Calvert footballteam.

“A couple of the guys who playedfootball last year also played baseball.We had a pet turtle on varsity,” thejunior running back and linebackersaid. “We just want to bring a pet tofootball, maybe a hamster or a bunny.A little bird, maybe.”

“It can be our alter-ego of our wholeteam,”addedjuniorShamarGray,whoalso said he thought a lizard wouldwork. “They’re little. They’re not hardto take care of. We just need some-thing for game days. We can bring itout on a leash.”

Whether the Cavaliers gain an ani-mal or not, the numbers and excite-ment around the program have beenbuilding. Heading into this season, theCavaliers had the numbers to havea freshman team in addition to thejunior varsity squad, and also have avarsity roster that is comprised of onlyjuniors and seniors. In the past, Calverthas needed to bring up at least a hand-ful of sophomores to fill out the roster.

Add everything together and youhave a program that is excited to seewhat lies ahead.

“We had a lot of sophomores uplast year. We have a lot of returningguys 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

have a winning attitude. We’re all outhere just trying to get better each andevery day.”

“Ifeellikethisfootballteamhascomea long way considering years ago wedidn’t have the team leadership role,”added senior lineman Tavoy Maddox.“We just had a group of individuals. Wehave people here who actually care andwant to do things. All of our coacheshave been with us since freshman yearand they just grow with us and growwith the team. It’s a family.”

Last year’s performance also left somereason for optimism. Calvert went just 3-7overall,butfinishedtheseasonwitha37-19winoverChopticon,whichwasaClass3ASouth Region playoff team. The Cavalierslost just 28-20 in the season’s penultimateweek to Patuxent, which ended its seasoninthe2ASouthchampionshipgame.

“I think this year we’re finally at ourpeak,” Lanham said. “We’re all on thesame mission, have the same mindset.We have one goal — to win.”

Ready to move forward

Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL

Calvert quarterback Jack Lanham looks for a passing opportunity during a recent practice.

ScheduleSept. 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.

1962766

Whyare youpaying toomuch forauto insurance?Doyouhave teenagedrivers in thehouse?Wehave great rates foryoungdrivers.

LetFirst InsuranceGroupofMaryland, Inc. helpmake sureyouarepaying the lowest price foryour insuranceneeds.

Ourcompanies also offer:Multi-carDiscount up to 25%Paid inFullDiscount 7%DriverTrainingDiscount 5%AccidentFreeDiscountsSeniorDiscountsLife insuranceDiscountsAuto andHomeDiscount 15%GoodStudentDiscount up to 18%AlarmDiscount 2%OccupationalDiscountsAdvancedQuoteDiscountsAuto andRentersDiscountHybridDiscounts

FIRST INSURANCE GROUPOF MARYLAND, INC.

First Insurance Group of MD, Inc.

Call 301-843-9555 Today & Save!www.firstinsurancegroup.com

September 2015 Football Preview

CHOPTICON HIGH SCHOOL

n Braves bringingpride back againfor 2015 season

By TAMMY SHOWALTERStaff writer

The Chopticon Braves footballteam finished tied for second in the3A-4A division last year with Hunting-town at 4-2. The Braves were 7-4 over-all, falling in theClass 3A SouthRegionsemifinals.

For head coach Anthony Lisanti,there’s one game in particular fromthe 2014 season that he’d like to haveback: Oct. 17 versus North Point.

The49-35 loss to theeventual3A-4Adivision champion Eagles put an endto Chopticon’s 6-0 start.

“Wehad the chance to beat the big-gest 4A school,” Lisanti said. “Wewerethe biggest, baddest kid on the blockundefeated. We had them where wewanted them.

“We were 6-0 at that point in theseason. It was 28-27, and we justblocked their punt and we’re insidetheir 20 [-yard line] and we threw apick. We should have scooped andscored that blocked punt.”

The Braves will get an opportunitytoget thatwinbackwhen theyhost theEagles onOct. 9.

For this year’s squad, Lisanti said,“I’d like to see them be more aggres-sive. Sometimes we forget the physi-cality of football. It’s pretty easywhenyou’re sitting in the air condition-ing all summer. These kids need tounderstand we need to bang a littlebit.”

Lisanti also has brought more staff,a mixture of talented coaches from

Thomas Stone and Leonardtown aswell as a former player.

“I’ve got a good, strong staff,” Lisan-ti said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”

Senior outside linebacker and slotreceiver Riley McMullen was wearinga gold jersey in a recent practice.

“That jersey is given to the playerthatmost exemplifieswhat itmeans tobe a Brave,” Lisanti said. “He’s prob-ably the best leader we’ve got.”

McMullen, who said he’s ready tobring pride back again, participated inthe SMAC showcase that was held atWestlake over the summer, represent-ing the top 10 football players fromeach SouthernMarylandAthletic Con-ference team.

“My goals are to continue what westarted last year because in years past

we’vebeenslackingasa team,”McMul-len said, “but last year really brought itback together and made playoffs. I’mreally hoping to continue that.”

Teammateandsenior runningbackBrandon Blackwell couldn’t finish outthe 2014 season after getting injured inanOct. 10 game againstWestlake.

Blackwell, an All-County athlete,averaged eight yards a carry beforegetting injured.

“He’s back andworking his tail off.”Lisanti said of Blackwell.

Blackwell said it’s always been abrotherhood at Chopticon and,although many seniors graduated,others will step up.

“If we come together and play hardfor each other, we can be better thanwewere last year.”

Leadership is in place ChopticonHead coach:Anthony Lisanti (10th season)

Last year: 7-4, 4-2 (tied for secondin 3A-4A Division with Huntingtown)

Athletes to watch: RB BrandonBlackwell (Sr., All-County), LB JoshRackey (Sr., All-County)

Key personnel losses: QB DonovynJordan (All-SMAC, All-County), WR NickGray (All-SMAC, All-County), LB BradySnyder (All-SMAC, All-County), TE AnthonyLisanti, WR Alex Sanders, FS Tyler Mills (All-SMAC, All-County), OL Justin Aeschlimann

Strengths: Lisanti is happywith the offen-sive line and the experienced defense. Lisantiwants to seemore aggressive play from histeam and the experience from the campswill enable that aggressiveness to occur.

Weaknesses: The Braves passing gameis still developing. The quarterback posi-tion is very much up for grabs.

Coach’s comments: “At any scrim-mage, you want to find out where you’restrong and where you’re weak and comeout healthy. We will continue to growand compete every week.”

TAMMY SHOWALTER

ScheduleSept. 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. 30 at Leonardtown, 6 p.m.

Nov. 6 vs. Great Mills, 6 p.m.

Staff photo by TAMMY SHOWALTER

The Chopticon Braves are looking to make a statement this year as they now have movedto Class 4A. Eric Reese, under center, is competing for the quarterback position.

1961

590


GREAT MILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Great MillsHead coach: Tyrone Bell (fourth season)

Last year: 2-8, 0-6 (seventh in3A-4A Division)

Athletes to watch: LT/DL AnthonyWhigan (Sr.), RB/ST Tajon Whiten (So.),WR/DB Yann Zeba (Jr.)

Key personnel losses: DB Jacob Taylor(All-County), LB Kyle Dexter (All-SMAC),DE Aaron Ware (All-SMAC)

Strengths: TheHornets defensive frontshould keep the team in games, Bell said.The team is going back to the basics in hopesof achieving the program’s first winningseason since 1996. Five of its first six gamesat home.

Weaknesses: Bell said the passing gameneeds a lot of work. GreatMills got off toa 2-1 start in 2014, but September featurestwo games against playoff teams from aseason ago in Patuxent and Huntingtown.

Coach’s comments: “We will onlymove as fast as our football IQ allows us.We’ll do less and be more physical at it,that’s the goal.”

