Skip to the content

Cosh is heading to K-State

August 10, 2009 4:14 PM

By Mike Loveday

Arundel quarterback Billy Cosh verbally committed to Kansas State, where his father is the defensive coordinator.

Cosh, who confirmed the commitment to MDVarsity.com today, set eight public school state records last year while leading Arundel to the Class 4A state semifinals. He was a Consensus All-State pick after passing for 3,913 yards.

MD, football, Billy Cosh, Arundel, Kansas State

Read comments or leave a comment




Proposed showcase is out one match-up

April 29, 2009 6:00 AM

By Sheldon Shealer

The proposed Nick Lynch Kickoff Classic will be without one of its four planned marquee matchups as the Arundel vs. Old Mill contest is no longer on the schedule.

Event organizer Tony Kennedy confirmed to MDVarsity.com that the Anne Arundel County Board of Education informed him that Arundel and Old Mill will play its game as originally scheduled, and not be part of the showcase.

The proposed showcase was supposed to feature four contests played on Sept. 5 at Navy.

Kennedy said plans are going forward for a three-team event featuring Suitland vs. Wise, DeMatha vs. Riverdale Baptist and Gilman vs. Bear Creek (Colo.).

MD, Nick Lynch, football, Arundel, DeMatha, Gilman, Old Mill, Riverdale Baptist, Suitland, Wise

Read comments or leave a comment




Happy Valley gets a little happier

January 21, 2009 8:58 PM

By Mike Loveday

I just got off the phone with Good Counsel defensive line coach Kevin McFadden who informed me that defensive back Mike Wallace committed to Penn State about five minutes ago.

Wallace took an official visit to Happy Valley over the weekend and the Nittany Lions made the offer. 

Wallace held offers from New Mexico, Maine, Stony Brook, Towson, Army, Bryant, Stanford and Monmouth. 

Other recruiting news and notes

Old Mill junior Josh Furman received his first official offer. The University of Maryland offered the 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete.

It's been a busy week for Anne Arundel county. Arundel quarterback Billy Cosh received his first official offer last week. Kansas State offered the 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior set several state records last season - his first as a varsity starter.

Among the records he shattered are the most touchdowns in a season (56) and the most passing yards in a season with 3,909.

Mike Wallace, Good Counsel, Billy Cosh, Josh Furman, Old Mill, Arundel, Penn State

Read comments or leave a comment




Who would you vote for?

December 19, 2008 6:00 PM

Billy Cosh's numbers are simply too hard to overlook.

The talented junior from Arundel passed for state records 3,913 yards and 56 touchdowns in 13 games, leading his team to the state semifinals.

He figures to be the lock Consensus quarterback.

But if there was a No. 2 QB, which sometimes happens due to the voting, who would it be? 

In anticipation of the release of this week's All-State ballot (with the All-State teams named next week), we are sharing a preview of the players being considered for the Consensus All-State squad.

More than 25 media members will vote on the Big School and Small School All-State teams. From those first-team selections, the top 30 vote-getters are named to the Consensus All-State squad - the highest honor for Maryland high school football players.

Today, we unveil a list of quarterback who are in the running for Consensus All-State and we invite your feedback. This list is not all inclusive. In fact, there are more than 35 quarterback under consideration. We have narrowed the field to five - other than Cosh - for online purposes. Select one from the list below:

Tom Chroniger, DeMatha: Chroniger committed, then de-committed from Eastern Michiga, ealving him back on the market. He is the only quarterback in the state to top 1,000 yards both rushing and passing.

Raymond Cotton, Meade: The one-time Auburn commit topped 2,000 passing yards helping Meade rebound from a 1-9 season with a 4-6 showing in 2008.

Leon Kinnard, Loyola: Sure, Kinnard went down to injury late in the season, but before then he successfully guided the Dons to a perfect season. He is committed to Connecticut.

Jonathan Perry, Dunbar: In the state final, Perry did not look like himself until the game matter most - the final two minutes. He drove the Poets 91 yards in 114 seconds to pull out the win. He finished the season with 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Zack Splain, Sherwood: Certainly one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the state this past season. While guiding Sherwood to a 14-0 record, Splain passed for more than 1,800 yards and 35 touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions.

So who would you vote for? Or, is there another person you would consider? Leave your comments below and let us know who you think should make the All-state team.

