Howard County Football 2012

[Big Sky]

Red, I completely agree but if you check the WLHS staff you will not see the same group as in years past. Still a great staff....they won a state championship with one forward pass and excellent defense. I went to Oakland Mills and it is hard to say nice things about the 'Cats.

Some of you guys are coaches...if you ever get to sit around and hear Al Thomas tell some stories you will not regret it. Does anyone know if Thomas, Conner and Caruthers ever coached together? I seem to remember someone telling me that.

Caruthers coached with Thomas at Seneca, Conner was Caruthers D Cord when Urbana had there 50 game Streak.

[50defense]

I was aware of that but was not sure if they ever shared a practice field. What a great coaching line.

[OLINE]

Agreed.

OLs rarely get OPOY, though HoCo has had 2 relatively recent ones - 2001 Rob LaHayne (Glenelg) and 2004 Shawn Fredericks (Wilde Lake).

If he stays at Wilde Lake instead of returning back to Meade, 2011 1st Team All-State OL Moises LaRose seems to be a pretty solid pre-season OPOY favorite.

As best I can tell, the only other 2012 HoCo player to receive a 2011 All-State nod was Honorable Mention Glenelg P/K Luke Brister - who also seems to be the only returning 2011 1st Team All-HoCo player.

That might be true but whatever skill player has the most stats (yds, TD, and rec) will end up with the OPOY. The only stat lineman really have is wins, and I dont see Wilde Lake having the amount of wins, or even rushing success to give the reward to LaRose.

[OLINE]

Only a few days away! Anybody know any scrimagge dates and opponents?

[OLINE]

Howard and Hammond had a good showing in their scrimmages on Monday. Hammond dominated Linganore and Bowie. Howard crushed Bowie and Howards 1's beat Linganores 1's. I didnt think Hammond would have strong year because of losing Paye, but Im man enough to admit Im wrong, they look just as strong as the last 2 years. This is going to be an excitting league to watch this year with a lot of great teams. 10 more days!!!

[OLINE]

Reservoir vs. Mt. Hebron

This is a very interesting game. There are a lot of changes for both teams as they start the 2012 campaign. Hebron has a new coach and Reservoir is without last year’s all-league QB Montgomery. Both teams had high expectations going into last year and neither team made the playoffs. Reservoir will depend on RB/WR Armstrong to carry the team. Hebron has good athletes in Malik Gilmore and Jackson Porter to lean on. I don’t see either team making the playoffs this year, but I could be wrong. As far as this game I think Hebrons athletes will be too much for the Gators to handle.

Mount Hebron 21
Reservoir 7

Glenelg vs. Howard

This is a great game. The only match-up in week one that features playoff teams from the previous year. Both teams expect to make a playoff push this year as well. This should be a high scoring game with two of the more explosive offenses in the league. Glenelg has the three-headed monster in Darden, Brookhart, and Crabrill. Howard has a lot of weapons as well, but will depend on all-county selection RB Michael Anderson to lead the team. I won’t make a prediction because I am a homer, but both teams should finish in the top of the league and hope for a deep playoff push.

Long Reach vs. River Hill

This should be another quality game to start the season. River Hill is the clear favorite heading into this season after winning the counties 3rd straight 3A state championship. They do lose some key players to graduation, but their JV team has not lost a game in 4 years so they have a great feeder program. RB Evan Griffin will be the feature back this year for the Hawks. Long Reach had a good year last year, but feel just short of qualifying for the playoffs. The Lighting graduate most of their top lineman and top athletes and won’t have much of a JV to build off of. Look for the Hawks to contend for a league title again and return to the playoffs and it will start with a convincing win in the opener

River Hill 35
Long Reach 7

Wilde Lake vs. Atholton

This game should be called the Battle for Columbia. Wilde Lake had the most disappointing year in the league last year finishing below .500 after winning the state championship in 2010. Atholton won the league last year and lost in the regional championship to eventual state champion River Hill. Atholton graduated more talent than any other team in the county. Lucky for them they get a gift transfer QB form MSJ. I’m not high on Atholton as others are, I just think they lost too much and the JV team the last two years has been below average. Wilde Lake is also I think overhyped entering this year for the same reasons I think Atholton is overhyped. Wilde Lake will have a strong D though with LB Eric Handy and DT Moses Larose. Close game, but I think Atholton pulls out a win in this close game

Atholton 21
Wilde Lake 14

Marriotts Ridge vs. Hammond

This game will have the biggest margin of victory in the first week of the year. Hammond has had a great couple of scrimmages and looks ready for another good season. They will expect RB Dionte Jones to fill the shoes of Paye from last year. It’s not a secret what Hammond is going to do, they are going to challenge you on D with lots of people on the line and they want to play smash mouth football with a Pro style O. The Mustangs will be looking for their first win in 2 years. I think they will find that win, but not just the first week.