TAMMY SHOWALTER

ScheduleSept. 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.

n Hornets are turning acorner for 2015 season


TheHornets focusedonteambuild-ing skills over the summer, puttingtime in the weight room and discuss-ing current events through its newlyimplemented Phoenix mentoring pro-gram that’s headed by assistant coachand offensive coordinator DamonMcGill. The program was started mid-way through the 2014 season.

The summer attendance grew andso did the pride and determinationamong theGreatMills football players.The team is hoping to give its school areason to celebrate this season.

“We want more than two wins, yesma’am,” said junior cornerback andsafety YannZeba, and three-year start-er. “I want to have a winning seasonand go to the playoffs this year. That’sthemain goal.”

The last winning season for theHornets was 1996 when current headcoach Tyrone Bell played his junioryear for the team.

In now his fourth season as headcoach, Bell said, “This year we aregoingback tobasics.Wewill onlymoveas fast as our football IQ allows us.”

Bell said if it means doing less butwith more physicality and accuracy,then that’s what they’ll do.

“Our IQ isOK,butwedoneed somework,” Zeba added. “We’re putting inthe work.”

Senior linemanTimUrsery, a three-year starter, said his team is on its wayto playing a smarter game.

“We’re going to be smarter than we

were last year,” Ursery said, “becausewe’re about as smart as we were lastyear right now at this point. I feel a lotbetter about this season. Our offensiveline has been pretty much the samesince my sophomore year and nowwe’ve all grown up together.”

Ursery said being apart of themen-toring program gave the team insightsinto current events and taught themhow to bemen.

“It was cool. We learned a lot. Welearnedhow to tie a tie and little thingslike that, about growing up and beingan adult.” Ursery said.

Zeba said they were taught propermanners as well.

“We learned confidence building,”Zeba said. “Saying yesma’am, yes sir.”

Senior Ja’ronButlerwillnowbeplay-ing wide receiver, a new position forhim. He said he plays for his family, for

hismother Jackie Butler who suffered astroke, and for his father, RalphButler.

“The pride for me this year comesfrom putting the time in the weightroom; sweat, tears, bleeding andeveryone coming together as one,”Butler said. “It’s just a blessing beingout here with the team and bonding.This is the best you can get, just beinghere playing football.”

Ursery is impressed with how wellBell has grown the program.

“Four years ago, we couldn’t evenfield a junior varsity team because welost so many kids to grades,” Urserysaid, “and now we’ve gone from a 2.0GPA to last year only losing three kidsto grades. We’ve bumped up a pointon the cumulative. It’s things like that.It’s more important than going 0-10.

“We had to change the image andnowwe’re ready to start winning.”

Working on football IQ

Staff photo by REID SILVERMAN

Tajon Whiten, far right, nearly intercepts a pass during 7-on-7 drills at a recent practice.

ALL-IN-ONEALL-IN-ONEALL-IN-ONEALL-IN-ONEALL-IN-ONEOUTDOOR STOUTDOOR STOREOREOUTDOOR STOUTDOOR STOREOREOUTDOOR STORE 3256 LEONARDTOWN RD, WALDORF

301-645-0077

$5 OFFAny purchase

Over $15With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offers,sale items or Scout items.

Expires 9/26/15.

$10 OFFwork boots$50 Or more

With this coupon.Not valid with any other offers,

sale items or Scout items.Expires 9/26/15.

OFFICIAL BOY/GIRL SCOUT DEALER

1962655

1962764


HUNTINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL

n Hurricanes lookto continue traditionin 2015 season


Everything can change drasticallyfromoneyeartothenext inhighschoolathletics, but if you ask Huntingtownsenior Allen McKelton about the dif-ference between this year’s Hurricanessquad and last, he doesn’t think muchhas changed at all.

“I don’t think there’s really a differ-ence,” he said. “We might be a littlesmaller, but we’re a lot more physicalthis year. We’re ready to come outWeek 1 against Patuxent and do ourthing this year. A lot of kids are excited.We’ve been waiting for this day to starthitting each other. Sept. 4 we’ll showwhat we can do.”

Seemingly, not much has changedwith Huntingtown’s program throughtheyears.Theteamjustkeepsongoing.The Hurricanes have consistently beenamong the top teams in the SouthernMaryland Athletic Conference sincemaking their first playoff appearancein 2007. In addition to maintaining itsstatus as a conference power, Hun-tingtown has qualified for the playoffsin each season since that initial berth,a string of eight consecutive seasons.

The Hurricanes went 7-4 overalla year ago, continuing that streak ofplayoff appearances despite a slew ofkey injuries. Huntingtown’s seasoneventually ended in the Class 3A SouthRegion semifinals at Thomas Stone,which proceeded to advance to thestate semifinals.

Nothing has changed in regards tothe team’s expectations.

“I have high expectations,” seniorA.J. Demino said. “I think we’re goingto surprise a lot of people. I think ifwe come together as a team and buyinto this brotherhood, I don’t thinkanybody on our schedule can competewith us. Our defense is flying aroundfirst day already. We’ve been hittingpeople, getting real excited.”

“We’ve always been a tight-knitgroup,” senior Skyler Berry said.“We’re trying tobring thatback togeth-er again. We always are a brotherhood,always close-knit, have the chemistry.On the field we come together as one.”

Huntingtown opened last year withfour straight wins and logged threeconsecutive shutouts to open the sea-son. Eventually, with injuries catching

up to the team as it reached the meatof its schedule, the team lost regu-lar season contests with Chopticon,Patuxent and North Point, which allqualified for the postseason.

This year, the schedule allows notime for the Hurricanes to slowly worktheir way into the season, as countyrival Patuxent awaits in the openingweek.

As practice started this summer,Huntingtown senior Ethan McCombwas confident the team would beready when the bell eventually rings.

“Obviously it’s really exciting to getstarted again,” he said. “The team’slooking good. The defense is flyingaround, the offense is looking good.I’m just excited to get back out hereand especially excited for Patuxent inWeek 1.”

Nothing to see here HuntingtownHead coach:KevinGilligan (second season)

Last year: 7-4, 4-2 (tied for second in3A-4A Division with Chopticon)

Athletes to watch:WR/DB Skyler Berry(Sr.), WR/QB/LB AJ Demino (Sr., All-County),OL/DL Tyler Livingston (Sr.), OL/DL DejaunMarble (Sr.), WR/DE EthanMcComb(Sr., All-County), RB/DB Allen McKelton(Sr., All-County), OL/DL Mike Morrone(Sr., All-County), QB/WR/LB AndrewPawlowski (Jr.), OL/LB Nick Stahr (Jr.)

Key personnel losses: OL Josh Clagett(All-SMAC, All-County), LB BrianMcCourt(All-SMAC, All-County), QB Robbie Payne(All-SMAC), OL Tristan Ramberg (All-County)

Strengths: Huntingtown has five seniorswho have been starters on the team sincesophomore year.

Weaknesses: The Hurricanes lack expe-rience on the lines.

Coach’s comments:“Everyday theyhaveachoice, either theyaregoing togetbetter everypracticeor theyaregoing to takea stepback. Itis a simple choiceand it is theirs tomake.”

ANDY STATES

ScheduleSept. 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. 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.


Huntingtown runs a drill during a recent practice in preparation for the upcoming season.


LA PLATA HIGH SCHOOL

n Former NFL playerMilstead new headcoach of Warriors

By PRINCE J. GRIMESStaff writer

Sweat was dripping, faces were gri-macing and minds were focused at LaPlata High School’s football practiceone late August evening.

The team of yesteryear was barelynoticeabledespitemany faces returning.

New head coach Rod Milstead, aformer offensive guard who playednine years in the National FootballLeague, came to the team this springintent on building a new culture in hisfirst year, one where players do what-ever it takes to be great.

“Theseguys thoughtwhat theyweredoingwasgoodenough,and itwasn’t,”Milstead said. “Their window of com-parison was subjected just to SMAC,and I’m looking outside [at] the biggerpicture. I’m looking down the roadwith these guys trying to get scholar-ships and things like that. Then weneed to think outside the box and dowhat teams in Florida, teams in Texas,what they’re doing. Those teams thathave spring football, [like] California.”