MD, football, Billy Cosh, Tom Chroniger, Raymond Cotton, Zack Splain, Jonathan Perry, Leon Kinnard, DeMatha, Arundel, Meade, Loyola, Dunbar, Sherwood

Read comments or leave a comment




Linganore wins in a record-setting night

November 28, 2008 11:58 PM

By Mike Loveday
ESPNRISE.com

In a game where the offenses set seven state records, three public school records and a Class 4A record, it was Linganore's defense that came up big to help the Lancers defeat Arundel 59-34 in the Class 4A state semifinals.

Linganore's defense held Arundel to only six points in the second half after giving up 28 in the first and the Lancers' Pat Balderson shredded the Wildcats defense for 247 yards and five touchdowns.

"I've never been a part of something like that," Linganore head coach Rick Connor said. "I can only tell you that our kids persevered. We still don't know what happened."

What happened is the Linganore defense started to gain more pressure on Arundel quarterback Billy Cosh. In the first half, Cosh completed 24-of-36 passes for four touchdowns. In the second half, the Lancer defense held the junior to 15-of-28 and one touchdown.

"With the way we were rushing we started rushing outside and jumping on the ball," Connor said of his team's second half performance.

Pressure cooker: As the game progressed the Linganore defense gained more pressure on Cosh.

Kyle Stewart and Colby Weierbach both had sacks in the game while Austin Scates, Kevin Myers and Stewart all got in Cosh's face at the line of scrimmage and deflected passes. Michael Johnson, Zach Zwinak and Austin Matthews each had an interception in the game.

The best defense is a good offense: The 93 combined points sets a Class 4A state record for most points scored. The previous record was 88 points by Lake Clifton and North County in 1996.

Balderson and Zwinak combined to average 11.7 yards per carry on their way to 424 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Balderson ran for 247 and five touchdowns on 23 carries while Zwinak ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

Quiet leader: With all the records falling and the yards getting racked up in the game, junior Nick Marth quietly put together a solid night with 239 total yards.

Marth completed 7-of-12 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown and ran for 51 yards on nine carries.

Walking the walk: I happened to be standing next to Zwinak with four minutes left in the half and the game tied at 28. The junior running back turned to his teammates after the defense held Arundel to a three-and-out and said. "It's our time to score. We have to score.

On the next snap, Zwinak took the handoff 63 yards for a touchdown that gave Linganore a lead they would never relinquish, 35-28.

Record setters: Arundel's Billy Cosh and Alec Lemon set 11 records in the loss.

Cosh set seven state records and one public school record with his performance.

He increased his record total for most touchdowns in a season to 56. He set the state record for most passing yards in a season with 3,909. He broke Nick Elko's record for total offensive yardage in a season with 4,074. Cosh completed the most passes in a game with 39, breaking former North County quarterback Mike Pfisterer's record of 38. He set the record for most passes attempted in a game, breaking Pfisterer's record of 58. He surpassed former St. John's at Prospect Hall quarterback Keith Ricca for most passes attempted in a season (448). He passed Elko for most passes completed in a season (292). Cosh broke the public school record for most passing yards in a game with 471 yards.

Lemon tied one state record and two public school records.  He tied former teammate Brandon Johnson-Farrell's state record for most catches in a season with 103 and the public school record for most touchdown receptions in a season with 23. He also tied Johnson-Farrell for the public school record of most receptions in a career with 174*.

Up next: Linganore will travel to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore where they will face Sherwood in the Class 4A state final. The game will be start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 5.

*Denotes pending information about Marriott's Ridge receiver possibly breaking Johnon-Farrell's record for most career receptions earlier this year.

E-mail Mike at Michael.Loveday@espn.com

MD, Football, Linganore, Arundel, Billy Cosh, Alec Lemon, Pat Balderson, Zack Zwinak, Rick Connor, state records

Read comments or leave a comment




Cosh-Lemon: Record-setting night!

November 28, 2008 9:28 PM

Linganore won the Class 4A state semifinal 59-34 over Arundel, but the Wildcats quarterback-receiver combination of Billy Cosh and Alec Lemon are breaking every record in sight.

Unofficially, Lemon ended with 16 catches and Cosh passed more than 60 times for 496 yards. During the contest, Lemon matched both the single-season reception record (103) and  touchdown reception mark (23), records that were set last season by Lemon's teammate Brandon Johnson-Farrell.

