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2006 MVAL Football Standings
(following week #11)
Antietam Conference
Team...........Conference....MVAL.....Overall
x-Boonsboro.............6-1......6-2........8-3
North Hagerstown.....6-1......8-4........8-4
Catoctin....................5-2......6-2........7-4
South Hagerstown.....4-3......4-6........4-6
Smithsburg...............3-4......3-5........5-5
Brunswick.................3-4......4-5........5-5
Williamsport.............1-6......1-6........2-8
Clear Spring..............0-7......0-7........1-9
Chesapeake Conference
Team...........Conference....MVAL.....Overall
x-Linganore.............6-0.......8-1........8-3
Thomas Johnson......5-1.......8-1........9-2
Urbana....................4-2.......6-3........9-3
Century...................3-3.......5-5........5-5
North Carroll...........2-4.......4-6........4-6
Westminster............1-5......4-6.......4-6
Tuscarora................0-6.......4-6........4-6
Piedmont Conference
Team...........Conference....MVAL.....Overall
x-Middletown.......6-0......11-1.......11-1
F.Scott Key..........4-2.......7-4........7-4
Winters Mill.........4-2.......6-5........6-5
Walkersville..........3-3.......4-6........4-6
Frederick..............2-4.......3-7........3-7
South Carroll........2-4.......3-7.......3-7
Liberty.................0-6.......0-10.......0-10
x-conference champions or co-champions
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2006 Beef 'O Brady's MVAL Post Season Awards
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2006 MVAL Power Poll
(FINAL)
1. Middletown (11-2)
2. Urbana (9-4)
3. Linganore (8-3)
4. Thomas Johnson (9-2)
5. North Hagerstown (8-4)
6. Francis Scott Key (7-4)
7. Boonsboro (8-3)
8. Winters Mill (6-5)
9. Catoctin (7-4)
10. Century (5-5)
11. North Carroll (4-6)
12. Westminster (4-6)
13. Walkersville (4-6)
14. Tuscarora (4-6)
15. Frederick (3-7)
16. Smithsburg (5-5)
17. Brunswick (5-5)
18. South Carroll (3-7)
19. South Hagerstown (4-6)
20. Williamsport (2-8)
21. Liberty (0-10)
22. Clear Spring (1-9)
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2006 Playoffs Parings
4A North
Friday, Nov. 17
No. 3 Sherwood 39, No. 2 Thomas Johnson 7
3A West
Friday, Nov. 17
No. 2 Kennedy def. No. 3 Seneca Valley 7
Semifinals; Saturday, Nov. 18
No. 4 Urbana 17, No. 1 Linganore 0
Finals; Friday, Nov. 24
No. 4 Urbana 49, No. 2 Kennedy 13
3A State Semifinals
Friendly 43, Urbana 21
2A West
Semifinals; Friday, Nov. 17
No. 1 Middletown 30, No. 4 Winters Mill 0
No. 3 North Hagerstown 27, No. 2 Francis Scott Key 7
Finals; Friday, Nov. 24
Middletown 43, No. 3 North Hagerstown 24
2A State Semifinals
McDonough 42, Middletown 13
1A West
Friday, Nov. 17
No. 3 Allegany 33, No. 2 Boonsboro 0
1A North
Friday, Nov. 17
No. 3 Havre de Grace 51, No. 2 Catoctin 50
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Oeming's back at North Carroll
By Patrick Stoetzer, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
In a continuing effort to turn its football program into a winner, North Carroll is turning to the only coach in school history to post a non-losing career record.
Jeff Oeming is returning for his second stint as North Carroll's varsity coach, having gone 10-10 at the Hampstead school from 1986-87.
"I don't feel like I ever really left," said Oeming, who took over a program that had lost 19 straight and went 6-4 in his first year at NC.
The Panthers haven't had a better season since. The other nine coaches in school history finished with losing overall marks, going a combined 108-251.
The 52-year-old Oeming replaces Rob Johnson, who said time constraints at his Department of Juvenile Services job caused him to step down after going 6-14 in two seasons.
"As much as I want [to stay], my allegiance is to my work," Johnson said. "I realized that by the end of last season. It's the best thing for the kids. I'll continue to support, and hopefully be a part of, the program."
Ironically, Johnson was the star running back on Oeming's first team at North Carroll.
"I think the world of him," Johnson said of Oeming. "To be quite honest, he should've been given the opportunity earlier."
