Football: Week 9 Power Rankings (and playoff scenarios)

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: October 31, 2008

Glenelg over Howard. I sure didn’t see that one coming. I guess it’s like coaches always say, on any given day, any team can beat any team. I certainly can’t drop Howard below Glenelg, so I’ve had to make some tough moves. I’ve had to put some teams behind teams that they’ve beaten head-to-head. Spots 6 through 9 are the tough ones. Oh yeah, I guess I’ve got to man up and admit how wrong I was on my Wilde Lake-River Hill prediction. In case you forgot, I guessed 35-6. It was 12-0. Am I allowed to just say the rain slowed them down? No more homecoming games, so everything is Friday at 7.

1. (1-last week’s ranking) River Hill. (8-0, 372 points scored, 22 points allowed)

Nothing left to prove in this county. You can lock them into the top spot for the rest of the season.They showed that they can win a sloppy game in bad weather, which could be important in the playoffs. Five shutouts in its past six games is impressive.

Last week: Beat Wilde Lake (7-1), 12-0. This week: at Hammond (0-8).

2. (2) Wilde Lake. (7-1, 218-111)

No one likes a moral victory, but the Wildecats showed a lot by holding River Hill to 12 points. They proved that they’re one of the best teams in the state and are capable of a nice playoff run. Except for nights off against Glenelg and Atholton (combined 56 points allowed) the defense has been superb.

Last week: Lost to River Hill (8-0), 12-0. This week: home against No. 7 Centennial (4-4).

3. (3) Marriotts Ridge. (6-2, 250-120)

Even if they close out with wins against Howard and Centennial, the Mustangs may be the hard-luck team that goes 8-2 and misses the playoffs. They’re certainly deserving of the playoffs: their only losses are to River Hill and Wilde Lake, both state championship contenders. The problem is they share the ultra competitive 2A South with teams such as the aforementioned River Hill, and North Point, Gwynn Park, Patuxent, and Douglass — schools that rack up bonus points for beating larger schools with winning records. Patuxent, which sits 14 points ahead of Marriotts Ridge and currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the 2A South, has games against Calvert (2-6) and Great Mills (0-8) remaining.

Last week: Beat Atholton (2-6), 42-22. This week: home against No. 5 Howard (5-3).

4. (5) Long Reach. (5-3, 178-160)

Long Reach is on a roll and shouldn’t have too much trouble finishing the season 7-3. The only thing that might hurt them in their attempt to make the playoffs is that their two remaining opponents have only three wins worth of bonus points available. Trying to play out all these scenarios gives me a headache though, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-7), 49-21. This week: at No. 10 Mt. Hebron (3-5).

5. (4) Howard. (5-3, 231-139)

Yes, yes, I know Howard bludgeoned Long Reach, but that was in week three and anything can happen in a rivalry game. Long Reach’s only other two losses are to River Hill and Wilde Lake. Howard, meanwhile has lost to Centennial and Glenelg. Curiously, with a win this week over Marriotts Ridge, and its six wins worth of bonus points, the Lions would make a strong burst in a tight and wide open playoff race in the 3A East. That discrepancy should make the Mustangs very eager to play the spoiler.

Last week: Lost to Glenelg (3-5), 17-14. This week: at No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (6-2).

6. (8) Atholton. (2-6, 157-223)

Quite a jump for a team that lost, I know, but 6 through 9 are a mystery. Why are they here? They don’t get to play Hammond, which Centennial, Glenelg, and Reservoir all did. They lost three games by a TD or less (two to Howard and Wilde Lake). And they beat Glenelg by two touchdowns only two weeks ago. Now can they defend this spot against Reservoir, close out the season with consecutive wins, and take some promise into next season?

Last week: Lost to Marriotts Ridge (3-3), 27-12. This week: home against No. 9 Reservoir (4-4).

7. (7) Centennial. (4-4, 158-169)

The Eagles may have had their last fun of the season beating up on hapless Hammond. Now they’ve got Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge coming up. But they beat Howard and Glenelg, won the Holshue Cup, and broke the school record for rushing yards in a game. Not a bad first campaign for Ken Senisi.

Last week: Beat Hammond (0-8), 48-12. This week: at No. 2 Wilde Lake (7-1).

8. (9) Glenelg. (3-5, 190-189)

Just when I thought I had this thing figured out, Glenelg had to go and mess it all up. I had them up higher earlier in the season, but then they lost to Centennial and Atholton. Glenelg’s win over Howard was big, but Centennial has also beaten the Lions, and Atholton lost by just a field goal.

Last week: Beat Howard (5-3), 17-14. This week: home against Oakland Mills (1-7).

9. (6) Reservoir. (4-4, 119-178)

I hate to drop Reservoir this far after a win, but aside from their shutout of Centennial in week two, they haven’t beaten anyone above them. I’m starting to feel like No. 10 could beat No. 4 on the right day. The only sure thing in these rankings is 1, 2, and 3. If the Gators fall to Atholton this week we could finish the season with four teams that are 4-6. In the NFL, they love to call that “parity.”