Well traveled, Milstead knowsexactly what good enough looks like.Afterplaying football atDelawareStateUniversity,hewasdraftedby theNFL’sDallas Cowboys in the fifth round ofthe 1992 draft.

From 1992 to 1999,Milstead playedfor Dallas, Cleveland, San FranciscoandWashington. He was amember ofthe 49ers team that won Super BowlXXIX over the SanDiego Chargers.

Milstead last coached as an assis-tant atDelaware State. The year beforethat, he coached at North CarolinaCentral University. From 2000 to 2006,Milstead coached at his alma mater,LackeyHigh School.

His credentials have gone a longwaywith the current teamofWarriors.

“It makes us respect him a littlemore,” junior wide receiver Brett Pilk-erton said. Pilkerton will look to fillthe void left by his brother Jack, wholed the team with 630 yards receivinglast season. “I think [Milstead] playingin the NFL makes us realize that heknows what he’s talking about, andhe’s a good leader for this team to fol-low and set us in the right path.”

And because players believe Mil-stead when he tells them what it takesto be great, their practice habits arereflecting that belief.

Some guys are being pushed ashard as they’ve ever been pushed andwhat’s more is the fact that they aren’tcomplaining about it. In fact, the teamhas increasingly warmed up to thenew style of practice.

“It’s a [culture] shock,” senior widereceiver and defensive back Cole Bau-com said. “I’ve never worked as hardas I have. Even during the offseason,we didn’t do half the stuff we do now.No one really pushed us like this. Noone did it. He’s been shocking it.”

LaPlatahasn’t reached thepostsea-son since 1994, the same season SteveYoung led Milstead and the 49ers to aSuper Bowl.

“I want to make playoffs. Thatwould be awesome, especially senioryear,” said Austin Smith, who is mov-ing from defensive end tomiddle line-backer. “[The team culture] is defi-nitely a lotmore serious anda lotmorefocused. If you came to a practice lastyear, it’s a lotmore organized [now].”

“Milstead, with the experience hehas, it’s a lot different,” senior safetyKyle Wyant said. “What he brings tous, and the family atmosphere thathe brings. A lot more enthusiasm.It’s good.”

Changing the culture La PlataHead coach: Rod Milstead (first season)

Last year: 2-8, 2-4 (tied for fifth in3A-4A Division with Leonardtown)

Athletes to watch: DB/WR Cole Bau-com (Sr.), WR/CB Tavian Brake (Sr.), DTDarius 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 KyleWyant (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 thisteam will go a long way if and when thegoing gets tough in real-game scenarios.

They’re more prepared and mentallyequipped to handle anything thrown theirway. The Warriors will be fundamentallyand technically sound.

Weaknesses: As a first-time headcoach, Milstead is learning as he’s going.Situations may arise that he can ulti-mately handle but will be ill-prepared tomake adjustments until he knows whatto expect and when to expect it, on andoff of the field.

On the field, the team lacks top-endspeed.

Coach’s comments: “What I’ve done isassembled a group of coaches that sharethe same mindset that I do, in terms ofbuilding the complete athlete. That’swhat we’re doing at La Plata, buildingthe complete athlete. Not just a footballplayer, but he has to be a good personon the field, off the field, in the classroomand in the community as well.”

PRINCE J. GRIMES

Staff photo by PRINCE J. GRIMES

La Plata first-year head coach Rod Milsteadconducts practice. The Warriors are look-ing for their first playoff appearance since1994, the same year Milstead and the SanFrancisco 49ers won a Super Bowl.

ScheduleSept. 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.


Nov. 6 vs McDonough, 6:30 p.m.

2975 Shasho PlaceOff Plaza Drive behind Walgreens

301-374-9474www.fostersgrille.com

Independently Owned & OperatedFOSTER’SGRILLE

Delivery provided by

HAPPY HOURSPECIALS

EVEREVERY DAY DAY!!!Y!!!EVEREVERY DAY DAY!!!Y!!!EVERY DAY!!!FROM4PM - 7 PM

Discounts On Wings & Beer

$$66.99.99$$66.99.99$6.99*LUNCHHOURS

11 AM - 2 PM

LUNCHSPECIALS

Authentic or Boneless

$23 for 25Wings$46 for 50Wings$69 for 75Wings$92 for 100Wings

BOXEDWINGSPECIALS

1963066

Fully Equipped Fitness Center

Limited Time Only!


LACKEY HIGH SCHOOL

n Chargers linemenare sophomores


There’sayouthmovementhappen-ing on the LackeyHigh School footballteam this season, but that won’t be anexcuse for taking a step back.

If the Chargers get it their way, noonewill even notice.

While expecting to start sopho-mores at all five spots along the offen-sive line, and every position on thedefensive line, Lackey is aiming to bebetter than its 7-3 teamwas a year ago.Head coach John Lush believes it maytake at least eight wins to make theplayoffs, a mark that would’ve gottenLackey into the postseason last year.

“We only have one returner onoffense,”Lushsaid. “It’s a youthmove-ment. It’s exciting, but to us, we’renot rebuilding. These kids, we’ve gota good system in place, when they’reyoung in the [JV] program, they’reexpected to come up, be able to play,and be able to win.”

The play of Lackey’s young play-ers in the trenches could have a hugeripple effect on the team in a positiveor negative way.

Under center, senior Jacob Fields isreplacing Dionte Myles as the startingquarterback. If the line is able to pro-tect Fields, he could thrive. Constantpressure on a new quarterback, how-ever, could causehim tobecomemoreuneasy as the season goes on.

The line also will have to block for anewrunningbackas1,200-yard rusherDeontez Fleet is now gone. Even withan experienced line, it would have

beenhard tomatchFleet’s level ofpro-duction, but a group of sophomoreswill nonetheless make the attempt toclear some lanes for Josh Bannisterand the other backs.

On the other side of the ball, thedefensive line alsowill have to play bigin order to open up room for talentedpass rushers like junior Nathan Proc-tor to get penetration.

“I’mmost excited about the young-er guys that’s come up from [JV],” saidProctor, one of the nation’s top line-backer prospects. “I feel like they gota lot to prove. They’ve proven them-selves through thefirst scrimmage. I’mlooking forward to seeing what theycan do this summer. They have a lot ofheart. They don’t have quit in them.”

The disposition of people aroundLackey echoes what Proctor said. Newplayers stepping in are expected to

play well and keep the ball rolling forLackey, which will be playing in theClass 2A South Region for the firsttime, with 2A state champion Fred-erick Douglass High School of PrinceGeorge’s County.

“We got to work on the chemistrya little bit, but everything’s comingtogether,” Fields said. “We did [losea lot], but fortunately, we have a fewkids who have really, really good skills— receivers.”

One of those receiving threats isCorterris Simpson, the younger broth-er of Lackey’s leading receiver last sea-son Cortrelle Simpson. Corterris saidhe’s looking forward to everyone giv-ing everything they have this season.

“Everybody just put in that effort,” hesaid.“Givemeeverythingtheygot.Cometogether as a team.On fourthdown, justgo,don’t stop.Wepusheachother.”

Youth movement going on LackeyHead coach: John Lush (fifth season)

Last year: 7-3, 4-2 (second in1A-2A-3A Division)

Athletes to watch: CB Jaquan Ball (Sr.),OLB Nathan Proctor (Jr.), WR CorterrisSimpson (Sr.), OLB/SS Richard White (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: WR CortrelleSimpson (All-SMAC, All-County), RBDeontez Fleet (All-SMAC, All-County),QB Dionte Myles (All-SMAC)

Strengths: Defensively, Lackey returnsfour starters with the most experiencebeing in the secondary.

Weaknesses: Starting all sophomoresalong the offensive and defensive linesmeans this team will be solid up front foryears to come, but mistakes aren’t out ofthe question this season.

