DeMatha vs. Phoebus ESPNU

[dunkone]

Heard that the stags will open up vs. Phoebus aug. 24th...glad to see coach brooks challenging the kids on a national level with this game and st. joes regional...

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

Heard that the stags will open up vs. Phoebus aug. 24th...glad to see coach brooks challenging the kids on a national level with this game and st. joes regional...

I agree, DM hasn't challenged their kids in years and seems like they will have their toughest schedule in many years. I think they had to do this to stay in the conversation with Gilman and GC. DeMatha on paper should be the State's #1 but in todays'a game, unless you play someone OOS and OOC, it means nothing.

All that being said, Phoebus isn't the power they use to be. They are now like third best team in the Tidewater area and to be honest, needs this game more than DM. They have been heavily criticized for never playing any OOS competition.

[dunkone]

I agree, DM hasn't challenged their kids in years and seems like they will have their toughest schedule in many years. I think they had to do this to stay in the conversation with Gilman and GC. DeMatha on paper should be the State's #1 but in todays'a game, unless you play someone OOS and OOC, it means nothing.

All that being said, Phoebus isn't the power they use to be. They are now like third best team in the Tidewater area and to be honest, needs this game more than DM. They have been heavily criticized for never playing any OOS competition.

it looks as though coach brooks is slowly trying to put his imprint on the program...i think playing Hillside out of town this yr. was a good first step since hillside has had some success at the big school level down there...despite what others' think, i don't think Mcgregor's overiding motivation was trying to be a national power...DM got a national reputation by of course sending tons of kids to d1 schools and being one of the few schools in the area that did step out and play national teams..but i think winning wcac championships and getting kids into college was his thing..of course because of his success other schools (gc, gilman et) did take things to the next level in terms of scheduling...we'll see if brooks continue down that path..i suspect he will...

[2K10Terp]

I agree, DM hasn't challenged their kids in years and seems like they will have their toughest schedule in many years. I think they had to do this to stay in the conversation with Gilman and GC. DeMatha on paper should be the State's #1 but in todays'a game, unless you play someone OOS and OOC, it means nothing.

All that being said, Phoebus isn't the power they use to be. They are now like third best team in the Tidewater area and to be honest, needs this game more than DM. They have been heavily criticized for never playing any OOS competition.

I think this is all great for the state of MD. We are slowly overcoming many obstacles and knocking down all preconceived notions that we are not a state known for football talent.

Also Greyhound, why would you rank Dematha higher than GC? They havent beaten them in like the past 2-3 years and they have a crop of young talent over there returning as well.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

I think this is all great for the state of MD. We are slowly overcoming many obstacles and knocking down all preconceived notions that we are not a state known for football talent.

Also Greyhound, why would you rank Dematha higher than GC? They havent beaten them in like the past 2-3 years and they have a crop of young talent over there returning as well.

DeMatha returns 18 starters(unless kids leave)! The kids GC have over there aren't what theh have had in years past. I saw GC play three times this past year. They were nothing without Dorian and Kendall. They have talent over there but that talent isn't close to the level of what they are losing. No Marshall, Garner, Fuller, O'Daniel,just too much. DM played them tough even with those guys and DeMatha returns EVERYBODY! GC will have an insane OL though.

If I were ranking teams right now, I would have it

1.DM
2.GC
3.Gilman

I'm only ranking GC above Gilman because Gilman lost just as much as GC and has questions on defense. If Gilman answers those questions, I believe they wil beat GC because they return all their skill players except Shane.

[2K10Terp]

DeMatha returns 18 starters(unless kids leave)! The kids GC have over there aren't what theh have had in years past. I saw GC play three times this past year. They were nothing without Dorian and Kendall. They have talent over there but that talent isn't close to the level of what they are losing. No Marshall, Garner, Fuller, O'Daniel,just too much. DM played them tough even with those guys and DeMatha returns EVERYBODY! GC will have an insane OL though.

If I were ranking teams right now, I would have it

1.DM
2.GC
3.Gilman

I'm only ranking GC above Gilman because Gilman lost just as much as GC and has questions on defense. If Gilman answers those questions, I believe they wil beat GC because they return all their skill players except Shane.

Good points, I think your opinion is justified but I do think GC has more returning than people think. I also believe a great OL can get you a long way especially if your scheme caters towards that. DM does have more big time names returning but I am hesitant to crown them as #1 in the state for the preseason when they havent beaten them in like the past 3-4 years.

On paper schools like ECA look great but I wouldnt crown them that high (#1) until they proved that can beat the big dawgs in the state. Dematha can compete with the best but competing and beating them are two different things. They have not beat GC or Gilman in like the past 3-4 outings so that influences me being hesitant to crown them #1 in the state early. If schools like GC and Gilman did not consistently reload then I would probably agree completely with what your saying.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

Good points, I think your opinion is justified but I do think GC has more returning than people think. I also believe a great OL can get you a long way especially if your scheme caters towards that. DM does have more big time names returning but I am hesitant to crown them as #1 in the state for the preseason when they havent beaten them in like the past 3-4 years.