After the official numbers are tallied, Cosh will hold the record for passing yards in a season (nearly 4,000), public school passing yards in a game (496), passes attempted in a game (60+), passes attempted in a season (440+), passes completed in a season (275+), touchdown passes in a season (56).

Linganore, Arundel, football, MD, Billy Cosh, Alec Lemon

Read comments or leave a comment




Sizing up the Class 4A semifinals

November 27, 2008 9:56 AM

By Sheldon Shealer

Class  4A

No. 3 Arundel (11-1) at No. 2 Linganore (12-0)

Game Details: Friday vs. Linganore at Oakdale High School, 7 p.m.

Playoff History: Arundel is 9-11 in 13 appearances with a state title in 1975. Linganore is 21-8 in 13 appearances with state titles in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2003.

Head-to-Head: The teams have not met in postseason play.

Key Players:

Arundel: QB Billy Cosh (Jr.), 253 of 364 with 3,438 yards and 51 TDs; WR Alec Lemon, 87 cathes for 1,339 yards, 21 TDs; WR R.J. Harris (Jr.), 67 catches for 973 yards, 17 TDs; LB Bobby Partilla (Jr.), 106 tackles; LB C.J. Rice, 87 tackles; LB Rob Gant, 79 tackles.

Linganore: RB Zach Zwinak (Jr.), 1,270 rushing yards, 17 TDs; RB Pat Balderson, 964 rushing yards, 11 TDs; WR Ryan Dixon (Jr.), 41 catches for 806 yards, 13 TDs; LB Canaan Metz, 71 tackles, six sacks; DL Kyle Stewart, 63 tackles.

Key Matchup:

Arundel QB Billy Cosh vs. Linganore DBs Cory Bishop and Ricky Conner.

Keys to Victory:

Arundel will complete passes - that's a given. With state record-setting quarterback Billy Cosh and receiver Alec Lemon, Arundel is one of the state's most prolific offenses. Linganore, also averaging more than 40 points a game, gets the job done with a combination of running and passing. expect a lot of points. The outcome may rest of Linganore's ability to play defense at Arundel's offensive pace. The Wildcats' hurry-up offense aims to get 15 possessions a game. Linganore needs to limit the catch-and-run plays. Arundel coach Chuck Markiewicz says Linganore's defense is a cross of severna Park and Broadneck - Severna Park's quickness, Broadneck's power. For Arundel, the outcomes rests with its ability to get the ball in the hands of Lemon, who has 2,216 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns.

Story Line: Arundel coach Chuck Markiewicz is known as one of the state's best offensive minds. Linganore coach Rick Conner is known for great defensive schemes that helped Urbana to four straight state ttiles in the late 1990s. ... Most of Linganore's key players are juniors, and a strong showing in this year's 4A state tournament could land the Lancers with the favorite label when it returns to Class 3A next season. ... Billy Cosh has shattered the public school passing records held by his predecessor Nick Elko, and he eyes the last private school single-season mark of passing yards in a season, which is held by St. john's at Prospect hall's Keith Ricca at 3,633.

No. 4 Wise (7-3) at No. 1 Sherwood (12-0)

Game Details: Friday at Sherwood, 7 p.m.

Playoff History: Wise is 2-0 in its first playoff appearance. Sherwood 22-11 in 14 appearances with state titles in 1995 and 1996. Sherwood has been the state runenr-up four times this decade.

Head-to-Head: The teams have not met in postseason play.

Key Players:

Wise: RB Anthony Wright, 1,654 rushing yards, 22 TDs; LB Deontre Johnson (Jr.), 80 tackles; OLB Lumbus Burrell, 69 tackles; SS Corey Barby, 66 tackles.

Sherwood: QB Zach Splain, 1,531 passing yards, 28 TDs; RB Dominique Davis, 1,180 rushing yards, 11 TDs; PK Andy Estrain (Jr.), six FGs, perfect on PATs; DB Phillip Durity (Jr.), 84 tackles; LB Steven Gamble, 80 tackles; DB/WR Chris Everett, 72 tackles; nine TD catches; OL/DL Andrew Midgette.

Key Matchup:

Sherwood OLs Andrew Midgette and Oliver Pettenati vs. Wise DL Joe Creek and OLB Lumbus Burrell.

