Key Games
Friday, November 19, 2004; Page D06
Outlook: Broadneck's Chris Desautels and Old Mill's Ryan Callahan are known as a star kicker and running back, respectively. But this game between county rivals may hinge on how they perform in their secondary roles. When he punts and kicks off, Desautels will have to kick away from returner Callahan. The junior has returned four kicks for touchdowns for Old Mill (10-1), including a 95-yard kickoff return in a 24-14 loss to Broadneck (10-1) on Oct. 15.
Outlook: Churchill (10-1) has won nine straight games since Nick Scrivens (1,537 yards passing, 20 TDs, 5 INTs) took over at quarterback. But in tonight's Maryland 4A West Region final, the Bulldogs must contend with defending state champion Damascus (10-1) and its ball-control offense led by All-Met RB Matt Reidy (292 carries, 1,489 yards).
|
Outlook: Lackey has beaten Westlake three times in the past 12 months -- including a 14-13 win in the regional title game last year. All-Met running back Morgan Green -- who has appeared in just four plays the past four games for Lackey (11-0) because of a hamstring injury -- will likely miss this game, too. The starting backfield of Aaris Reed and Pha'Terrell Washington should return from ankle injuries for Westlake (9-2).
Outlook: A rematch of the 2003 regional final that Gwynn Park won to avenge a regular season loss. This season, it is Douglass (9-2) that hopes to atone for a 28-6 loss to the Yellow Jackets (11-0) on Oct. 30. Eagles will need a big game from QB Davon Gray (8 TDs rushing, 4 passing) against a Gwynn Park defense that has posted five shutouts and held three other opponents to one touchdown or fewer.
Outlook: Third-year starting QB Cory Rhodes and RB Bruce Dorsey, who has set the school single-season record with 2,029 rushing yards, lead Frederick (10-1). The Cadets, who won two games two years ago, face one of the area's most explosive teams -- seven players have scored four or more TDs for the Jaguars (10-1).
Outlook: Since opening the season with lopsided losses to Potomac and Gwynn Park, Friendly (7-3) has turned its season around, largely behind the play of sophomore QB Joe Haden (1,795 yards passing, 14 TDs). But they will need a big game from LB Rodney Pittman today; Potomac (11-0) averages 37 points per game.
Outlook: Since Larry Hurd took over at Poolesville last season, the Falcons are 22-1. Their only loss came in last year's Maryland 1A South Region championship against Dunbar, 30-22. Saturday's rematch will be the toughest test this season for Poolesville (11-0), which allows just 5.5 points per game. The Poets (10-1) average 39 points per game.