Last week: Beat Mt. Hebron (3-5), 22-17. This week: at No. 6 Atholton (2-6)

10. (10) Mt. Hebron. (3-5, 143-213)

I made the Vikes my upset pick of the week last week. I was wrong: it was Glenelg. But Mt. Hebron came close, falling by six points to then No. 6 Reservoir. They’ve done some good things this season.

Last week: Lost to Reservoir (4-4), 22-17. This week: home against No. 4 Long Reach (5-3).

On the bubble: Hammond (0-8), Oakland Mills (1-7).

Stat of the week: Oakland Mills has allowed exactly 49 points in three straight weeks. All they had to do was score 50 each time and they’d have three wins.

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30-second Time out with …

By Brent Kennedy
Posted: October 30, 2008

… Matt Philie, Glenelg senior golfer.

Philie put it all together at the state golf tournament last week, shooting back-to-back rounds of 79 and 76 to finish fifth individually. His 155 total also helped lead the Gladiators to a second-place finish as a team in the 1A/2A classification. During the last three years, with Philie leading as its top player, Glenelg has one first-place and two second-place finishes at the season-ending tournament.

TV show I can’t miss: The Office, SNL

Lowest 18-hole score you ever shot: 68

What’s harder, real golf or mini golf?: Real golf

How many holes-in-one do you think you’ll make in your life? 8, even though I have 0 now

Best movie I saw recently: Pineapple Express was pretty funny

Hardest class you ever took: AP English

When I grow up I want to: graduate from West Point while playing on the golf team, serve in the army, then find a good job that gives me time to golf

Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi over Coke, but Mountain Dew is the best

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Football: Week 8 power rankings

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: October 24, 2008

No big movers in the rankings this week. The only “upset” was Atholton over free-falling Glenelg, so those two swap positions at Nos. 8 and 9.

But who cares about 3 through 10 this week! The only thing anyone wants to talk about is the battle for No. 1 on Saturday, when No. 2 Wilde Lake travels to No. 1 River Hill. Howard County has football fever!

After watching both teams play several times, I just can’t see River Hill losing. But I’ve been wrong before, and Wilde Lake has been playing up or down to its competition this season. A Wilde Lake win would have to be considered one of the biggest upsets in county history.

The forecast is calling for rain, which could have an effect on the game. Probably not on the outcome, though. Scoring predictions are in vogue these days, so here goes: River Hill 35, Wilde Lake 6.

1. (last week’s ranking: 1) River Hill (7-0, 360 points scored, 22 points allowed)

If there was any doubt about their strength, the Hawks showed they’re the real deal with a 41-0 shutout of a rock-solid Marriotts Ridge. Michael Campanaro and Malek Redd are approaching playoff speed, and the defense is crashing through opposing lines as if they’re not there.

Last week: Beat Marriotts Ridge (5-2), 41-0. This week: home against No. 2 Wilde Lake (7-0), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).

2. (2) Wilde Lake (7-0, 218-99)

The Wildecats have some of the best athletes in the county, but they could use an inspirational speech from alumnus Jimmy Traber before playing River Hill. Longtime coach Doug DuVall should come up with something pretty good, too. Either way, it’s going to take an exceptional performance to beat the Hawks.

Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-6), 49-7. This week: at No. 1 River Hill (7-0), Saturday at 1.

3. (3) Marriotts Ridge (5-2, 208-98)

The Mustangs have to bounce back from a humbling loss to River Hill and get some swagger again if they hope to win out and make the playoffs for the first time. They shouldn’t have too much trouble beating Atholton, but Howard next week will be a real test and a ticket to the playoffs could be on the line.

Last week: Lost to River Hill (7-0), 41-0. This week: home against No. 8 Atholton (2-5), Friday at 7.

4. (4) Howard (5-2, 217-122)

Looked strong against Reservoir. The big test will be Marriotts Ridge on Halloween night. A win there would knock the Mustangs out in the 2A South, while Howard, which doesn’t have to play River Hill this season, could still get in to the 3A East playoffs.

Last week: Beat Reservoir (3-4), 26-8. This week: home against No. 9 Glenelg (2-5), Saturday at 2 (homecoming).

5. (5) Long Reach (4-3, 129-139)

The Lightning got the big win they needed against Centennial and are poised to run the table. They’re sixth in the MPSSAA points standings, and only two points out of fourth, so if they can stay focused, three straight wins should give them a strong shot at getting in.

Last week: Beat Centennial (3-4), 14-7. This week: home against Oakland Mills (1-6), Friday at 7.

6. (6) Reservoir. (3-4, 97-161)

The Gators have good size and strength, but they seem to lack that extra burst of team speed and athleticism to knock off the playoff contenders.