Keys to Victory:

Wise needs to keep this a low-scoring affair in order to improves its chances of victory. The team's offense hinges on Anthony Wright, and he needs to deliver a big performance for the Pumas. Sherwood feels the key will be its line play - needing to push forward for four to five yards per carry to help set up the apssing attack. Wise coach DaLawn Parrish, the first former Consensus All-State player to coach a Maryland high school team to the state semifinals, said another key will be preventing Sherwood from short-field opportunities. "The reason i say that," Parrish said. "They kick field goals! We don't see that in our league."

Story Line: Wise is the surprise of the 4A state semifinals. The team lost to the "Big Three" of P.G. football during the regular season - Suitland, Flowers and Roosevelt. In Week 10, Wise defeated Oxon Hill just to qualify for postseason play, then took out undefeated and favored Eleanor Roosevelt in the region semifinals before ousting snake-bitten Flowers in the region final. [Flowers has been the region runner-up the four times it has qualified for postseason play.] ... Sherwood is coming off an emotional victory of Quince Orchard, the preseason 4A state favorite. If the Warriors are not focused on the Pumas this week, this P.G. County team could surprise yet another state-ranked opponent.

football, MD, MPSSAA, Sherwood, Wse, Linganore, Arundel, Billy Cosh, Alec Lemon, Zach Splain, Anthony Wright

Read comments or leave a comment




MdVarsity.com 2 Minute Drill--Semifinals Preview

November 25, 2008 9:08 PM

Mike Loveday, Sheldon Shealer, Maryland, state championships, Quince Orchard, Wise, Sherwood, Linganore, Severna Park, Arundel, High School Football, ESPN RISE, FAB 50 Football

Read comments or leave a comment




Cosh sets state TD record

November 15, 2008 1:00 AM

By Mike Loveday

Arundel's Bill Cosh threw five touchdown passes Friday in the Wildcats' 49-15 victory over North County, giving the junior standout a state-record 48 TD passes this season.

Cosh entered the game with 43 TDs, tied for the public school state record set last season by Nick Elko. Cosh's Friday outing moved him past Elko and also vaulted him past former St. John's at Prospect Hall's Keith Ricca, who had 46 touchdown passes in 2004.

"I was gaining more confidence as the year went on getting better and better every week. I felt like I could get it [the record]," Cosh said. "I'm really appreciative of the record. After our Old Mill I feel like i was getting better."

Cosh's five touchdown performance marks the fifth straight game the junior has thrown for at least five in a game.

"I'm in a great system with a great coaching staff, coaches that really care about you and puts you in the right situation to make big plays for you," Cosh said. "It's a quarterback friendly offense and I'm proud to be in it. It's fun, I love it."

Check back next week for a more in depth interview with Cosh. 

QUESTION OF THE NIGHT: This is a two part question. Is Billy Cosh the best junior quarterback in Maryland history? Is Cosh the Maryland offensive Player of the Year?

Leave your comment below and let us know what you think.

Billy Cosh, Arundel, Keith Ricca, St. John's Prospect Hall, Nick Elko, touchdown record

Read comments or leave a comment




Player of the Week

September 10, 2008 10:00 AM

 
 Mike Loveday/ESPNRise
 Cosh is MDVarsity.com's Player of the Week.
In his first varsity start, Arundel's Billy Cosh stepped up and led the Wildcats to county rival Broadneck. For his performance, Cosh has been named MDVarsity.com's Player of the Week.

Cosh threw for 169 yards and three touchdowns, leading Arundel to a 28-13 victory over Broadneck.

Cosh is taking over the quarterback reigns from the graduated Nick Elko who threw for over 3,000 yards and accounted for 43 touchdowns last season.

Arundel reached the Class 4A state title game last season and Elko was named to the 2007 Consensus All-state team.

Billy Cosh, Arundel, Player of the Week, Football, MD

Read comments or leave a comment




Breaking news: Lemon commits

August 14, 2008 10:39 PM

By Mike Loveday

Arundel's Alec Lemon has made his choice. The rising senior will become the latest commitment to Syracuse University, according to his father.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver received an offer from Syracuse at the beginning of August, just two days after receiving his first offer from Delaware.

Lemon recorded 70 receptions for 969 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping Arundel to the Class 4A title game last season.

Check MDVarsity.com tomorrow for more details.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

Email Mike at Mike.Loveday.ESPN@gmail.com

Alec Lemon, Arundel, Syracuse

Read comments or leave a comment




Orange after Lemon

August 1, 2008 6:00 AM

By Mike Loveday

Just two days after Arundel receiver Alec Lemon received his first collegiate offer, the second one came rolling in. This time Syracuse University came calling with an offer to play receiver for the Orange.