Oeming, a social studies teacher at Westminster High, left North Carroll to coach at Westminster from 1988-93. He went 24-36 with the Owls, twice winning conference titles and fashioning a 13-5 record against Carroll teams. He spent the past four seasons at Loyola as an assistant.
He'll be the sixth Panthers coach in seven seasons. North Carroll is 14-46 in that stretch, but Oeming is looking ahead.
"North Carroll needs more than a one-year-at-a-time type thing," he said. "What we'd like to do is establish a strong program, begin to build a strong tradition."
Oeming and NC athletic director Troy Warehime agreed that Johnson leaves the program in good shape. (The Panthers' assistants are all expected to return.)
"I'll look to win the first game and look to win every game, every time we take the field," Oeming said. "Consistency is important, too. We're not going to mortgage the future."
Oeming's county coaching past included some controversy.
While at Westminster, one of Oeming's players filed a lawsuit against him, alleging assault during a practice in September, 1992. The case was dismissed nearly two years later after state prosecutors found Oeming did not act in a criminal manner. Oeming said the situation didn't hinder his chances of becoming a head coach.
"I've always been able to move ahead and grow and develop as a coach," he said. "There's always been an open door for me to coach in Carroll County."
And now Oeming is walking through that door.
The Panthers went 2-8 last fall, but Warehime said he's focused on his new varsity coach and the future of the program. NC's junior varsity team went 5-4 and the freshman team went 6-3.
"I think Rob has left the program in better shape and we're on solid ground," said Warehime. "The biggest thing with Jeff is that he has a lot of varsity football experience.
"Even though we've had a revolving door at head coach, we've had some quality assistants in here for a while. Rob laid a good foundation, now we're just moving forward."
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2006 MVAL Football Schedules Announced
2006 MVAL Schedules
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Liberty makes coaching change
By Bob Blubaugh, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Jeff Kent, Liberty High's new football coach, plans to implement an off-season program filled with sprinting, position-specific agility drills and weight training, getting some guidance from from his brother, Mike, the University of Pittsburgh's strength and conditioning coach.
His players might not find Camp Kent so tough, though. Life's too short not to enjoy what you're doing, he said.
"You want it to be exciting and you want it to be fun for the kids," Kent said. "There are life lessons to be learned and you want to work hard, but you want the kids to have fun playing football."
Kent takes over for Jason Potts, who went 2-8 in his lone season at Liberty. Potts said he was surprised that he was not retained.
"I didn't see it coming. It was just philosophical differences," Potts said. "It was my first year. I thought we were building something."
Athletic director Marty Brennan, whom Potts succeeded as football coach, said the decision had nothing to do with wins and losses.
"We look at all of our coaches every year," Brennan said. "We just observe and as the seasons go on, if things do come up that are of concern, we address them. We're always trying to find the best fit for our program."
He said he and principal Florence Oliver found Kent to be the best fit.
"He's just an overall person of solid character," Brennan said. "He's going to be a great example for our players."
Kent, a Parkersburg, W. Va., native, played collegiately at Fairmont State and has been involved with coaching since he graduated in 1988.
He began his career as a graduate assistant at Frostburg State. He has served as an assistant at Glenelg, Westminster, Winters Mill and Century high schools. In fact, he'll now be coaching against three of his former bosses.
"I've been under seven different head coaches," Kent said. "You soak up as much as you can from different coaching styles and leadership styles. They all bring a lot to the table."
A special education teacher at Westminster High, Kent is hoping for a transfer to Liberty. He has lived in the Eldersburg/Sykesville area since 1992. While he'll be the third coach in three years for the Lions, he expects to bring stability to the program.
"This is not a stepping stone," said Kent, whose wife, Tracy, served as an assistant volleyball and basketball coach to Dave Trumbo from 1996-99. "It seems like a great community to work in."
Kent is the county's second new football coach named since the end of last season. Jeff Oeming took over for Rob Johnson at North Carroll in January. Kent is Liberty's sixth head coach. Only the first, Bruce Cowan, finished with a winning record.
The first-time head coach said he has been most impressed by the improvement of Carroll football since he began coaching here a decade ago. Last year, four Carroll schools made the playoffs for the first time in history, with Westminster and South Carroll reaching state finals.
Liberty finished last season on a four-game losing streak, surrendering 40 or more points in each of the final three. But the Lions seem to have some nice offensive weapons returning, including first-team Times all-countian Alex Harpine and second-teamers Colton Weaver and Jared Heffler.
