Washington Prevails Over Baltimore in All-Star Game

TOWSON, Md., Dec. 20 -- As 100 of the best high school football players in Maryland huddled together for the trophy presentation at the end of the 2008 Maryland Crab Bowl, a distinctive chirp began among some of the athletes.

"Terps! Terps!" they cheered. "Terps! Terps!"

Yesterday's game at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University may have been a showcase of the state's best talent, but it turned into a display of the University of Maryland's football future as the Washington area all-stars, led by Terrapins recruits Caleb Porzel and De'Onte Arnett, defeated the Baltimore all-stars, 32-21.

In total, nine members of the University of Maryland's 2009 recruiting class participated in the game, eight on the winning Washington squad. Joining Porzel and Arnett on the Washington team were Quince Orchard's Travis Hawkins, Eleanor Roosevelt's Isaiah Ross and Derrick Thomas, Northwest's Marcus Whitfield, C.H. Flowers' Lorne Goree and DeMatha's Pete deSouza. Perry Hall's Dave Stinebaugh played for Baltimore.

"Recently we all had our official visit and then we come and played in this game, so I've been with them for the last two weeks," Arnett said. "It's been a lot of fun bonding and playing with them."

The Forestville Military Academy defensive end turned the tables on usual all-star game etiquette by stealing the spotlight from the glut of talented offensive players on both teams. In addition to two tackles, Arnett showcased what makes him most valuable to a Terrapins team looking to address needs on its defensive line -- his speed off the edge. Arnett chased several Baltimore quarterbacks around the backfield and was credited with 1.5 sacks.

The 6-foot-4, 243-pound Arnett plans to graduate early and head to College Park in January to jump start his hopes of becoming a freshman starter.

"I'm leaving in January, so this is a great going away present," Arnett said. "The coaches told me I have a chance to start if I work hard. I almost see myself [starting]."

Porzel, an All-Met, managed to be a consistent presence in a game where offensive lineups rotated on almost a drive-by-drive basis.

The Good Counsel running back led all players with three touchdowns and all rushers with 40 yards on 14 carries. Being at the game gave Porzel the chance to scope out 16 other players considering joining the Terrapins in addition to the nine who have already orally committed.

"I'm trying to get [teammate] Jelani [Jenkins] and some others to come to Maryland," Porzel said. "I think it would be a good choice. I'm making a little progress [with Jenkins], but we'll see what happens."

Washington 32 Baltimore 21

Running Man: Dunbar (Balt.) running back Tavon Austin, who is considering Maryland, West Virginia, Michigan and South Carolina, was second among scorers with two touchdowns, including a 84-yard kick return in the second quarter.

Moo-Moo Machine: Westlake's Devon Smith, a Penn State recruit, continued his reputation for explosive plays with 145 yards and a TD on two kick returns.