According to Lemon's father, Sean Asbury, Syracuse assistant coach Randy Trivers is recruiting Lemon.

Lemon received his first official offer on Tuesday when Delaware extended the offer.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

email Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com

Alec Lemon, Arundel, Delaware Blue Hens, Maryland high school football, Syracuse Orange

Read comments or leave a comment




Cosh is ready to go

July 30, 2008 3:00 PM

 

By Mike Loveday

Billy Cosh has some large cleats to fill at quarterback this season. Last year's starter, Nick Elko threw for 43 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards, helping lead Arundel to the Class 4A title game. But the 6-foot, 190-pound rising junior looks to have all the tools to step in and succeed.

Cosh attended the Quarterback Tune-up event on Sunday, July 27 and showed why Arundel fans have not been worried about the offense this season.

Cosh had one of the strongest arms of any signal caller at the event and his footwork was very polished for someone who has yet to start a high school varsity game. Also attending the event were two quarterbacks who are already committed to Division I colleges, Loyola's Leon Kinnard (UConn) and DeMatha's Tom Chroniger (Eastern Michigan).

Cosh, who is the son of University of Maryland's defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, knows he wants to be in Kinnard's and Chroniger's position once he reaches his senior season.

"Watching Tommy, he's got great arm strength and Leon just has that quickness and speed. I just want to take their techniques and try to be like them one day, Cosh said.

As for replacing a Consensus All-State quarterback, Cosh confessed he was slightly nervous, but ready to get the season started.

"I'm just a little nervous, but I'm more anxious just to get on the field. I've really been waiting for this for a long time. I'm just excited to play and put that Wildcat jersey on, Cosh said. "Just watching him (Elko) play I picked up some techniques from him. Alec (receiver Alec Lemon) and I are working out all the time. We've gotten better over the summer. Watching Nick do everything he did was amazing. I just want to try and emulate that this season.

Cosh took several snaps from under center last year, going 17-for-26 (65 percent) for 160 yards and one touchdown.

To improve his speed, which is essential in Arundel's spread offense, Cosh has been taking part in the Wildcats offseason workout program, which calls for running 10 100-yard sprints. Elko led Arundel in rushing last season with over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

For the past three seasons, Cosh has also been working with Quarterback Factory founder Chris Baucia, who he credits for helping improve his arm strength and footwork.

So with Arundel looking to get back to the title game and having to replace Elko and receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell, what are Cosh's expectations for this season?

"I just want to win as many games as possible. We have great talent around us, our receiving corps and some good running backs coming back and three offensive linemen coming back, Cosh said. "I don't care about stats, I just want to win as many games as possible for my team.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

email Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com

Billy Cosh, Arundel, Nick Elko, Alec Lemon, Class 4A title game, Tom Chroniger, Leon Kinnard

Read comments or leave a comment




Blue Hens in the market for a Wildcat

July 30, 2008 10:12 AM

By Mike Loveday

The University of Delaware's football team will be playing in Maryland one month from now, but the coaching staff is already making a bid to gain some of the state's talent. The Blue Hens extended an offer to Arundel wide receiver Alec Lemon (pictured) on Tuesday.

Lemon, who has camped at several schools this summer, said he felt Delaware was interested in him before he left on Sunday.

"I had a feeling with the way they were talking to me and how good I did, I felt like they were going to offer me," Lemon said. "We were hoping, but we didn't think they were going to do it that quick."

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Lemon attended the Delaware camp on Sunday and according to his father, Sean Asbury, the college called with the offer on Tuesday, July 29.

"At first I thought the recruiting coordinator was just talking about the meeting they had right after the camp. I thought he was going to talk about what they talked about during the meeting," Lemon added. "He asked me if I had any offers and I said Syracuse and Vanderbilt are real close, but none right now. He goes, well as of right now you have one from the University of Delaware."

This is the first offer for Lemon, who made 70 receptions for 969 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping Arundel to the Class 4A title game last season.

"It was a huge relief (getting the first offer) after all the stuff I've done this summer, all the camps I've went to, all the workouts I've done. It just shows how much it's paid off," Lemon said.