Hammond 35
Marriotts Ridge 0

Oakland Mills vs. Centennial

This game features two teams in the league that not many people are expecting much from. Both teams will have a tough time winning games this year, mostly because neither expects to have quality line play. This is one of the few chances either team has to pick up a win this year. Good chance that whatever team loses this game may go winless this year. No real rhyme or reason for my selection prediction, but I think the Eagles will win the game

Centennial 14
Oakland Mills 7

[44Defense]

Resevoir by 3 td's
Glenelg is too physical and win in the end. 21-19
I didnt think Hammond had anything back. Coach must be working them out hard

[85Knight]

Anybody catch the City Howard scrimmage?

[OLINE]

Anybody catch the City Howard scrimmage?

Yes, both teams beat up Landsdown and played really physical against each other. Both teams have speed and size and should be big factors in the leagues this year. FB from City is a monster.

[85Knight]

Yes, both teams beat up Landsdown and played really physical against each other. Both teams have speed and size and should be big factors in the leagues this year. FB from City is a monster.

Thanks for the info. I hated to miss this one because I thought Howard and City would battle. Sounds like my boys represented, I think we can make some noise this year if we continue to improve. They've got some horses.

[Oil Can]

Not much was made of the fact that the St Joe QB transferring to Atholton actually lives in the Wilde Lake district. It’s all above board but the point is that Atholton is able to use their county wide ROTC program to re-stock their football program. If the St Joe transfer had faked like he couldn’t speak English instead of feigning interest in the military to enroll at River Hill through their county wide ESOL program this board would have lit up like a Christmas tree. That said, it was his predecessor’s legs that made the Atholton offense tick last year not his arm, the same way that it was the River Hill QB’s legs that finally made that offense tick. I’m pretty sure that the St Joe transfer does not have his predecessor’s wheels. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t pick the All-County QB by watching some pre-season 7v7 passing drills. 7v7 is not football. They just use a football to play it. Let’s wait until the end of the season to make our All-County selections. It will be another interesting year. It’s time to turn the lights on and see how it all unfolds.

[OLINE]

Not much was made of the fact that the St Joe QB transferring to Atholton actually lives in the Wilde Lake district. It’s all above board but the point is that Atholton is able to use their county wide ROTC program to re-stock their football program. If the St Joe transfer had faked like he couldn’t speak English instead of feigning interest in the military to enroll at River Hill through their county wide ESOL program this board would have lit up like a Christmas tree. That said, it was his predecessor’s legs that made the Atholton offense tick last year not his arm, the same way that it was the River Hill QB’s legs that finally made that offense tick. I’m pretty sure that the St Joe transfer does not have his predecessor’s wheels. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t pick the All-County QB by watching some pre-season 7v7 passing drills. 7v7 is not football. They just use a football to play it. Let’s wait until the end of the season to make our All-County selections. It will be another interesting year. It’s time to turn the lights on and see how it all unfolds.

You are correct sir. And I am one of the biggest complainers about fishy transfers and illegal players, but since Mr. Williams does nothing about illegal players it there is really no point of complaining and since he wont hold schools and coaches accountable why should they stop? Schools around the county have been bringing in illegale players and having illegal practices forever. To add to his illegal status at Atholton he participated in 7v7 for Atholton while still enrolled at MSJ.

As far as his all-county status I also agree that you cant pick players just based on 7v7, but he played well for MSJ last year and was one of the few players to play well against super power Gilman. Another reason why I think he will end up being the all-league QB is the fact he will get the numbers in Atholtons system and there really is not another returning QB that is deserving of the honor the top 4 QB's graduated last year (Vaughn, Montgomery, McMann, and Wade). His only comp is Darden from Glenelg and Gilmore from Hebron.

[OLINE]

Howard won pretty solidly over Glenelg last night. Too much speed and talent for the Gladiators to overcome. If not for mistakes Howard would have won by much more

[Old Scorp]

I think River Hill v Howard will decide the county championship later this season. I like River Hill in that game.

I think Glenelg and Atholton will battle for third place in the county and fringe playoff spots in 2A and 3A respectively. I will 'sell' on Hammond and Mt Hebron.

[Oil Can]

I think River Hill v Howard will decide the county championship later this season. I like River Hill in that game.

I think Glenelg and Atholton will battle for third place in the county and fringe playoff spots in 2A and 3A respectively. I will 'sell' on Hammond and Mt Hebron.

