By Sheldon Shealer

On Sept. 23, 2005, Avalon School posted the most significant win in the young school¹s football history, defeating Maryland School for the Deaf 30-28 in overtime.

Since then, MSD has not lost a game (owning the state¹s longest active win streak at 28 games) while Avalon School has disbanded football. However, now that Avalon School has changed location, former head coach and current headmaster Tad Shields said the Avalon Black Knights might soon be back in the high school football scene.

Avalon will be fielding a junior varsity program this year with the hopes of returning to varsity action in 2009 or 2010, according to Shields. The significance of this development for other schools in Maryland is the possibility of a new school with available dates as programs look to set their two-year football schedules for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Avalon School sprung up in the early 2000s and has had at least three locations since 2004. The current school is located at 200 W. Diamond Ave. in Gaithersburg.

Avalon competed for two years on the varsity level, posting 3-7 records in 2005 and 2006.

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

E-mail Sheldon at sshlr@erols.com

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

By Mike Loveday

Oloveday5@yahoo.com

Loyola rising senior Terence Garvin made the decision that will impact his next four years. He verbally committed to West Virginia University on Friday, July 25; according to Loyola head coach Brian Abbott. West Virginia recruited Garvin as a free safety.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Garvin also held an offer from Maryland at the time of his commitment.

Garvin also plays running back for the Don's and according to Abbott will likely see time at linebacker this season. Last year Garvin rushed for 792 yards and 15 touchdowns and added 42 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Garvin is the first Maryland recruit to commit to WVU this season. The Mountaineers have also extended offers to uncommitted Maryland athletes Tavon Austin, Jason Ankrah, Raynard Randolph, Jelani Jenkins, Travis Hawkins, Xavier Hughes and Anthony Young-Wiseman.

If you want more information about Loyola and the upcoming season, including team breakdowns and player profiles, you can order your copy online of the Preseason Football Magazine Here

Or by mail for $10 plus $3 for shipping & handling

Please make checks payable to MDVarsity.com

MDVarsity.com

P.O. Box 583

Myersville, MD 21773

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

By Mike Loveday

oloveday5@yahoo.com

Adding to the list of Gwynn Park athletes that are expected to make large impacts on this year's team is defensive back William Speight. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound rising senior received his first offer (Army) back in April and added an offer from Towson just last month.

Speight said that Cincinnati has also expressed interest and is waiting to see film from his first two games this season.

The Yellow Jackets second leading tackler from last year said West Point is the only school he has visited so far.

"That was nice. They had the best facilities that I've ever seen, Speight said. "Other than that I'm supposed to be going to Towson and check out that.

Speight has no plans for an early commitment.

"I'm going to commit when I get the right offer, Speight said. "I'm trying to see how many more I can get. I'm looking for somewhere to go where I can major in business, because I want to do something with that after college and for a good team.

"I'm not trying to stay too close to home because I'm trying to get away and venture out, Speight added.

Speight is one of several talented athletes on the Gwynn Park roster this year, with Raynard Randolph and Nygee Carmichael also receiving heavy college interest.

The defensive back recorded two interceptions last year and said that he is focused on getting more picks this season to help the team.

Randolph holds over 15 offers, including Maryland, Georgia and Michigan State while Carmichael holds offers from Army and Towson.

If you want more information about Gwynn Park and the upcoming season, including team breakdowns and player profiles, you can order your copy online of the Preseason Football Magazine Here

Or by mail for $10 plus $3 for shipping & handling

Please make checks payable to MDVarsity.com

MDVarsity.com

P.O. Box 583

Myersville, MD 21773

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

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.

By Mike Loveday

I am continuing my examination of the 2010 athletes who I believe will make a serious impact on thier respective teams this season.

Again, these are in no particular order.

Jordan Haden, Friendly: (pictured left) Haden already has several verbal offers and his older brother Joe (who plays for Florida) told me that Jordan will be the best of the three Haden brothers (Josh being the other).

Hussam Ouri, Broadneck: Ouri became the first lineman to win MVP honors at a Bullseye event for good reason. Ouri has good footwork and shows good stamina and strength.