Coach’s comments: “We’re movingto the 2A South, it’s going to take eightwins to make the playoffs. ... Defensively,we got a couple key pieces on the backend that should be able to help us facili-ate the youth movement.”

PRINCE J. GRIMES

Staff photo by GREG DOHLER

Linebacker Nathan Proctor, left, participates in a punt coverage drill during a recent practice.

ScheduleSept. 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.


LEONARDTOWN HIGH SCHOOLLeonardtownHead coach: Ron Weinberger (second season)

Last year: 3-7, 2-4 (tied for fifth in 3A-4A Divisionwith La Plata)

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.)

Key personnel losses: RB Tyrell Freeman(All-SMAC, All-County AOY), LB Justin Harmon(All-SMAC)

Strengths: Weinberger said, “We’re getting there.”He sees his team’s overall speed has improved andthe team’s average GPA of 3.1 should translate to thefield as the players have a much better focus this year.

A new offseason conditioning program was imple-mented this year with a team record in attendance.

Weaknesses: Overall, it’s a young team with manywho will gain experience as the season progresses.

Coach’s comments: “The team is much focusedand together as a group which will help us to be abetter team. The first game of the season againstLackey will help provide us where we fit in the overallconference measurement.”

TAMMY SHOWALTER

ScheduleSept. 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.



Nov. 6 at St. Charles, 6:30 p.m.

n Raiders lookingfor more in2015 campaign


The Leonardtown Raiders foot-ball team has doubled in size andnumbers and that’s after comingoff a 2014 season that saw it benamed St. Mary’s County champi-ons after defeating Chopticon andGreatMills.

A new conditioning programwas implemented and head coachRon Weinberger said he had arecord number of athletes comeoutandbuy into theprogram.Newvolunteer coaches came out andare supporting the program andputting in quality time with theathletes.

“The kids worked really hardin the offseason. We averaged 55kids,” Weinberger said. “We wereaveraging just eight last year [in theweight room].”

On the field, there’s the lossof star running back Tyrell Free-man, who set the school recordwith 1,887 rushing yards, whichalso was third in the state of Mary-land for a regular season 10-gameschedule for those yards, to gradu-ation. So a new leader will need tostep up and make his mark nowon the Raiders program and turnthings around from a 3-7 overallrecord last year.

Senior running back and defen-sive back Shaquan Dyson said,with a smile, that his goal was to

breakFreeman’s record.Dyson, anAll-SMAC and All-County athlete aseason ago, led the state in inter-ceptions with seven last year.

“I want to break that record,too,” Dyson said of the intercep-tion record. “I’m trying to get over2,000 for rushing yards this year.Coach [Weinberger] had us run-ning a lot and getting us preparedfor the season basically this sum-mer. I feel prepared. We’re pret-ty young and basically building.We’re hoping to get better andbetter.”

Defensive back Zeke MacPher-son, a four-year varsity player, saidhe’s looking to end his senior yearwith a winning season and getback to where the team was twoyears ago when Leonardtown fin-ished 8-2 overall and second in the3A-4ADivision.

“We’ve been working out in theweight room a lot this year, a lot ofguys have,” MacPherson said. “Wehave a lot of young guys, not toomany seniors, but everyone’s outhere working hard. Hoping a lotof juniors step up this year and fillsome roles.”

Senior cornerbackand tight endHunter Klein, a three-year varsitystarter, made a name for himselflate last season and looks for morethis season.

“I feel like I’m going to havemore opportunities to make bigplays for my team this year,” Kleinsaid. “I’m starting the season atcorner, and I’m having a lot morepractice there. I think I still need towork on the open field tackles. Bymidseason, I feel likewe’ll bedoingwell. We have the potential to havea good season.”

Building upward


Raiders head coach Ron Weinberger talks to his players following a recent practice.

1961

583

Residential&Commercial Repairs• Maintenance • Air Conditioning • Heat Pumps • Duct Work• Gas & Wood Fireplaces, Inserts & Logs • Gas & Oil Furnaces

-”Rated Tops In Price & Service For Over 35 Years”

Sales • Service • Installation For A Free Estimate on NewEquipment Installation

CALLCALLTODAY!TODAY!

Dick’sDick’sDick’sAir Conditioning & Heating

1898965www.dickshvac.com

SAVE UP TO$250OFF

New CompleteHeating&CoolingSystem

Valid through 10/31/15. Not Valid With Any Other Offer.Dick’s Air Conditioning & Heating

$69 Fall Pre-SeasonMaintenance

Valid through 10/31/15. Not Valid With Any Other Offer.Dick’s Air Conditioning & Heating

1962763

301-248-6000 301-645-9380HVAC#2603 • wssc#20132


MCDONOUGH HIGH SCHOOL

n Rams seek Class 1Acrown in 2015 season

By TED BLACKStaff writer

Before gathering his teammatesaround him in an oval that coveredvirtually one-half of the practicefield recently, McDonough seniortight end and middle linebackerJordon Holmes and the remainingRams all ran final sprints with apurpose.

McDonough is the lone Class 1Aschool in the Southern MarylandAthletic Conference and it is seek-ing to get to its ultimate destinationat M&T Bank Stadium, home of thestate finals, through the 1A NorthRegion while the remainder of itsSouthern Maryland Athletic Con-ference foes will contest southernregions.

Whenhe sent theplayerson theirlast sprints, McDonough third-yearhead coach Ryan Gick remindedthem that there are only going tobe four state champions this yearin Maryland, one in each classifica-tion, and the first step toward theirpotential title will begin Sept. 4 atGreatMills High School.

Holmes and his fellow seniorsquicklyunderstood that theupcom-ing season was their last chance toattain one of the coveted four statecrowns available.

“These practices have beenhard,” said Holmes, who would liketo play college football next fall forTowson University. “Every day thecoaches remind us that we have tostay focused. Our only thought now

is on getting ready for Great Mills. Ican’t wait. We’ve been conditioningall summer. Once we get the seasonstarted, all this hard work will payoff.”

Fellow senior LamirHinton, whowill see time on both sides of scrim-mage at running back and outsidelinebacker, also is eager to get the2015 slate under way.

Hinton spent his first two sea-sons at Westlake then transferredto McDonough a year ago afterthe new boundaries were unveiledto account for the opening of St.Charles High School.

Hinton has his first sights onGreat Mills, but he also is eager toface Westlake, coincidentally theRams’ homecoming opponent onOct. 10.

“There were a couple of us thatcameover toMcDonoughafter theychanged the school zones,” Hin-ton said. “We have a lot of respectfor their coaches. But here we playa spread offense, whereas overthere they usually run a Wing-T.It’s always exciting this time of year.We know that this is our last chanceto win a state title. It all starts withGreatMills. We’ll be ready.”

Hinton,whohasyet tocommit toa college next fall, admitted that oneach side of the ball he has had anNFLplayer to emulate. Onoffense itis Pittsburgh Steelers running backLe’Veon Bell, while on defense itwas former Ravens linebacker RayLewis.

Hinton saidhis personal goal thisfall is to rush for 1,000 yards andperhaps lead the Rams to the statetitle.

“This is my senior year, and I’mready,” said Hinton, who plans tomajor in mechanical engineering incollege. “This is our last chance towin a state title. We want to be oneof the four teams that gets it done.Our coaches have really been push-ing us hard in practice. The dayshavebeenhot andhumid, but that’sOK. We know we’ll be ready for theseason.”

Smaller squad on tap McDonoughHead coach: Ryan Gick (third 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/CBNoah 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 KhalilSmith, DB/RB Tyus Garcia, OL/DL Mufu Taiwo(All-SMAC, All-County)

Strengths: Despite losing a solid group ofseniors on both sides of the ball, the Rams stillhave plenty of talent on the line and at variousskill positions. Several of the seniors are nowin their second season with the program aftertransferring from Lackey and Westlake prior to the2014-15 school year.

