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.

	Photo by: Mike Loveday
	Arundel's passing game should be strong with two receivers returning this season.

 By Mike Loveday

Key losses: No other team in the state can say they lost two state record holders. With the graduation of Nick Elko (QB), Brandon Johnson-Farrell (WR) the Wildcats lose the state's total offensive yardage (Elko) and receptions (Johnson-Farrell) leaders.

Key returnees: Alec Lemon (WR) and Sean Fitzgerald (WR) move up the depth chart and know the offense.

Impact newcomer: The biggest name in this list is Billy Cosh (QB) who steps into Elko's shoes. Blake Alderman (LB), Corey Lavender (DL), Bobby Partilla (LB).

Most Improved: R.J. Harris had the physical tools last season and the coaching staff thought he could be good, but this year Harris has improved his knowledge of the game and is expected to provide a spark at split end, according to head coach Chuck Markiewicz.

Names to watch: Markiewicz said they coaching staff challenged Scott Green and the junior responded.

My take: Honestly, if I wrote this three months ago my thoughts would not have involved Arundel being in the Top 25. But after seeing junior Billy Cosh at the Quarterback Tune -up event along with the Wildcats at their recent scrimmage I think they have the chance to be very good this year.

Cosh has the advantage of having two receivers, Lemon and Fitzgerald, returning to the offense, which should help the learning curve. Add Cosh's inherent football knowledge that comes with being the son of a coach and I think Arundel will not take as big a hit this season.

I expect another playoff run for Arundel and nine to 10 wins when all is said and done.

That said, it is difficult to believe the loss of Elko and Johnson-Farrell will not affect the team's record at all and with rival Broadneck on tap for the first game of the year I do not expect Arundel to get off to another 13-0 start this year.

Quick quote: "Last year was last year. We have to do everything we did last year again this year. These kids have to find the strength.

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