According to Asbury, Syracuse and Richmond have been in touch with Lemon and are close to offering the rising senior.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

email Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com

Alec Lemon, Arundel, Delaware Blue Hens, Maryland high school footbal

Read comments or leave a comment




Quarterbacks tune up for season

July 28, 2008 9:00 AM


By Mike Loveday

Oloveday5@yahoo.com

COLUMBIA: The ninth annual Quarterback Tune-up event showcased athletes who are committed to Division I colleges, several who are vying for scholarships and even a few who will be heading to college in a few weeks.

Quarterback Factory founder Chris Baucia hosts the event and among the athletes in attendance were Leon Kinnard (committed to UConn), Tom Chroniger (Eastern Michigan), St. Mary's Ryan Hart, Tuscarora's Josh Marshall, Damascus' Connor Frazier, Sherwood's Zach Splain, Arundel's Billy Cosh and even former high school quarterbacks Kyle Frazier and Scott Barnes.

"He (Baucia) truly taught me about improving my mechanics, my footwork and making the reads, said Kinnard who has trained with Baucia several times over the past three years. "Without him it would have been a lot harder to get a scholarship offer and play quarterback at D-I.

The consensus from the athletes in attendance was that the event was the perfect way to get ready for the season.

"It was the best training I ever went through. He pushes us and he don't let us quit, Trevon Bennett of Paul VI said.

"It was good. I learned a lot. It was a great way to come out here and polish up and get ready for the season, St. Paul's quarterback Troy Jones added. "It's a great way to fix some of the minor things that you may not see yourself and get a viewpoint from someone outside of your coach, your dad or whoever you train with.

The event had 80 athletes in attendance and took quarterbacks through a series of drills including throwing on the run, keeping the ball in the correct spot during drops and improving their accuracy.

"We've averaged about 60 to 70 kids each year, but the good thing is the talent level is coming, Baucia said. "Now they're seeing the value of the fundamentals and revisiting those fundamentals and sort of tightening their game up before you go in to two-a-days and making sure they understand the proper things to do and not do.

"I'm just trying to sharpen things up and get better for the season and make another run at a state championship, Eastern Tech's Joe Jones said. "I'm learning some basic things.

"I learned how to stop without hitching up on my drop step and my three step drop, North County's Travis Delizo added.

The event gave the high school athletes a chance to see the payoff for their hard work as rising college freshman Kyle Frazier and Scott Barnes also attended the event to prepare for their seasons.
Frazier has been working with Baucia at the Quarterback Factory for the past three seasons and is heading to Monmouth on a football scholarship while Barnes, who helped lead Paint Branch to a near playoff berth, will head to Guilford.

Several signal callers in addition to the above mentioned impressed during the day. Sherwood's Splain, St. Mary's sophomore Ryan Hart, Loyola's Mike Smith and Damascus' Andrew Konieczka all drew attention.

Good Counsel's Zachary Dancel along with Tuscarora's Josh Marshall are two quarterbacks who look ready to lead a team today.

Be sure to check MDVarsity.com all week, as we will have interviews with Kyle and Connor Frazier and Arundel's Billy Cosh.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

Quarterback Factory, Quarterback Tune-up, Leon Kinnard (committed to UConn), Tom Chroniger (Eastern Michigan), St. Marys Ryan Hart, Tuscaroras Josh Marshall, Damascus Connor Frazier, Sherwood, Zach Splain, Arundel, Billy Cosh, Kyle Frazier, Scott Barnes, Josh Marshall, Tuscarora, Mike Smith, Loyola, Ryan Hart, St. Mary's, Damascus, Andrew Konieczka, Good Counsel, Zachary Dancel, Chris Baucia, Mike Loveday, Joe Jones, Eastern Tech

Read comments or leave a comment




Looking ahead to 2010 pt. 3

July 18, 2008 9:00 AM

By Mike Loveday

oloveday5@yahoo.com

Almost every team that makes it deep into the state playoffs have one thing in common, underclassmen that contribute.

Those underclassman help augment the senior leadership. Let's look at the teams that made the championship games last year.

Quince Orchard had senior Thomas Addison, but Travis Hawkins, Terrence Stephens, Jason Ankrah and Cody Magill were all juniors. Arundel had two outstanding seniors, but Alec Lemon and Sean Fitzgerald were the perfect compliment to Brandon Johnson-Farrell.

