Brent Kluge and River Hill Grind Out a 27-0 Victory Over Wilde Lake

When River Hill's Brent Kluge looked out the window at the gray clouds descending upon much of Howard County on Friday, he couldn't help but smile when he thought about that night's rivalry game against Wilde Lake.

"The rainy weather is prime season for us," the 205-pound junior said after the Hawks rode him to a dominating 27-0 win over last year's 3A state finalist, extending their area-best win streak to 30 games.

No. 6 River Hill (2-0) had touchdown drives of 11, 12, and 13 plays, including a 76-yard march that chewed up close to eight minutes to begin the second half. Most of the damage came from Kluge (22 carries, 146 yards), a newfound weapon for the two-time defending 2A state champions who does not shy from contact.

Kluge, a fullback, transferred to River Hill from 3A state semifinalist Hereford during the fourth quarter of last school year. Originally slotted as a backup by Coach Brian Van Deusen, Kluge got the starting call Friday night because of an injury to senior Kevin Moore.

He was the perfect remedy in a game that featured little passing, and very few shifty moves thanks to the slippery grass and steady rain. Kluge got stronger as the game wore on, culminating the Hawks' drive to start the second half with his lone touchdown, a 16-yard run around the right tackle. Later, on his 20th carry of the night, he looked to be stopped by several Wildecats before breaking down the sideline for a 16-yard scamper.

"He's a strong kid . . . and he's a hard runner," Van Deusen said.

Wilde Lake (1-1) had trouble sustaining drives because of some ill-timed penalties and had no answer to a drastic difference in time of possession. The Hawks ran as many plays in the second half (32) as the Wildecats did the entire game.

River Hill quarterback Harry McLaughlin had two rushing touchdowns in the first half, while Wake Forest recruit Kevin Johnson also was solid, finishing with 66 yards rushing. But the star on this night was the team's new battering ram of a fullback, who proved himself to be yet another option in the vast arsenal of River Hill's powerful attack.

"I may not be the fastest person," Kluge said. "But I just like to lower my head and run over people."

No. 6 River Hill 27, Wilde Lake 0 Long Time Coming: First-year Wilde Lake Coach Mike Harrison graduated from the school in 1982, took stats in 1985, became a team scout in 1986 and then took on an assistant coaching job the next year before being elevated to the top spot this fall. Perception in Numbers: Friday night was either River Hill's sixth or seventh straight victory over Wilde Lake, depending on whom you ask. On the field, the Wildecats last beat the Hawks in 2003, but were later forced to forfeit that game.