The Rams’ spread offense could produce ampleyards and points in the fall.

Weaknesses: As is often the case with anyClass 1A school in a league with primarily 2Aand 3A squads, the Rams will be one of thesmaller squads in the Southern Maryland Ath-letic Conference.

Attrition and injuries could play a large role in theRams’ ability to contend for the 1A North Regiontitle this fall, especially in a conference that hasregion title contenders in other classifications.

Coach’s comments: “We’re definitely goingto have one of the smaller squads in our league,but I still think we will be competitive. From whatI have seen in our practices and our scrimmagesthe guys have certainly put in the work. I thoughtmost of them stayed in shape during the offsea-son. We had a lot of guys transfer in from differ-ent schools last season, but now they’re definitelyused to playing with one another.”

TED BLACK

Staff photo by TED BLACK

McDonough senior tight end Darren Bur-gess, left, and senior cornerback NoahWiley, right, prepare for a play during arecent practice.

ScheduleSept. 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. 30 vs. Northern, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 at La Plata, 6:30 p.m.

1962808

TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER: Online at vocellipizza.com or call your local Express Catering expert!

PizzaVocelli Roll TrayOven-Roasted Wings TrayChicken Tenders TrayBreadsticks Tray

Dessert TrayBeveragesHouse Baked Sub TrayCatering SaladPasta

on your2015 Season!

Best of Luck


NORTH POINT HIGH SCHOOLNorth PointHead coach: Tom Petre (second season)

Last year: 9-2, 6-0 (3A-4A Divisionchampion)

Athletes to watch: WR DevonteYoung (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 AndreGathers (So.), QB Jemichael Jones (So.)

Key personnel losses: QBBrandon 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)

Strengths: With several returningstarters and key additions in Young andStauffer, North Point has meshed well inthe offseason and is hungry to advance tothe Class 4A East Region playoffs whereit had its season ended in the semifinalslast season.

Petre said that they have a tight-knitgroup that is eager to defend their divi-sion title and is very goal-oriented andalso brings experience. Turner and Nail,both three-year players on varsity, will bekey leaders on the team this season.

Weaknesses: The Eagles have a lot ofyouth on the roster and have 10 sopho-mores who will see a lot of playing timeon the varsity level.

Coach’s comments: “We set the barwhere we wanted it last year and wewant to maintain that. It all starts withthe offseason and the guys that webrought into the program have had asmooth transition.”

AJ MASON

n Transfers ready toimpact Eagles in 2015

By AJ MASONStaff writer

Their facesmaybenewto theNorthPoint football roster, but that has notkeptDevonte Young and Jesse Staufferfrombecoming two of themore talkedabout Eagles players heading into the2015 season. Young, a big-play widereceiver and transfer fromGwynnParkin Prince George’s County, verballycommitted to Iowa over the summer,while Stauffer, a defensive back whotransferred fromSt.Mary’s Ryken, ver-baled to theUniversity ofMaine.

And while the players played else-where last season, North Point headcoach Tom Petre said the NCAA Divi-sion I recruits have already meshedperfectlywith the team throughoffsea-son workouts and will make an imme-diate impact once the season com-mences Sept. 4 versus Thomas Stone.

“DevonteandJessearetwogreatkids.... Theydidn’t act like theywerebig shotsor above anybody,” Petre said. “Theycame inandknew theyhad toearn theirway right through like everyone else.They bought in to the offseason andother guys on the team have acceptedthemin through theirworkethic.”

Witha6-foot, 190-pound frameanda 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range, Youngwill be aquickfit forNorthPoint, com-ing off a junior campaign where hecaught five touchdowns under GwynnPark head coachDannyHayes.

After his family moved him out ofGwynn Park’s zone to Waldorf, Youngsaid that he was excited to be with theNorth Point family.

“I want to be able to help the teamout through the hard times and theeasy times,” said Young, who will seetime as a wide receiver, running back

and safety. “I didn’t even know I wasgoing toNorth Point until like amonthbefore my parents moved me out of[Prince George’s]. Just because I com-mitted doesn’t mean I stop working.I believe that if we work hard we canmake it to states this year.”

Staufferhelped lead theKnights toa7-2 overall record last season. In 2015,Stauffer, at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds,will be a big part the Eagles secondaryand the backfield.

“AssoonasIgothere [toNorthPoint]this summer and got my feet planted,the coaches really got my [highlight]tapeoutandhelpedmewiththerecruit-ingprocess,”saidStauffer,whoalsorunsthe40-yard time in4.5. “I love theatmo-sphere and the mentality of winning.I already knew most of the players onthe team from elementary school. ThisteamisalreadyembracingmeandI loveit. I can’twait until the season starts.”

Raising the bar


North Point’s Devonte Young, left, looks for running room after making a catch during ascrimmage against visiting Friendly High School on Aug. 21 in Waldorf.

ScheduleSept. 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.

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Local, Affordable,Convenient

• Hassle Free Rental Process - in store or online• All of your rental payments can be applied toward purchase• Returns or exchanges on instruments available• Convenient repair and maintenance plan by our expert technicians

We are eager to help you and your child experience the best in music education

10735 Town Center Blvd. Suite 1(next to Dunkirk Hardware)

Dunkirk, MD 20754410.257.6616

or 301.855.4515medartgalleries.com

You can rent the instrument,but you own the memories.

RENTALPROGRAMSharing Music With Families Since

1952 $1999Covers your first 3 months

For a Flute, Clarinet,Trumpet,Trombone,Violin,Viola, Bell orDrum Kit. Otherinstruments available atgreat rates.(3 month minimum rental)

LIM

ITE

D-T

IME

•••R

AT

E••

•

•••••••••

Rent online at medartgalleries.com


NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL

NorthernHead coach: Darren DeMeio (third season)

Last year: 4-6, 3-3 (fourth in 1A-2A-3A division)

Athletes to watch:QBGunnar Christenson (Sr.),WR/LBDJDunlap (Sr., All-County), RB/DBChristionHol-land (Sr.),WR/DBQuameHolland (Sr.), RB/DB JoshKen-nerly (Sr.), TE/LB/K/P Bryce Rogers-Black (Sr., All-County),ATH/DBColten King (Jr.),WR/DBGabeWatkins (Jr.)

Key personnel losses: RB/DB Mazzi Bunn (All-SMAC, All-County), QB/RB/DB Deshawn Freeland(All-County), OL Jacob Reese (All-SMAC, All-Coun-ty), RB/DL Travon Riggs (All-SMAC, All-County)

Strengths: The attitude and enthusiasm this year’steam has displayed in the preseason had DeMeioimpressed.

Weaknesses:Northern lacks Friday night experience.The junior-heavy roster will enter the seasonwith nomore than 10 seniors, with a few sophomoresmixed inwith about 35 juniors.

Coach’s comments: “This year we’re looking forhowmuch grit our guys have. We have a youngfootball team. It’s a young group we’re really happyto coach, really coachable. We’re looking to see howmuch grit we can have, howmuch toughness we canhave. That will judge howwell our season goes.”

ANDY STATES

ScheduleSept. 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. 23 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at McDonough, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 at North Point, 6:30 p.m.

n Patriots areoptimistic aboutthe season ahead


If one went to a Northern foot-ball practice in the weeks leadingup to the 2015 season, there likelywould be a similar message ema-nating from those on the practicefield: Young or not, the team isgoing tobebetter this year than last.

“Our athleticism is better thisyear than last year,” senior Chris-tion Holland said. “We have young-er players, so they have a chancefor varsity experience.When they’reseniors they can be better leadersthan we were. It should be a goodseason for us.”

Northern, which has gone a com-bined 9-11 overall in the two sea-sons Darren DeMeio has been headcoach, figured to have no more than10seniorson the rosterwhen thesea-sonopensagainstcountyrivalCalverton Sept. 4. The team looks to haveroughly 35 juniors and a few sopho-mores sprinkled in themix, aswell.