Nick Marth, Linganore: As a sophomore, Marth recorded 10 interceptions and was named to the All-conference and All-area teams. At the Schumann's combine he ran a 4.58 40 and did 21 reps of 155 pounds.

Javarrus King, McDonough: King has prototypical size for a receiver and also plays linebacker. With 4.6 speed and the frame and strength to go with it, King looks to be the go-to-guy this season.

Joshua Alaeze, Parkville: Alaeze shows good strength and speed with 23 repetitions of 155 pounds and 4.7 speed. The 6-2, 225-pound Alaeze plays both linebacker and running back for Parkville.

James Holloman, Potomac: Holloman was another impressive athlete at the Nike Combine. The running back has 4.5 speed and has good strength with 19 reps at 155 pounds.

Mitchell Pollard, Springbrook: The safety ran a 4.56 40-yard dash at Schumann's and showed explosiveness with a 34.5-inch vertical jump.

Jeremiah Johnson, Suitland: On a team known for its defense, Johnson could be another standout player for head coach Nick Lynch. The cornerback ran a 4.59 40 and leapt 27 inches at the Schumann's camp.

Josh Marshall, Tuscarora: With Dominic Clarke and Jakarie Jackson making the plays last year, Marshall may have been overlooked. The rising junior was impressive during the Bullseye Combine and looks to have the tools to take over at quarterback this season.

Jeremy Grove, Thomas Johnson: (pictured right) Grove was one of Urbana's leading tacklers last season. Since the season ended, Grove transferred to Thomas Johnson, giving the Patriots a scary linebacking corps of Grove and Forbes.

To see the first part of my blog look below.

By Mike Loveday

With the start of practice almost a month away it seems like a good time to take a look at some of the rising juniors that could become impact players on their teams this year.

After watching countless hours of film along with attending underclassmen camps and combines along with the NFL player development camps I had the opportunity to witness some of the states best talent up close.

I will take a look at some of these athletes over the next week in a series of blogs.

In no particular order, these are just some of the players I expect to play big roles on their teams as juniors.

Nick Forbes, Thomas Johnson: Big, strong and fast Forbes matured as the season wore on and already has several verbal offers.

Deron Ames, Snow Hill: (pictured above) Ames does not get a lot of ink west of the Eastern Shore, but the rising junior only needs 1,200 yards to surpass the 4,000 yard mark. With two years ahead of him, Ames could make a run at the state rushing mark once Tavon Austin is done with it.

Matt Robinson, Atholton: Robinson could be the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the state for 2010. A two-time Bullseye Super 100 selection, Robinson has the perfect size and shows terrific hands.

Andrew Veith, Clarksburg: The receiver ran a 4.69 40-yard dash at the Schumann's Underclassmen and was impressive during the MDVarsity.com Passing Jamboree.

Don Hursey, Bishop McNamara: Hursey made a name for himself at the Nike Maryland Combine. The 5-10, 185-pound safety ran a 4.54 40 and posted a SPARQ rating of 91.71. He continued to impress scouts at the Nike Penn State camp.

Hassan Dixon, Good Counsel: Of the rising juniors on the Falcons, Dixon may not be the best known, but that could change this season. With a 4.53 40 along with 17 bench reps at 155 pounds, Dixon could see time as Caleb Porzel's backup, causing havoc for tired defenses.

Khalek Shepherd, Gwynn Park: (pictured right) The Yellow Jackets are loaded this season and head coach Danny Hayes said Shepherd is the hardest working athlete he's every had at Gwynn Park. With a 4.69 40 and Nygee Carmichael ahead of him, Shepherd should see time at running back on third downs and late in the game.

Ego (J.R.) Ferguson, St. John's Catholic Prep: Ferguson only appears to have come from nowhere. As a sophomore, Ferguson recorded 106 tackles and 18 sacks and made the biggest noise in the offseason. Ferguson matched up against one of the best offensive lineman in the Midwest at an Illinois camp and dominated so much that the Illini made him an offer. Maryland soon followed suit.

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