"There's a tremendous amount of potential with these kids," Kent said. "I just want it to be an excellent program in all aspects. ... I'm really looking forward to it."
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Thomas Johnson's Kerns headed to WVU
Frederick, MD---Thomas Johnson tailback Terrance Kerns announced Tuesday he has committed to play football at West Virginia University following his senior year with the Patriots. Kerns, also a track standout, rushed for nearly 1000 yards and 15 touchdowns during the 2005 season.
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Longtime MVAL coach awarded; several area players named to ‘‘Super 22” team
by Darren J. Gendron, The Gazette Staff Writer
When Hal Grau volunteered with the Linganore High football team last season, it wasn’t his first experience as an unpaid football coach.
Grau began his coaching career in Anne Arundel County in the 1960s, when all coaches worked on a voluntary basis. That began to change just before Grau joined the coaching staff at Thomas Johnson in 1971. Back then, Frederick County was still a no-pay county for coaching.
Grau was one of the coaches who helped found the Frederick County Coaches Association.
‘‘I had already seen how it can be done,” Grau said. ‘‘I didn’t have the original idea here, I’m sure lots of coaches thought they should get paid.”
Now Grau, head coach at Walkersville for 10 seasons before retiring last year, is one of the Baltimore Touchdown Club’s honorees for the Augie Waibel Legends Award.
‘‘To get a legend award, you have to be either really old or dead,” Grau said.
Or a big-time contributor to the sport. Grau’s work with the FCCA qualifies him.
Roy Comer, supervisor of fiscal services in Frederick County in the early 1970s, was an early ally for the FCCA’s plight, but it was a battle with the county at first.
‘‘Initially it was, because the county commissioner held the purse strings,” Grau said. ‘‘We had a veiled threat that if they didn’t pay us, we wouldn’t coach.”
Five years after the FCCA formed, it was able to renegotiate with improved benefits and salaries.
But Grau will mostly be remembered for his work on the sidelines. Between Thomas Johnson and Walkersville, Grau also coached for 13 years at Catoctin.
When he announced his retirement in early 2006, Grau was one of three longtime Frederick coaches to step down, along with Middletown’s Tim Ambrose and Urbana’s Dave Carruthers.
‘‘That was a pretty good retirement class,” Grau said. ‘‘There’s so many good coaches to come out of Frederick County.”
Retirement from football lasted all of four months.
Grau only wanted to teach part-time, and the nearest school with an opening was at Linganore. It was only a matter of time before he started volunteering for Rick Conner, someone he worked with at Thomas Johnson.
The Legend Award is named after the long-time Edmondson and Poly coach Augie Waibel. Waibel earned a then-state record 27-game winning streak at Edmondson. He died in January of 2001.
Among the other awards given out by the BTC is the Super 22, which is the top potential seniors for next year in the 65 member schools, including the Monocacy Valley Athletic League, the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, and Baltimore City.
Past honorees include Frederick’s Chris Malamet, Urbana’s Eric Lenz, and Middletown’s Brian DeMoss.
Out of 335 entrants, 65 were selected for this year’s team. They will be honored at a dinner April 27.
TJ’s Terrance Kerns, who has committed to play at West Virginia University, was one of the selections, as was Tuscarora’s Cruz Mannherz (5-11, 200).
The Super 22 boasts some quarterback talent, too. Matt Ray (6-3, 185), with 2,200 yards passing and 1,150 yards rushing last year for Poolesville, is set to take over the Urbana offense this year.
Walkersville’s Ryan Nusbaum (6-2, 180) is another returning-starter quarterback, who posted 1,573 yards from last year.
There are big defensive linemen, like Middletown’s Andrew Crown (6-4, 270). There are linebackers, like Linganore’s Cliff May (6-3, 210). There are defensive backs, including St. John’s-Prospect Hall’s Randall Smedley and Frederick’s Quentin Ferguson. And there are wide receivers, including Urbana’s Jimmy Roche. The Hawks’ Ryan Smith was named to the special teams.
‘‘Sometimes the selections aren’t always right,” BTC second vice president Scott Ripley said.
Kevin Clancy of Westminster was not selected last year. Neither was Brunswick’s Eric Zwilsky.
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Kent to lead Liberty in 2006
by Todd McElwee, Special to The Gazette
It’s hard to imagine any game as turbulent as this off-season has been for those associated with the Liberty High football team.
With the recent upheaval of first-year head coach Jason Potts and installation of rookie skipper Jeff Kent, the future success of the inconsistent Lions’ program is once again in new hands.