You could be right about Howard. Despite the lopsided score, LR had success running the ball on RH. LR just couldn't stop the RH offense. I don't think Glenelg has the horses to play w the best teams in the county. The ball bounced their way last year winning them a lot of close games. It sounds like Howard put a woopin on Glenelg. The WL v Ath. game was described as a "battle" by the Ath. coach but it sounded more like a dud to me. When your team can only generate 6 points in regulation with the "All County" QB under center you use terminology like that @ the press conference.

[OLINE]

Centennial vs. Wilde Lake

The 3A East is looking very tough again this year with the Hoco teams and a couple of the Bayside teams will be battling for only 4 spots. The Eagles beat the Scorpions last week to start the season off to a good start. The making of a good team is the ability to beat the teams you are supposed to beat. I’m not saying the Eagles are a good team, but if they want to be that surprise team this game would be a huge statement. Wilde Lake lost a tough OT game to Atholton and if anyone watched that game they would say last year’s playoff miss was a fluke. Lineman Moises Larose is a monster. Wilde lake can’t afford any more close loses and I think they turn it around this week with a convincing win.

Wilde Lake 28
Centennial 7

Howard vs. Marriotts Ridge

Howard had the win of the week last week with a big win over Glenelg. Howard has a lot of talent and good coaching. The biggest challenge for the Lions is to not overlook the Mustangs and think about the Atholton Raiders. The Mustangs are a different team from last year. They have more athletes and will be a tough out for anyone. The box score against Hammond may look bad but they battled with Hammond. I will play my homer card and not pick a winner this game

River Hill vs. Oakland Mills

River Hill crushed Long Reach last week. Proving they once again are the top dog in the county. A lot of weapons for the Hawks as they had three players with multiple touchdowns. I don’t see them having many tight games this year until what could be a slugfest in week 10 against Howard. Oakland Mills blew one of their few chances for a victory last week when they lost to Centennial. This game is going to get ugly and fast and hopefully the River Hill staff will pull the dogs early.

River Hill 48
Oakland Mills 0

Atholton vs. Reservoir

Atholton had a huge win last week in OT against Wilde Lake. The offense was not as explosive as I thought it would be, but then again Wilde Lake has a talented and well coached D. I expect a little better O put out from the Raiders. Reservoir is one of those teams that people think will contend for a playoff position. A two TD lost to Hebron was tough and a 0-2 start is tougher. BTW they have the biggest FB I have ever seen and the dude can move.

Atholton 28
Reservoir 14

Mt. Hebron vs. Long Reach

Mount Hebron had a very big win against the Gators last week to start what could be a successful season. Hebron has good athletes and a new coach and could be a tough out for most teams in the county. I’m not one of the bandwagon guys for Long Reach, I’m not a fan of Head Coach Pete Hughes and I think LR lost too much from last year and it showed in the beat down the Hawks gave this team last week. The 3A eats is tough but the 2A South may be tougher. If Long Reach goes 0-2, I know it’s early, but I would have to say their playoff hopes would be slim. I think it’s going to be slim.

Mount Hebron 21
Long Reach 14

Hammond vs. Glenelg

This is a HUGE game for Glenelg. Like I mentioned going 0-2 and trying to qualify for the 2A South is not a situation most teams want to be in. Glenelg ran into a very good team from Howard. The Gladiators are still full of talent and are a well-coached team that has a winning tradition. Hammond played Hammond football last week with what seems like 15 lineman on field and playing smash mouth football. There is lots of talent over there walking the halls of Hammond. It’s amazing to think the quick turnaround that program has made. I don’t like my pick. My eyes tell me to go with Hammond, but my gut says Glenelg cleans up the mistakes and bounces back from the lost last week with a late score to win the game.

Hammond 14
Glenelg 17

[MDhsfootballfan]

Wilde Lake 25
Centennial 15

Either the game wasn't as close as the score, Centennial got a lot better, or Wilde Lake isn't really back like people are saying.

Mt Hebron 32
Long Reach 26

Crazy game from the sounds of it. Hebron is a completly different team from last year. Another good coach joining the HoCo ranks.

Atholton 28
Reservoir 25

A-town would be hard pressed to avoid a running clock against McMahon and the 2011 team.

Glenelg 21
Hammond 8

I think Hammond is a little bit down from last year but can get it together. Glenelg getting beat by Howard like that could have been more from Howard just being plain good, rather than the Gladiators being down in anyway from last years cinderella team.

River Hill 48
Oakland Mills 0

Running clock at the begining of the 2nd quarter. What else did we expect?