That lack of seniors could beproblematic or it could be offer-ing opportunity to players ready toreceive it. Theenthusiasmandworkethic is certainly there, according tosenior QuameHolland.

“I think the attitude and men-tality is way better than last year,”he said. “We have a young groupthis year, but there’s definitely a lotmore heart in this team than anyNorthern team in awhile.”

Last season, the Patriots openedthe season with three straight loss-es. Northern was shut out twice inthe campaign’s first three weeksand was outscored by a combined115-6 in those losses to Hunting-town, North Point and Chopticon.All threemade the playoffs.

But the teamshowedsome life asthe season progressed, and reeledoff a three-game winning streakbefore dropping the season finale44-29 to eventual Class 2A SouthRegion finalist Patuxent.

But this is a new year filledwith new hope. DeMeio has beenimpressedwith the attitude andwill-ingness to work his team has shownthroughout the offseason. The Patri-ots also possess significantly morespeed this year than in the recent

past and could have an impressivestable of running backs that couldwreakhavoc onopposing defenses.

“This group has learned the rightmentality,” DeMeio said. “They’velearned how to practice right andthey’ve learned how to approachthe game right to get better. That’sprobably what we’re most excitedabout with this group.”

Ultimately, the formula for suc-cess is simple according to seniorBryce Rogers-Black.

“Just keepworking hard, grinding,putting everything together, becom-ing one and being a team,” he said.“I believe we’re doing it and we’reall recognizing and realizing what wehave todo inorder towin. Everybodyon this teamwants tobewinners andIbelievethat’swhatwe’llbethisyear.”

Grinding it out


Quame Holland holds for Bryce Rogers-Black during a recent Northern practice.

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Local, Affordable,Convenient

• Hassle Free Rental Process - in store or online• All of your rental payments can be applied toward purchase• Returns or exchanges on instruments available• Convenient repair and maintenance plan by our expert technicians

We are eager to help you and your child experience the best in music education

10735 Town Center Blvd. Suite 1(next to Dunkirk Hardware)

Dunkirk, MD 20754410.257.6616

or 301.855.4515medartgalleries.com

You can rent the instrument,but you own the memories.

RENTALPROGRAMSharing Music With Families Since

1952 $1999Covers your first 3 months

For a Flute, Clarinet,Trumpet,Trombone,Violin,Viola, Bell orDrum Kit. Otherinstruments available atgreat rates.(3 month minimum rental)

LIM

ITE

D-T

IME

•••R

AT

E••

•

•••••••••

Rent online at medartgalleries.com


PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL

PatuxentHead coach: Steve Crounse(14th season, All-County COY)

Last year: 8-4, 5-1 (second in 1A-2A-3ADivision, Class 2A South Region runner-up)

Athletes to watch: LBMikey Donaldson(Sr.), ATH/DB Tyler Gross (Sr.), ATH/DB GregLeonard (Sr., All-County), RB/DB Chris Long(Sr.), ATH/DB Jared Massengill (Sr., All-SMAC, All-County), LB Josh Murphy (Sr.),OL Tim Nickisch (Sr., All-SMAC, All-County),DL Vonnie Watkins (Jr., All-County)

Key personnel losses: RB Mike Caputo(All-SMAC, All-County), QB Tyler Crounse(All-SMAC, All-County AOY), TalmageLewis (All-SMAC, All-County), LB GeoffRicker (All-SMAC, All-County), DL JohnSmith-Holmes (All-SMAC, All-County)

Strengths: Crounse likes the Panthers’overall team speed and has been impressedwith the work ethic shown by the players.He believes the group is hungry to take acrack at improving on last year’s season,which ended in the 2A South Regionchampionship game. Patuxent has a stronggroup of senior leaders, several of whomwere contributing players on the 2013team that reached the 2A state final.

Weaknesses: To start, Patuxent needsto find away to replace quarterback TylerCrounse, whowas the Calvert County Ath-lete of the Year in both his junior and seniorseasons and the All-SouthernMarylandAthletic ConferenceMost Outstanding Playeras a junior. The Panthers have an impressivegroup of skill players, but they need to findaway to get them the ball. Patuxent is alsolacking in varsity experience in spots on theoffensive line. There is promise, but therecould be some growing pains.

Coach’s comments: “Overall, the kidshave been working real hard. Our focus ispretty clear and I’m excited about what thisteam can do. It’s just going to be a matterof us finding what our niche is as a team

n Panthers hungry forsuccess in 2015 season


Jared Massengill was a sophomorein 2013 when the Patuxent Panthersreached theClass 2Astatefinal andulti-mately finished as the state runner-up.

He’s a senior now, and with thatMassengill believes come distinctresponsibilities.

“It means tome that I want to carryour team,” he said. “More than SMACchampions or regionals, it’s all aboutstates to me. It’s about being on top.Winning states, not just getting there.”

The past number of seasons haveseen Patuxent establish itself as a con-sistentwinningprogram.ThePanthershave been successful in making theplayoffs year after year in one of themoredifficult regions in the state, havereached regional finals and have that2013 state finals appearance of whichseveral current seniors took part.

“We have kids who were part of astate finals appearance and part of aregional championship appearance,”Panthers head coach Steve Crounsesaid. “I think they want to keep thetradition going. The tradition is theirsnow to carry on. It’s a little bit of aburdenwhen it comes to playing foot-ball at Patuxent. They want to be aclass that carries it on and gets back[to the state final]. Getting to the statefinal two years ago has been a burden.You always want to get back and getanother shot at that game.”

“It was a lovely experience,” seniorTyler Gross said. “I just want to get backthereandplayagain,seewhathappens.”

The teamdoes have somebig shoesto fill, notably those of Tyler Crounseand Geoff Ricker. The former quar-terbacked the Panthers to 21 wins thepast two seasons, while the latter was

the heart of the defense. But that justleaves opportunity, according to Mas-sengill, who believes the pieces are inplace for the team to continue tomoveforwardwithout skipping a beat.

“I think we’re being doubted thisyear a little bit,” he said. “We lost Geoffand Tyler, but we have quarterbacks toreplace [Crounse]andI think theoffenseis helping themout. They’re getting [theball] to the skill players and letting themdo their thing. I think our defense is a lotbetter this year than last year.”

A year ago, likely the biggest ques-tion mark Patuxent had entering theseasonwas how its offensive linewouldhold up. Going through the summerthis year, that unit, though relativelyinexperienced, looked to be a possiblestrength.

“We should have a good season,”Gross said. “Everyone is learningthings fast. Sept. 4 we play Hunting-town, it should be a good game.”

Reaching for the sky

Staff photo by ANDY STATES

Coming off successive years that ended in trips to the Class 2A state final and 2A SouthRegion final, the Panthers are hoping to continue that winning tradition this season.

ScheduleSept. 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. 9 vs. Calvert, 7 p.m.



Oct. 30 vs. Stone, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Westlake, 6:30 p.m.


ST. CHARLES HIGH SCHOOLSt. CharlesHead coach:AveryWilliams (secondseason)

Last year: 0-10, 0-6 (seventhin 1A-2A-3A Division)

Athletes to watch: FB/DE Dylan Atwell(Sr.), ATH/WR/RB/DB/KRNicholas Barnes(Sr.), DT/G Donte Edelen (Sr.), ATH/WR/DB/KR Jeffrey Hughes Jr. (Jr.), RB/LBWilliamKwenkeu (Sr., All-SMAC), LB Josef Ross (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: None

Strengths: In thesecondyearof theirdefensivescheme,playersshould finallyhaveafirmgraspof theconceptsandhowtoattackoffenses.

Weaknesses: The team is still looking forcohesiveness along the offensive line. It’snot a big unit, so working together will beimportant to cover up individual deficiencies.