River Hill had the trio of Michael Campanaro, Malek Redd and Leron Eaddy to help senior Zach Martin go out a champion. Dunbar was led by juniors Tavon Austin, Sean Farr and Jonathan Perry on offense and Tevin Brown on defense. Allegany put their running game on the shoulders of offensive lineman Justin Hymes.

Hereford and Damascus seem to be the exception to this rule as both teams relied heavily on seniors to get them to the title game, but state semifinalists Lackey, Wilde Lake, Clarksburg and Thomas Johnson counted on their juniors.

With this in mind I'm continuing my look at some of the rising juniors that I expect to make an impact on their respective teams this season. This is the third and final story in the series.

Robbie Havenstein, Linganore: At 6-foot-7, 300-pounds, Havenstein is an imposing presence on the line. The offensive tackle not only has the size, but also the agility to anchor the Lancers this season.

J.D. Hook, Allegany: As a running back, Hook will be looked to as a replacement for Jake Twigg and Brian Matthews. As a linebacker, the junior will pair with fellow junior Dustin Wharton as leaders on the defense.

Evan Pittman, Calvert Hall: (pictured above) Pittman impressed coaches with his size, mobility and strong arm at the Bullseye combine. As a Super 100 member, Pittman proved that he could lead his team during 7-on-7 games.

E.J. Scott, Good Counsel: A look at 2010 athletes is not complete with Scott. The receiver and defensive back is not only an impact player on the Falcons, but will be one of the most highly recruited athletes in the state.

Tyler Lardy, Gaithersburg: Lardy ran a 4.7 40-yard dash at the Bullseye Combine and showed his explosiveness with a 25-8 vertical and a 29-2 kneeling power ball toss.

Troy Gloster, Good Counsel: (pictured right) Gloster is another Falcon that will be highly recruited. The 5-11, 209-pound linebacker has a rock-solid frame and runs a 4.7 40.

Joseph Kirby, Kent Island: As a sophomore, Kirby rushed for 441 yards and seven touchdowns. At the Bullseye Combine, the running back ran a 4.68 40 and did 14 repetitions of 155 pounds.

Kyle Tucker, Linganore: The Lancers line will be tough to get through with Havenstein and Tucker. Tucker broke the Bullseye Combine bench press record when he did 38 reps of 155 pounds.

Devante Stamps, McDonogh: Stamps could be the perfect compliment to fellow receiver Javarrus King. Stamps has 4.8 speed and has a 6-foot-2, 183-pound frame, similar to that of King.

Dylan Acab, Poly: Acab showed good speed with a 4.6 40-yard dash and was one of several Engineers to impress during the Bullseye Combine.

Justin Handley, Patuxent: Handley has 4.67 speed and as a third receiver in the Patuxent offense, could be the perfect slot receiver compliment to Eric Farmer and Justin Ford.

Antione Goodson, Poly: Goodson was primarily the running quarterback for Poly last season, but during the Bullseye Super 100 he showcased one of the strongest arms of any participant.

Nick Bonhag, River Hill: Bonhag plays tight end for the Hawks and made a run at the Bullseye Super 100 MVP with highlight reel catches during 7-on-7 games.

Kevin Johnson, River Hill: Johnson played quarterback on the junior varsity, but could see time as a defensive back for the Hawks this season. With 4.65 speed and a 35-inch vertical, there has to be some place for this athlete to play.

Malik Cross, Oxon Hill: Cross along with receiver Brandon Felder will be a player to watch on Oxon Hill's offense. As a sophomore, Cross rushed for 1,653 yards and nine touchdowns.

If you want more information about the upcoming season and all the players you can order your copy of the Preseason Football Magazine Here

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

Maryland high school football, 2010 athletes, Robbie Havenstein, Kevin Johnson, Nick Bonhag, River Hill, Baltimore Polytechnic, Justin Handley, Patuxent, Devante Stamps, McDonogh, Linganore, Joseph Kirby, Kent Island, Troy Gloster, E.J. Scott, Good Counsel Falcons, J.D. Hook, Allegany, Tavon Austin, Sean Farr, Jonathan Perry, Dunbar, Travis Hawkins, Terrence Stephens, Jason Ankrah, Cody Magill, Quince Orchard, Alec Lemon, Sean Fitzgerald, Arundel, Lackey, Wilde Lake, Michael Campanaro, Malek Redd, Leron Eaddy

Read comments or leave a comment