Last week: Lost to Howard (5-2), 26-8. This week: home against No. 10 Mt. Hebron (3-4), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).

7. (7) Centennial. (3-4, 110-157)

The Eagles couldn’t pull the upset they needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Now they’ll try to play spoilers against Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge in the final two weeks of the season.

Last week: Lost to Long Reach (4-3), 14-7. This week: at Hammond (0-7), Friday at 7.

8. (9) Atholton. (2-5, 135-181)

It appears the Raiders are finally starting to wake up to their preseason promise. Now the question is, can the confidence gained from beating Glenelg help them make a run at Marriotts Ridge? Looking back at their schedule they’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from being a 5-2 team… (I know, last week I also said they could be winless. Both scenarios were very possible. That’s why high school football is so exciting!)

Last week: Beat Glenelg (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (5-2), Friday at 7.

9. (8) Glenelg (2-5, 173-175)

The Gladiators finally slipped into the negative on the points-for, points-against margin and still have to play Howard and River Hill. Wheels are officially off.

Last week: Lost to Atholton (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 4 Howard (5-2), Saturday at 2.

10. (10) Mt. Hebron (3-4, 126-191)

Even without Jackson Jordan (torn anterior and medial collateral ligaments in Week 1), the Vikings have hung in there. Junior quarterback Clint Huber is getting more comfortable on the field and developing rapport with wide receiver Spencer Wilkins. Mt. Hebron at Reservoir on Saturday is my upset special of the week. (I’m not saying it’s GOING to happen, I’m just saying if there is an upset, this will be it…)

Last week: Beat Hammond (0-7), 25-8. This week: at No. 6 Reservoir (3-4), Saturday at 1.

On the bubble: Hammond (0-7), Oakland Mills (1-6).

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A gallery of memories

By Carol Gralia
Posted: October 21, 2008

In a few days I will be heading back to my alma mater to help it take care of some unfinished business.

Butler University has decided to honor the female athletes who represented the school before its women’s sports teams there affiliated with the NCAA. Think pre-Title IX. The ceremony will take place during homecoming weekend, and I am looking forward to it.

I went to Butler to major in zoology, but quickly switched to physical education. Naturally, the PE majors were heavily involved in intramurals and intercollegiate athletics, including playdays. Participating in women’s sports then, even at the collegiate level, wasn’t like it is now. We practiced a few times a week and had just a handful of games. Our uniforms were hand-me-downs from previous years. No warm-up suits with our names on the back; no Under Armor or other high-tech synthetic fabric. On our feet, Puma and adidas had yet to edge canvas shoes like Sperry Topsiders or Keds as the footwear of choice.

There were inequities, and we knew it. Only once or twice were we women allowed to play on the “big” floor in our historic field house. That highly glossed surface was reserved for the men’s basketball team. Our gym was the West gym, an annex with dimmer lights, smaller scoreboards and no bleachers for fans to sit in — should any come to one of our games.

We knew we were separate, and not equal, but we accepted it because that’s simply the way it was. We hadn’t realized how liberating it would be to eventually burn our bras.

Still, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to represent our school. I remember playing  basketball, volleyball, field hockey and badminton. We played for the joy and camaraderie of it.

Our field hockey team made a deal with our coach. If we went undefeated she had to buy us tunics to replace the shorts that we wore as uniforms. Real field hockey teams then wore tunics. Since we were a start-up program, she thought she was safe. To her surprise, and ours too, we managed to eke out an unbeaten season as we learned to never underestimate the power of collective desire.

I’m sure when I’m back, standing among my former teammates, we will talk about these things and about how we wish that we had the opportunities now available to female athletes.

We’ll talk about how times have changed, and how lucky we were to be able to represent our school even if it has taken decades for Butler to officially recognize us.

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30-second Time Out with …

By Brent Kennedy
Posted: October 20, 2008

… Corey Krewson, River Hill junior boys soccer defender.

Krewson leads a Hawks defense that recorded its sixth shutout of the season on Oct. 14 against Reservoir. He was a member of the second team all-county squad as a sophomore and has been even better this season. With one game left in the regular season, River Hill is 8-1-1 in county play and in line for a spot in the county championship game against Marriotts Ridge on Oct. 21.

TV show I can’t miss: The Office
Best on-field moment: First varsity goal
Favorite pre-game song: Out here grindin - DJ Khaled
Hobby no one knows that I currently or used to have: Fishing
If you weren’t playing soccer, what sport would you play?  Basketball
Professional athlete role model: Steve Nash
Favorite movie of all time: Kicking and Screaming
Hardest class you ever took: Pre-Calculus
When I grow up I want to be: An Electrical Engineer
Pepsi or Coke: Neither, no caffeine for me

Got an idea for a ‘30-second Time Out’ question? Know a local athlete who would be an ideal candidate for a ‘30-second Time Out?’ Send your suggestions to the sports staff at howardcountysports@patuxent.com.

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