On paper schools like ECA look great but I wouldnt crown them that high (#1) until they proved that can beat the big dawgs in the state. Dematha can compete with the best but competing and beating them are two different things. They have not beat GC or Gilman in like the past 3-4 outings so that influences me being hesitant to crown them #1 in the state early. If schools like GC and Gilman did not consistently reload then I would probably agree completely with what your saying.

I think GC's biggest issue will be finding a game breaker. Gilman lost to GC because of two player, Dorian and Fuller. They made plays when they needed to. I'm also not sold on GC's QB. But Leo is a good RB for GC and that OL will open gigantic holes. DM has game breakers at all the skill positions, Gilman also has that. Even without Shane, Locksley is a game breaker at QB.

I also agree with what you said, until DM beats GC then GC probably should be favored. I'm just going on paper right now. I wouldn't be surprised one but if GC beats DM again next year.

[dunkone]

Good points, I think your opinion is justified but I do think GC has more returning than people think. I also believe a great OL can get you a long way especially if your scheme caters towards that. DM does have more big time names returning but I am hesitant to crown them as #1 in the state for the preseason when they havent beaten them in like the past 3-4 years.

On paper schools like ECA look great but I wouldnt crown them that high (#1) until they proved that can beat the big dawgs in the state. Dematha can compete with the best but competing and beating them are two different things. They have not beat GC or Gilman in like the past 3-4 outings so that influences me being hesitant to crown them #1 in the state early. If schools like GC and Gilman did not consistently reload then I would probably agree completely with what your saying.

GC does have some very good talent coming back...IMO the OL is good but not great..I think that Mustipher is the only high level player on the OL although i know other kids have gotten offers...i just haven't seen them dominate at the high school level yet although as a unit they are well coached and play well together(always have)....also. like GA said not sure if GC has the playmakers as in yrs....the 4 losses vs. Gc(other than the championship in 2010) have been hard fought games where the gc playmakers(diggs, fuller and o'danie) all made game changing plays that made the difference betweens wins and losses..btw, the stags and gilman have split the last 4 games..dm won by more than 3td's in 07 and 09 and gilman won in 08 by a td and by 3td's in 2010...we'll see who's number 1 on the field though..

[watson34]

As we all know, in the off season of the privates most will be getting transfers in to fill holes. DM got the QB last year to fill a major hole. GC has players coming up that no one has heard of who will contribute mightily, and lets not put the coaching effort on the shelf. If its power football then that is what it will be. DM survived for years on this strategy. Gilman will be bringing up players and some of those Freshman on Varsity will be ready to breakout. Gilman needs to loosen the rains on the offense and they should be fine.

Next Season, GC should be #1 until someone knocks them off, Gilman #2 as clearly one of the best teams in the State. DM to start should be #4 or #5 behind some very good public's until they beat somebody and make a case for the top spots.

We should know early what all these teams are made of because of the OOS schedules. Just sit back and it will all pan out, because no one will be ducking anyone other than DM vs Gilman. That is why we play the game.

[hssports]

GC #1, Gilman #2, DM #3....

The way it is currently setup GC gets the short end of the stick....they play both Gilman and DM every year...the others do not....For that reason alone they should be preseason
#1. Gilman and DM need to get a game on!

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

GC #1, Gilman #2, DM #3....

The way it is currently setup GC gets the short end of the stick....they play both Gilman and DM every year...the others do not....For that reason alone they should be preseason
#1. Gilman and DM need to get a game on!

It's all on DM, they won't play Gilman any longer.

[dunkone]

It's all on DM, they won't play Gilman any longer.

of course it's all above the kids head right now...but i know for a fact the kids on the team i happen to know are itching to play gilman (1 or 2 coaches feel the same way also)...they still have nothing but love for shane...just don't know if it's going to happen as things stand now..unfortunate..

[Hallman]

DeMatha returns 18 starters(unless kids leave)! The kids GC have over there aren't what theh have had in years past. I saw GC play three times this past year. They were nothing without Dorian and Kendall. They have talent over there but that talent isn't close to the level of what they are losing. No Marshall, Garner, Fuller, O'Daniel,just too much. DM played them tough even with those guys and DeMatha returns EVERYBODY! GC will have an insane OL though.

If I were ranking teams right now, I would have it

1.DM
2.GC
3.Gilman

I'm only ranking GC above Gilman because Gilman lost just as much as GC and has questions on defense. If Gilman answers those questions, I believe they wil beat GC because they return all their skill players except Shane.