Finishing 2-8 last season, Potts was blindsided by the program’s decision to go in another direction. Informed of the change by Liberty athletic director Marty Brennan—himself a former football skipper at the school—Potts was allowed to reapply for his former position, but was unsuccessful in regaining it.
‘‘I was shocked,” Potts said. ‘‘I never saw it coming. It seemed like more of a case of philosophical differences. They didn’t think my philosophy was good for their school. So they reopened the position, and I re-interviewed for it and apparently they wanted somebody else.”
That somebody was Jeff Kent.
Born in West Virginia, Kent attended the state’s Fairmont University, where he played football and graduated in 1988. Following his senior season, Kent, whose brother Mike is the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Pittsburgh’s football squad, embarked on a coaching career. He served in a variety of high school and college regimes, but Liberty will be the longtime assistant’s first stab at a head-coaching position.
In addition to coaching, Kent is a special education teacher at Westminster High School.
While his era may have been brief, Potts wishes no ill-will to those linked with Lions’ football. Witnessing his former players’ progress and work ethic last season, he remains concerned with their well-being and football development.
‘‘I don’t want to start some kind of war of words with them,” Potts said. ‘‘It’s over now and there is nothing really that needs to be done. Mostly I’m concerned for the kids. They are good kids and that would be the last thing they needed.”
With clean slates, both Liberty and Potts are looking to the future. With Kent at the helm hope to finally find the consistent success that has so often eluded them. Meanwhile, not deterred from coaching, Potts says he is exploring several different positions throughout the area, which raises the possibility that he’ll get the chance this fall to face his former employer.
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Schaffer steps down as South Carroll Head Coach
By Patrick Stoetzer, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Winfield, MD---Citing "professional differences," Butch Schaffer, who guided South Carroll's football team to the state championship game last fall, has stepped down after two years as SC's coach.
Schaffer, who explained his move Monday to South Carroll's returning players, said he's resigning because he was unable to obtain a full-time teaching position at the Winfield school.
"There's really nothing I can do. I'm saddened by it," Schaffer said. "I was always hoping something would work out. I love the kids, I love the community, I love the school. I did everything I possibly could to stay."
Schaffer, who works in the school system as a roving instructor, desired a job at SC so he could be more involved with his players throughout the day. But athletic director Jim Horn said no such positions came available in the past two years.
"It had nothing to do with us asking him to leave. We certainly did not want him to leave," Horn said. "I think it was just too much for him. He was going in too many directions and felt like he couldn't continue ... like he needed to be in one position teaching P.E."
Some of the returning Cavaliers were stunned.
"It's not that he's just a great football coach. It's kind of a blow to our community," said SC junior Roger Yohn, who played linebacker last fall.
Yohn credits Schaffer for single-handedly helping him earn postseason accolades - Yohn was one of seven county players recognized at the Baltimore Touchdown Club's recent Super 22 awards banquet - and said Schaffer went out of his way to help many players with the college recruiting process.
"The man does stuff that our administration doesn't do," Yohn said.
Matt Greene, another junior, said Schaffer spoke with him and Yohn separately, and that Schaffer was "pretty emotional" in telling them of his leaving.
Schaffer, a Western Maryland College graduate who played football for the Green Terror, leaves SC with a 13-11 career coaching record. But the Cavs went 10-4 last year and reached their first state title game, winning three road playoff games before losing to Potomac in the Class 2A final at M&T Bank Stadium.
Horn said he tried to honor Schaffer's request by getting him in the building at South Carroll, but "you can't just create the position. We don't have an opening.
"It's very tough on community, and it's tough on the kids. But everything happens for a reason."
Schaffer said he plans to "explore every option I can" and hopes to coach again. He didn't blame Horn or SC principal George Phillips for the situation, but he also wasn't second-guessing his decision.
"Mr. Horn and Mr. Phillips did everything they could," Schaffer said. "They had no options; I had no options. I have no regrets with anything I did."
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South Carroll names Mihalko new football coach
By Patrick Stoetzer, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
June 7, 2006---Greg Mihalko made the search for South Carroll's new football coach rather easy.
Mihalko recently interviewed for the opening with SC athletic director Jim Horn, who was impressed with the candidate's attitude.
"It was a pleasure of an interview to have someone with that kind of enthusiasm and excitement," Horn said. "He pretty much just bled black and gold."
Mihalko grew up rooting for the Cavaliers.
He played for them.
And now he's becoming the fourth coach in South Carroll history.