Coach’s comments: “The most opti-mism comes from the fact that we had anoffseason. Last year, when I got the job,basically in July, I had to try and throweverything together. So now, we havesome coaches and players that have beenworking hard for the last eight months andthat should give us our biggest gains.”

PRINCE J. GRIMES

ScheduleSept. 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. 15 at Huntingtown, 7 p.m.


Oct. 30 vs Great Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 vs Leonardtown, 6:30 p.m.

n Spartans get afull offseason toprepare for 2015


The recurring theme around St.Charles High School football practicesthese days is family.

Last season, the brand-new teamwas a fusion of players from three dif-ferent high schools, thrown into anobvious build-from-the-ground-upsituation, destined for a losing season.

But through that experience, theplayers became tighter. They ralliedbehind one another, learned to trustand play for the person next to them,realizing they were in it together.

St. Charles finished the season 0-10overall, but progress was made.

“Overall, the team unity,” Spartanshead coach Avery Williams spoke ofwhere the most progress was made.“[Last year], they still considered them-selves to be McDonough Rams, andLa Plata [Warriors], and now they haveactuallyboughtintotheideathatthey’rea Spartan. That’s the biggest strength,they’ve come together as a family.”

“It was weird [at first]. It was dif-ferent. People from different schoolsthat learned different things,” seniordefensive tackle and offensive guardDonte Edelen said. “The main focusfor the program is just family.”

Edelen’s position on the offensiveline isaperfect exampleofwhygainingthat unity was so important. Linemenneed to work as one functioning bodyrather than five individuals. Withoutthat chemistry, St. Charles struggled

to do much of anything offensivelylast season. The Spartans want to beable to establish their offense by run-ning the ball, so Edelen said the offen-sive linemen have collectively taken itupon themselves to make sure guyslike running back William Kwenkeuhas holes to run through.

“We definitely came together as astrong unit [this summer],” Kwenkeusaid. “Last season, we really didn’t havean offseason. This year we have thatchance,thatopportunity.Withthatbeingsaid, we’re becoming strong, together.We’reearning thatSpartanpride.

“You have to look at it like [fam-ily]. On that field, that’s the person that’sgoingtofightforyou,who’sgoingtoworkhard for you. You got to do the same forthat person. That’s where you build thatbond.That strong foundation.”

Asking coaches what they workedon during summer passing leaguesand practices, chemistry was alwaysone of the first things they men-tioned. This year, the Spartansfinally had a full offseason to gainthat chemistry. They will also havesome seniors this season for the firsttime, leveling the playing field a bitand bringing some leadership to thefield.

“We’ve been coming out everydayand getting what we needed to getdone. We come out hungry and wefinish hungry,” senior fullback DylanAtwell said. “I feel like we’ve becomea family. ... It definitely took that harddefeat of last year, but we workedthrough it. We’ve grown. We’vehelped each other through thick andthin.”

Becoming a family

Staff photo by PRINCE J. GRIMES

St. Charles High School running back William Kwenkeu taking a hand-off at practice.


ST. MARY’S RYKEN HIGH SCHOOL

St. Mary’s RykenHead coach: Jerry Franks (fourth season, All-County COY)

Last year: 7-2 (Independent)

Athletes towatch: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 Roth-stein (Sr.), C/DT Richard Lehman (Sr.), T/NT Matthew Hunt (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: WR Kyle Goodard (All-County),QB Ryan Bowles, OL Boakum Vital (All-County), DL CaseyBernard (All-County), MLB/FB Alfonso Nazarro

Strengths: Ryken will have three returning starters on theoffensive line and the defensive line, so it will have plentyof size and experience in the trenches on both sides of theball. Ryken is also solid at running back with Montgomeryand Jackson and Jones.

Weaknesses: Ryken does not boast one of the deeperrosters in the league, so attrition could prove a hindrancein the latter half of the season.

Coach’s comments: “We’re going to have plenty ofsize up front on both sides of the ball, so I think we’ll dowell this season. But our only focus right now is on get-ting ready for Spalding. They have a very good programup there and I have a lot of respect for their coaches.”

TED BLACK

ScheduleAug. 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 Sportsand 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.

n Knights officiallywelcomed in asleague member


After threeseasonsofplayinganindependent schedule that includ-ed several games against teamsfrom the Washington CatholicAthletic Conference, the St. Mary’sRyken football team is going toplay a fullWCAC schedule this fall.

Ryken, which went 7-2 over-all last season and is 22-7 inthree seasons under head coachJerry Franks, a former coach atDeMatha, the defending WCACchampions, will open the slatewith three nonconferencegames before traveling to PrinceGeorge’s County to face the Stagsat the Prince George’s Sports &Learning Complex in Landover.

DeMatha defeated Ryken,21-12, last fall in Franks’ firstmeeting against his former schoolsince his final season there in1982. One of his former Stagsplayers, Dino Campbell, is anassistant coach at DeMatha.

“It’s not a big deal for me, butit’s definitely big for the program,”said Franks, whose team openedthe season Aug. 28 at ArchbishopSpalding in Anne Arundel Coun-ty. “I had been retired for a fewyears from the public schools and[Ryken]askedmetocomehereandcoach. They said theywanted to bepart of the WCAC within five yearsandwe’rebasically righton time.”

Franks has held a bevy of headcoaching and assistant coachingpositions since leaving DeMatha,including stints with Navy, theUniversity of Connecticut andNorthern, Calvert and Hunting-town high schools. Franks guidedCalvert to the Class 3A state titlein 2000 and led Huntingtown toan appearance in the state finalsand two other berths in the statesemifinals during his eight sea-sons with theHurricanes.

“I have always enjoyed coach-ing at various levels,” Franks said.“I’ve been with the high schoolsand evenhad the chance to coachat a couple of colleges. Everyoneat Ryken is excited to play anentire WCAC schedule this year.It’s obviously a very good leaguewith some of the best talent inthe entire metropolitan area. Mygoal this year is to be able to puta competitive team on the fieldeachweek.”

Ryken will have a number ofreturning starters up front on bothsides of the ball, including seniorsMatthew Hunt (6-foot-3, 320),RichardLehman(5-10,225), JarrettMoore (6-2, 260) andMyles Austin(5-10, 226). Hunt is an imposingpresence on both sides of the ballas a tackle and nose tackle, whileLehmanis thesonofoneofFranks’former players atDeMatha.

Ryken’s offensive line shouldbe able to provide plenty ofholes for a solid running backtrio that includes seniors DevinMontgomery (5-10, 200) andDamian Jones (6-0, 185) andsophomore Rashard Jackson(5-11, 175).

“We definitely graduated anumber of key starters from lastyear,” Franks said. “But we havea very good group of returningplayers andnow it’s up to them totake over the leadership role forthe team.”

Beginning in the WCAC


St. Mary’s Ryken linemanMatthew Hunt pushes back a lineman during bag drills.

We Live Here,We Play Here,and We Work Here

1962809

Our staff of skilled tradesmen are renowned for qualityand professional workmanship. Most have been with ussince the founding of the company in 2004. We have anInterior and Exterior Division to help serve you better.

Many of our clients ask for them by name…We hope you will too!

Celebrating over 10 years in Business!

Thomas Stone CougarsThomas Stone CougarsBest of Luck to the Thomas Stone CougarsThomas Stone Cougars andThomas Stone Cougarsall SMAC football teams on a successful season!


THOMAS STONE HIGH SCHOOL

n Cougars look tohave another strongseason in 2015

By AJ MASONStaff writer

There is no denying that 2014was a special year for Paul Friel andtheThomasStone footballprogram.

The Cougars won the SouthernMaryland Athletic Conference’s1A-2A-3A Division crown andthen the 3A South Region cham-pionship to earn the program’sfirst state semifinal appearancesince 1999.Many key players fromlast year’s team graduated, but donot make the mistake of thinkingthatmeans that Stone is looking atthe upcoming season as one of arebuilding nature.