Howard
Marriotts Ridge

Don't have the score, but I assume it was bad.

[Tooch43]

Howard 34
Marriotts Ridge 6

Marriotts Ridge is well coached and their kids played hard. They will win some games this year.

[OLINE]

Off to a good start this year. Going back to my week 1 and week 2 picks I’m 10 for 10 (not picking Howard games because I am not objective). Let’s see if the streak continues

Glenelg vs. Long Reach

Entering this season both teams had playoff hopes in the very tough 2A South. Glenelg saved their post-season hopes with a solid win over the very talented Hammond. They have very good skilled players and an excellent coaching staff (like most Howard County teams). They played smash mouth football and had a great D game plan. Long Reach always has good athletes and huge lineman, but one of the lesser coaching staffs in the league. This is a bigger game for Long Reach because 0-3 is pretty much dead in the 2A South. Long reach may have better team speed, but with their 1930’s single-wing O they negate their biggest advantage over the Gladiators. Coaching is the biggest reason for my prediction

Glenelg 28
Long Reach 14

Centennial vs. River Hill

River Hill is the clear favorite in not only 3A East, but in all 3A. They have played a pedestrian schedule to this point and it will continue when the host the Eagles of Centennial. River Hill leads the league in total O and total D. A lot of weapons used in the double-wing offense and solid line play, not to mention a blitz happy aggressive D that will overwhelm Centennial. Centennial played tough against Wilde Lake last week, and it is undetermined if that is good Centennial or bad Wilde Lake. The Eagles seem to play hard and will win a few games this year, but they cannot hang with the athletes or the line of River Hill. Hawks continue to roll

River Hill 42
Centennial 0

Reservoir vs. Hammond

This is a very important game when it comes to establishing contenders or pretenders. Reservoir has had a rough start to the season losing their first two games by 3 points each. They have a good offense lead by Armstrong. They also have the biggest RB in the league that is used very nicely in short runs and blocking. The Gators could easily be 2-0, but that’s how sports work sometimes and this would be a good way to turn their season around. Hammond was beaten by the hungry Glenelg team last week. It seems to me the power O does not suit the talent on the current Hammond roster. Hammond tries to run power, only problem is their line play is average at best and RB Jones is more of a speed guy not a bruiser. I think Hammond will compete to the end, but it will be interesting to see if Jones holds up. This is a tough game, but I will go with the better coaching staff.

Reservoir 7
Hammond 14

Mt. Hebron vs. Wilde Lake

The biggest surprise to this point is Mount Hebron. There was never a shortage of talent in the Ellicott City school. It seems they are finally putting things together with close games wins the last two weeks. They may be the fastest team in the league with RB Jackson, QB Gilmore, and WR Nicholas. Everyone assumed Wilde Lake would come back to contention after a bad year last year, but it’s difficult because they have had a very poor JV team the last 4-5 years and like Long Reach they run an offense that does not exploit their athletes very well. They are very good on D with Larose anchoring the line and Handy in the LB’s. Its sounds like I’m down on Wilde Lake, but I actually think they win this game because of their D. I’m not confident though.

Mount Hebron 14
Wilde Lake 21

Atholton vs. Howard

Both teams are 2-0. Both teams are atop the current 3A East standings. Both have good coaching staffs, good Defense, and good Offenses. Its any bodies guess what happens here. Atholton has had dog fights against Wilde Lake and Reservoir. Howard has had big wins against Glenelg and MR. Atholtons QB Casey is the real deal and will be a big task for Howard to contain. Howard has a lot of different weapons to lean on and has excellent line play, and that may be the one thing that separates these two elite programs. I don’t pick Howard games, but whoever wins this game will be the biggest threat to River Hill for league champion. There is a chance these teams could meet again in the playoffs, but one thing is for sure, this is the game of the week in Howard County and one of the biggest in the state.

Oakland Mills vs. Marriotts Ridge

The first Saturday game of the year features the two worst teams in the league. Oakland Mills has only scored 1 TD this year and has given up 10. Not a good ratio. This was supposed to be a rough season for the Scorpions, but the JV team had a big upset last week beating River Hill handing the Lil’ Hawks their first loss in over 3 years. So the future is at least bright. Marriott’s Ridge also has a very bad ratio of points forced and points allowed. Although the box score does not look good the Mustangs have played pretty tough against two of the top teams in the league (Hammond and Howard) and have not given up a touchdown over 30yds. They also bailed on their Spread system and went to more of a power team. An excellent adjustment by the coaches that will keep games closer and more competitive. The Mustangs has not won in a couple years and this weekend I think the streak ends.

