Patterson (Balt.) at No. 4 Damascus
Maryland 4A Semifinal
Tonight, 7
Outlook: Defending Maryland 4A champion Damascus (11-1) has won six consecutive playoff games behind its ball-control attack, led by All-Met RB Matt Reidy, who rushed 224 times for 1,231 yards and 11 TDs in those six games.
Maryland 4A North Region champion Patterson (10-2) of Baltimore lost to Maryland 1A South champ Dunbar (Balt.) in the regular season, 34-8. Patterson is 227-92-2 under 31-year coach Roger Wrenn -- including postseason appearances in nine of the past 11 years -- but has never won more than one playoff game in a season.
Bel Air at No. 11 Northwest
Maryland 3A Semifinal
Tonight, 7
Outlook: Maryland 3A West champion Northwest (11-1), which already has set a school record for victories in a season, can reach its first state final with a victory over Bel Air (11-1) of Harford County, the Maryland 3A North champion.
Bel Air averages 35.2 points per game; Northwest averages 37.4. Bel Air RB Mike Gable averages almost eight yards a carry; QB Andrew Berry has been out with an injury for three weeks but is expected back today. He threw for 18 touchdowns and one interception before his injury.
No. 13 Douglass at No. 5 Lackey
Maryland 3A Semifinal
Tonight, 7
Outlook: Lackey (12-0) comes into the game with a 15-game home winning streak but must deal with injuries to seven starters (including All-Met RB Morgan Green) and its most physical opponent. Douglass (10-2) has won multiple playoff games in a season for the first time in school history.
The Eagles' bruising defense is led by DLs Thomas Claggett and Patrick Mimms; their offense relies almost exclusively on the running game. RBs Jamaine McCain and Derron Hall have combined for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns for Douglass.
Fort Hill vs. No. 9 Potomac (Md.)
Maryland 2A Semifinal
At C.H. Flowers, Tomorrow, 1
Outlook: Potomac (12-0) has been one of the Washington area's most dominant teams this season, outscoring opponents 449-27 and trailing only once. QB James Nickens (22 TD passes, 3 INTs) and RB Titan Trabue (1,020 yards, 16 TDs) shoulder much of the offensive load. This could be Potomac's toughest test yet; the Sentinels (11-1) have outscored opponents 476-83, including 113-14 in two playoff games. Fort Hill of Cumberland, Md., has one of the state's most devoted followings.
Compiled by Josh Barr, Alan Goldenbach and Jake Schaller.