Mihalko takes over for Butch Schaffer, who stepped down after guiding the Cavs to the Class 2A state championship game last fall.
SC went 10-4 last season and 13-11 in two seasons under Schaffer.
Mihalko, who graduated from South Carroll in 1995, said he's not changing much in the way of X's and O's so that the returning players won't have to adjust much.
He's just happy to remain within the program.
"South Carroll's been a part of my life," said Mihalko, who served as junior varsity coach for six years and was a varsity assistant for two. "It's always something I wanted to be a part of."
Mihalko stepped down as SC boys basketball coach after four seasons to compensate for his new coaching gig. Horn said the Cavaliers are replacing him with JV coach Doug Goff, who teaches at the school.
Mihalko said the transition should be smooth, but the Cavs lost more than 30 seniors from last year's state finalist. Still, his JV squad went 8-1 last season.
The Cavs met their new coach Monday, and Mihalko said he saw plenty of focused and determined faces when they talked about meeting goals for the 2006 season.
After all, the first day of football practice is 69 days away.
"We're trying to change the least amount as possible," he said. "We just want what's best for all the kids. I hope it's more of a case where we're reloading, not rebuilding."
South Carroll coaching history
Coach Years Record
Ken Parker 1968-91 125-117-1
Gene Brown 1992-2003 63-60
Butch Schaffer 2004-05 13-11
Greg Mihalko 2006- ????
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Baugher steps down as FSK coach
By Patrick Stoetzer, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
June 30, 2006----John Baugher knew it would be hard to leave behind his association with Francis Scott Key football.
A county-record six straight winning seasons, four of which came with Baugher as varsity coach.
Three postseason appearances in that sretch, two coming under Baugher.
A 30-13 record and a .698 winning percentage.
But Baugher is leaving it behind to take an assistant principal position at Winters Mill High.
"It's an extremely tough decision as far as coaching is concerned," said Baugher, who has been involved with FSK football for 14 years. "It's very tough to leave such a great group of kids. There's a lot of emotion that goes through your head.
"When I started to apply in the spring, I remember my wife asking me, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' Professionally it's the right move for me right now."
The Eagles are 46-18 since the 2000 season, quite a turnaround from the previous three-plus decades in Uniontown. Key had just five winning seasons from 1968-1999, and they all came within the first nine years of the program's existence.
In its first 32 seasons, FSK averaged 3.2 wins per year. Now FSK is the county's most successful team of the decade, averaging 7.7 wins per season since 2000.
Baugher has been a big part of that success.
He recalled talks with the coaching staff in the spring of 1999, trying to install a new offense that would benefit the team and its skill players.
The "wing-T" formation allowed Key to feature 1,000-yard rushers like Brad Stonesifer, Josh Rutter, Layton Hersh and Matt Angell. And it helped the Eagles change their losing ways.
"It was pretty neat to see that come full circle," Baugher said.
His departure is Carroll's fourth football coaching change since the end of last season. Winters Mill's Ken Johnson is now the county's longest tenured coach as he prepares for his fourth year with the Falcons.
Baugher also coached tennis and lacrosse during his time at Francis Scott Key, but said his relationships with the football program run deepest.
Having the opportunity to coach NCAA players such as Rutter and Chris Bassler rank high on Baugher's favorites list, as does guiding Key's freshman teams to undefeated records and then watching those players improve through the ranks.
"You'll miss working with the kids," he said. "You won't miss the other headaches that come with coaching, the paperwork and some of the other stuff. I really did a lot of soul-searching with this, and figured it's probably the right time for me."
One person who won't feel the same way is Craig Walker, who assumes FSK's athletic director role starting Saturday. Walker said he'll speak with school principal Randy Clark as soon as possible to determine the options for finding Baugher's successor.
They might try to hire from within in an effort to make the transition smoother. They could also pick an interim coach for the 2006 season and then go through the process again next summer with more time to spare.
"Time is not one of our allies right now," said Walker, who is coming up against the first day of football practice, Aug. 15.
"We don't have any time."