Don't go to sleep on Calvert Hall

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

Don't go to sleep on Calvert Hall

Until CHC gets a OL/DL they aren't even in the conversation. They will be good, don't get me wrong but those lines are their Achilles heal. All of the other three teams are STACKED At the lines positions. Gilman will have a better OL next year than they had this past season. And they will be huge. GC will have the best line in the state and DM is stacked on both lines. CHC needs to stop recruiting 15 skill guys!

[hssports]

Don't go to sleep on Calvert Hall

I think CH could be in the equation if they improved their OOC schedule. Are they playing anyone other than DM?
Until they do, I don't think they deserve to be in the top 3.

[hssports]

As we all know, in the off season of the privates most will be getting transfers in to fill holes. DM got the QB last year to fill a major hole. GC has players coming up that no one has heard of who will contribute mightily, and lets not put the coaching effort on the shelf. If its power football then that is what it will be. DM survived for years on this strategy. Gilman will be bringing up players and some of those Freshman on Varsity will be ready to breakout. Gilman needs to loosen the rains on the offense and they should be fine.

Next Season, GC should be #1 until someone knocks them off, Gilman #2 as clearly one of the best teams in the State. DM to start should be #4 or #5 behind some very good public's until they beat somebody and make a case for the top spots.

We should know early what all these teams are made of because of the OOS schedules. Just sit back and it will all pan out, because no one will be ducking anyone other than DM vs Gilman. That is why we play the game.

Agree with most of your post but,
I don't think DM did any better with the transfer QB than what they could have done with the old QB. They still lost to GC and Gonzaga. They did make it to the final but with a team that returned a lot of starters at other positions. Sometimes bringing in a player doesn't guarantee positive results. The old QB was blamed for all of DM's ill's. Old QB got the shaft and he and his brother transferred.

[watson34]

HSPORTS, if you think DM's existing QB is not heads and heals better than their last, then I would not want you searching for talent for me.

Although they did not win the big one's, it was clear that the new QB brought the passing game to a new level and he also was a threat to run. Last years QB could have won a number of games but could not read the defense. When he should have run he didn't and when he did, he did not look down field because he had better options.

The former QB had a miss read where he should have run but threw a pick to Fuller cost DM possibly the biggest win for new coach. Fact is, if they were satisfied why go on such a major search for a replacement. And it was a major search with calls to alumni and the like.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

I think CH could be in the equation if they improved their OOC schedule. Are they playing anyone other than DM?
Until they do, I don't think they deserve to be in the top 3.

I agree with this as well. CHC HAS to up their schedule. DeMatha is doing it but even with that, until they get either better line prospects or better line coaches, it will all be moot. CHC also needs a better off season strength program. Anyone who saw the last CHC-Gilman game saw the huge gap between the teams and it all starts up front.

I still think they will be very good next year and I think they will be right in the mix for the MIAA title, especially with no playoffs. But like I said, whoever wins the MIAA title this year is strictly a paper Champion. That's why the need for tougher OOC games. Btw, I believe CHC plays GC this year and not DM.

[hssports]

HSPORTS, if you think DM's existing QB is not heads and heals better than their last, then I would not want you searching for talent for me.

Although they did not win the big one's, it was clear that the new QB brought the passing game to a new level and he also was a threat to run. Last years QB could have won a number of games but could not read the defense. When he should have run he didn't and when he did, he did not look down field because he had better options.

The former QB had a miss read where he should have run but threw a pick to Fuller cost DM possibly the biggest win for new coach. Fact is, if they were satisfied why go on such a major search for a replacement. And it was a major search with calls to alumni and the like.

The new QB may have been better but, that doesn't guarantee you anything! The new QB had better talent all around him than the old QB. If you want to pick specific examples of bad decision making look at the championship game this year....threw a bad pass in 1st quarter and GC intercepted and turned momentum in whole game. All players make bad decisions so don't just highlight the one the old QB made. I wouldn't want to be on a team where the coaches are blaming one person for all of their ills. That usually is not the case. He was not the entire reason DM lost to GC in that game - statistically he did very well in that game....he had a couple of long td throws...- be balanced- give credit where it is due.
They got rid of him and brought in talent(QB)...they had a ton of talent return only to finish in the exact place they did the year before - 3rd place in the regular season
They would have gone just as far with the old QB. It is about the entire team and coaches rather than just going out and getting a "new and improved" QB.

[Hallman]

I agree with this as well. CHC HAS to up their schedule. DeMatha is doing it but even with that, until they get either better line prospects or better line coaches, it will all be moot. CHC also needs a better off season strength program. Anyone who saw the last CHC-Gilman game saw the huge gap between the teams and it all starts up front.

I still think they will be very good next year and I think they will be right in the mix for the MIAA title, especially with no playoffs. But like I said, whoever wins the MIAA title this year is strictly a paper Champion. That's why the need for tougher OOC games. Btw, I believe CHC plays GC this year and not DM.

I agree with the srength program. CHC needs to ramp that up. I do believe Calvert Hall plays GC this year and also believe they are looking to stengthen the OOC schedule.