Marriotts Ridge 21
Oakland Mills 7

[Oil Can]

Off to a good start this year. Going back to my week 1 and week 2 picks I’m 10 for 10 (not picking Howard games because I am not objective). Let’s see if the streak continues

Glenelg vs. Long Reach

Entering this season both teams had playoff hopes in the very tough 2A South. Glenelg saved their post-season hopes with a solid win over the very talented Hammond. They have very good skilled players and an excellent coaching staff (like most Howard County teams). They played smash mouth football and had a great D game plan. Long Reach always has good athletes and huge lineman, but one of the lesser coaching staffs in the league. This is a bigger game for Long Reach because 0-3 is pretty much dead in the 2A South. Long reach may have better team speed, but with their 1930’s single-wing O they negate their biggest advantage over the Gladiators. Coaching is the biggest reason for my prediction

Glenelg 28
Long Reach 14

Centennial vs. River Hill

River Hill is the clear favorite in not only 3A East, but in all 3A. They have played a pedestrian schedule to this point and it will continue when the host the Eagles of Centennial. River Hill leads the league in total O and total D. A lot of weapons used in the double-wing offense and solid line play, not to mention a blitz happy aggressive D that will overwhelm Centennial. Centennial played tough against Wilde Lake last week, and it is undetermined if that is good Centennial or bad Wilde Lake. The Eagles seem to play hard and will win a few games this year, but they cannot hang with the athletes or the line of River Hill. Hawks continue to roll

River Hill 42
Centennial 0

Reservoir vs. Hammond

This is a very important game when it comes to establishing contenders or pretenders. Reservoir has had a rough start to the season losing their first two games by 3 points each. They have a good offense lead by Armstrong. They also have the biggest RB in the league that is used very nicely in short runs and blocking. The Gators could easily be 2-0, but that’s how sports work sometimes and this would be a good way to turn their season around. Hammond was beaten by the hungry Glenelg team last week. It seems to me the power O does not suit the talent on the current Hammond roster. Hammond tries to run power, only problem is their line play is average at best and RB Jones is more of a speed guy not a bruiser. I think Hammond will compete to the end, but it will be interesting to see if Jones holds up. This is a tough game, but I will go with the better coaching staff.

Reservoir 7
Hammond 14

Mt. Hebron vs. Wilde Lake

The biggest surprise to this point is Mount Hebron. There was never a shortage of talent in the Ellicott City school. It seems they are finally putting things together with close games wins the last two weeks. They may be the fastest team in the league with RB Jackson, QB Gilmore, and WR Nicholas. Everyone assumed Wilde Lake would come back to contention after a bad year last year, but it’s difficult because they have had a very poor JV team the last 4-5 years and like Long Reach they run an offense that does not exploit their athletes very well. They are very good on D with Larose anchoring the line and Handy in the LB’s. Its sounds like I’m down on Wilde Lake, but I actually think they win this game because of their D. I’m not confident though.

Mount Hebron 14
Wilde Lake 21

Atholton vs. Howard

Both teams are 2-0. Both teams are atop the current 3A East standings. Both have good coaching staffs, good Defense, and good Offenses. Its any bodies guess what happens here. Atholton has had dog fights against Wilde Lake and Reservoir. Howard has had big wins against Glenelg and MR. Atholtons QB Casey is the real deal and will be a big task for Howard to contain. Howard has a lot of different weapons to lean on and has excellent line play, and that may be the one thing that separates these two elite programs. I don’t pick Howard games, but whoever wins this game will be the biggest threat to River Hill for league champion. There is a chance these teams could meet again in the playoffs, but one thing is for sure, this is the game of the week in Howard County and one of the biggest in the state.

Oakland Mills vs. Marriotts Ridge

The first Saturday game of the year features the two worst teams in the league. Oakland Mills has only scored 1 TD this year and has given up 10. Not a good ratio. This was supposed to be a rough season for the Scorpions, but the JV team had a big upset last week beating River Hill handing the Lil’ Hawks their first loss in over 3 years. So the future is at least bright. Marriott’s Ridge also has a very bad ratio of points forced and points allowed. Although the box score does not look good the Mustangs have played pretty tough against two of the top teams in the league (Hammond and Howard) and have not given up a touchdown over 30yds. They also bailed on their Spread system and went to more of a power team. An excellent adjustment by the coaches that will keep games closer and more competitive. The Mustangs has not won in a couple years and this weekend I think the streak ends.

Marriotts Ridge 21
Oakland Mills 7

Good analysis. The OM JV QB sounds like the real deal. I understand he gave RH all they could handle w his feet and his arm.