“Well, the expectations are stillhigh, the kids that are returninghaven’teventhoughtoftakingastepback,” said Friel, entering his fourthseason as the team’s head coach.“They keep talking about this yearthey want tomake that next step tothe state championship.”

While optimistic about reachingthat goal the Cougars are return-ing five starters andwill have someholes to fill for the 2015 season.

Major holes will be in the back-field with the graduation of quar-terback Trey Lee, last season’sSMAC Most Outstanding Playerand All-Charles County Athlete ofthe Year, now at TowsonUniversi-ty, and running back Juwuan Bris-coe, an All-SMAC and All-Countyfirst-team selection now at Geor-

gia. The Cougars also graduatedlinebacker Ryan Sharp, a leaderfrom a very stingy defense.

“The guys realize that theyhaveto fill some big shoes, but theyhave been showing up in doingthe work in the offseason and inpractice,” Friel said. “We are notthere yet, but they are doing whatthey need to do. We have a longway to go. We just have to keepplugging away.”

Senior defensive end KristopherBeynum, one of three returningstarters on the defensive line got atasteofwhat itwas likewina regiontitle andplay in thestate semifinals.Beynum collected 72 tackles andhad four sacks last season.

“Wewant to go to a state cham-pionship. We have to learn from

our mistakes from last year in the[state] semifinals,” said Beynum,who will be in his third year onvarsity. “But it will be a process.We have to build up to that. Asone of the leaders on the defenseI have to make sure that everyoneworks hard every day.”

Junior Taejon Gray, a returningstarterinthesecondaryandasawidereceiver, is excited for the season togetstartedandisveryoptimistic.

“We lost some seniors, but wejust have to get players to step upand try to fill those shoes,” Graysaid. “We have a long way to getthere. Everyone just has to listento what the coach says, executeand play football. Last year was afun experience and we can’t takeany days off.”

A new challenge Thomas StoneHead coach: Paul Friel (fourth season,All-SMAC COY, All-County COY)

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 KristopherBeynum (Sr., All-County), OL/DL David Henderson (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: QB/DB Trey Lee (All-SMACMOP, All-County AOY), RB/DB Juwuan Briscoe (All-SMAC,All-County), OL Daryl Wills (All-SMAC, All-County), LB/OLRyan Sharp (All-SMAC, All-County), RB/LB ChadWalker(All-SMAC, All-County), RB/DBMarquis Bundy (All-County),LB Greg Goralski (All-SMAC, All-County)

Strengths: The Cougars, who had one of their best sea-sons in program history in 2014, return five players on theroster this season, including three on the defensive line.

Weaknesses: Experience and adjusting to the playbookduring the games will be a process in getting use to forsome of the players. Making calls and checks on both sidesof the ball through formations is something that the Cou-gars will have to improve on as the season goes along.

Coach’s comments: “If we keep progressing at thispace, I absolutely think that we can make anotherstrong run like we did that last year.”

AJ MASON


Hassan Marshall, left, fights off a blocker while tracking a play during practice.

ScheduleSept. 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. 16 vs. Westlake, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Calvert, 6:30 p.m.


Nov. 6 vs. Huntingtown, 6:30 p.m.


WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

WestlakeHead coach:Marlon Curtis(fourth season)

Last year: 4-6, 3-3 (fourth in3A-4A Division)

Athletes to watch: QB Chad Palmer(Jr., All-SMAC), RB/LB Alex Opiyo (Jr.),RB/CB Cory Hodnett Jr. (Sr.), WR JalenElliott (Sr.), DE/OLB Diondre Greer (Jr.),DT/T Joshua Goodman (Sr.), WR/S KevinMcGill (Sr.)

Key personnel losses: DE MalachiWashington (All-SMAC, All-County),OL/DT Richardo Cardoza, LB/RB LamontHill (All-SMAC, All-County), WR SemajKitchings, DE/TE Brian Smith (All-SMAC,All-County), LB Bryant Daniels, RB/LBRaheem Johnson

Strengths: The Wolverines will haveplenty of talent at the skill positions, ledby McGill, who has already committed toNCAA Division I Eastern Michigan, Opiyo,Elliott and Hodnett. Goodman gives theWolverines plenty of experience at defen-sive tackle and offensive tackle.

Weaknesses:Many of the starters willhave to play on both sides of the ball,which could prove difficult to counteragainst several of the bigger schools inthe Southern Maryland Athletic Confer-ence and later in the season. Inexperiencecould also play a role in the Wolverines’season with various key players lost tograduation in the spring.

Coach’s comments: “We had the worstseason in the history of the program lastyear, so in order to get back the respect ofother teams in this league we’re going tohave to earn it. I think this group of guyshas worked very hard in the offseason,and they’re much more disciplined andfocused than they were a year ago.”

TED BLACK

n Wolverines lookto rebound fromlast year’s 4-6 season


On a day when the squad was sentfrom the practice field prematurelyby a nearby thunderstorm, the seniormembers of the Westlake High Schoolfootball team quickly gathered them-selves inside the gymnasium and theadjacent weight room.

Westlake suffered through a 4-6season in 2014 and the returning start-ing seniors on this year’s squad vowedto dramatically change that. With theseason opener at St. Charles at handSept. 4, the Wolverines’ seniors knowthis is their last chance to restore thelost luster of a program that capturedthe state title in 2008.

“I know it was tough last year,” saidsenior Kevin McGill, who plays offense,defenseandspecialteamsandhasalreadycommitted to NCAA Division I EasternMichigan. “It has been a lot tougher thisyear.Thepracticesarea lotmore intense.Weallwanttoput lastyearbehindusandmove forward. Having already commit-ted was a big relief, but I still want to helpthis teamgetmorewins.”

Senior Joshua Goodman, who willplay on the offensive and defensivelines this season, admitted the teamhas already set high goals. Like McGill,Goodman insisted the practices havehad more intensity and more ener-gy this season, and he and his fellowsenior teammates all are under theimpression the summer workouts willpay long-term benefits.

“Thegoalsareveryhigh this season,”Goodman said. “We want to win states.We’vebeenworkingreallyhardall sum-mer. The coaches have made sure thepractices are really intense. This is mysenior year, so this is my last chance tocompete forastate title. Iwant toplay incollege,but rightnowmyfocus isonthefirst game and this season.”

Senior Jalen Elliott, who will playwide receiver for the Wolverines this

fall, has already set aside personalgoals for those that will benefit theteam. Like his senior teammates,Elliott knows this is his last chance tohelp revive the Westlake program.

“I don’t really have any personalgoals,” Elliott said. “I just want to helpmy quarterback and help our offensescore touchdowns. We have beenworking really hard in practices. Theintensity has really increased. I think alot of that is due to the coaches. We’vealso learned to trust each other more.”

Senior Shaikh Carmichael, who willsee time on both sides of the ball as arunning back and a cornerback, also iswell aware that the upcoming season ishis last for the Wolverines. Like Good-man and Elliott, Carmichael also has yetto secure any college offers, so the 2015slate is his last chance to impress poten-tialcoachesandscoutsthathedeservesachance to play at the next level.

“This summer the coaches reallypushed us in practice,” Carmichaelsaid. “They worked us harder. Thingswere a lot more intense right from thestart. This is our last chance to winstates. On offense, I just want to gainyards and score. On defense, I thinkany game when I can prevent anycatches is good. I just want to give 100percent on every play.”

“These days are where it all starts,”said fourth-year head coach MarlonCurtis, a Thomas Stone High Schoolgraduate. “Even on days when thepractices get cut short, we can’t justtake the rest of the day off. We haveto go in the gym and go in the weightroom. Right now our only focus is get-ting ready for St. Charles. They’re new,but it’s a county game so I know they’llbe waiting for us, so we have to beready for them.”

Seeking redemption

Staff photo by TED BLACK

Westlake linemen are set to begin a drillas fourth-year head coach Marlon Curtisprepares to blow the whistle.

ScheduleSept. 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. 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.

1961

582

football preview 090215

Documents