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2006 MVAL Football Preview
Chesapeake Conference
Pre Season All-Conference
OFFENSE
QB-Matt Ray-Sr.-Urbana
QB-Nick Brunner-Sr.-Westminster
FB-Chad Stevens-Sr.-Linganore
RB-Terrance Kerns-Sr.-Thomas Johnson
RB-Cruz Mannherz-Sr.-Tuscarora
RB-Ryan Pentz-Sr.-Century
OL-Steven Johnson-Sr.-Tuscarora
OL-Ian Quirk-Sr.-Tuscarora
OL-Robert Bennett-Sr.-Linganore
OL-Kevin Parrish-Sr.-Urbana
OL-Pat Reeves-Sr.-Urbana
OL-Robert Bishop-Sr.-Thomas Johnson
OL-Tyler Harrison-Sr.-Linganore
OL-Matt Saur-Sr.-Century
OL-Brett Baer-So.-Westminster
Recv-Jimmy Roche-Sr.-Urbana
Recv-Mike Jarboe-Sr.-Urbana
Recv-C.J. Thomas-Jr.-Linganore
Recv-Jimmy Forosisky-Sr.-Linganore
TE-Steve Komaromy-Sr.-Century
TE-Mike Hall-Sr.-Urbana
DEFENSE
DL-Jeff Phillips-Sr.-Linganore
DL-Steven Johnson-Sr.-Tuscarora
DL-Steve Komaromy-Sr.-Century
DL-Ben Grotte-Sr.-Urbana
DL-Chris Lowe-Sr.-Urbana
LB-J.D. Jones-Sr.-Thomas Johnson
LB-Cliff May-Sr.-Linganore
LB-Eddie Within-Sr.-Thomas Johnson
LB-Mike Strong-Sr.-North Carroll
LB-Jay King-Sr.-Tuscarora
LB-Todd Cox-Jr.-Linganore
LB-Scott Placide-Sr.-Westminster
DB-Ryan Smith-Sr.-Urbana
DB-Stephen Peach-Sr.-Linganore
DB-Wayne Rose-Sr.-Linganore
DB-Ryan Pentz-Sr.-Century
DB-Brian Sweeney-Sr.-Tuscarora
DB-Kevin Henningan-Sr.-North Carroll
K-Zach Beach-Sr.-Urbana
P-Jimmy Roche-Sr.-Urbana
Predictions
1. Urbana
What’s new? The Hawks are again picked to win their conference and expected to make a deep run into the playoffs. Urbana’s 2006 team could be one of their best ever…and that’s saying a lot at a school that’s won as many state titles as the Hawks have. Urbana got big boost when Poolesville QB May Ray transferred in during the spring. Ray should have a phenomenal season in the Hawks spread offense. Receivers Jimmy Roche, Mike Jarboe, Mike Hall, and Mike Mullikan give Ray several solid targets and strong offensive line will give him time. Defensive stud Ryan Smith may get the call at running back while leading the Urbana secondary on defense. The Hawks will test themselves early in the season with West Virginia powerhouse Martinsburg. Other than that contest, the only other game on the schedule that could be close is their final game with rival Linganore. Look for Urbana to win the 3A West title and contend for a state title.
2. Linganore
No surprise here either---the Lancers are picked to finish toward the top of the league standings with rival Urbana. Linganore lost some key contributors from last season, but like most top level programs, the Lancers don’t rebuild, they reload. Top players this season include RB-Chad Stevens, WR-C.J. Thomas, WR-Jimmy Forosisky, OL/DL-Robert Bennett, LB-Todd Cox, DB-Stephen Peach, LB-Cliff May, and DL-Jeff Phillips. Head Coach Rick Conner thinks this year’s team is a good group, but knows the Lancers have a challenging schedule with plenty tough opponents. The final game on the schedule---Urbana---will decide the conference and set the playoff positions in the 3A West Region. Even if the Lancers fall to the Hawks, they are still likely in the playoffs where they may get another shot at Urbana. Conner and the Lancers would love that opportunity.
3. Thomas Johnson
Terrance Kerns. That’s the name you need to know if you’re playing TJ this season. Kerns, who committed to West Virginia in the spring, is the most explosive player in the 22 team MVAL. With the speedy Kerns on the field the Patriots can score anytime he touches the ball. Thomas Johnson does not have the quality depth of Urbana or Linganore, but with Kerns in the backfield and possibly returning kick & punts, the Pats have a game breaker to keep things close.
4. Westminster
2005 was a storybook season in Westminster. The Owls finished in the 3A State Championship game, losing a heartbreaker to Gwynn Park, 20-14. Now in 2006, Westminster will have to replace familiar names like Clancy, Finch, Payne, and Stone. So can the Owls replace their departed stars and make another magical run this year? Head Coach Brad Wilson believes this year’s seniors are also very good, while receiving plenty of game experience last season. Wilson stresses to his players this is a new year, do not rest on what happened last year. Look for senior QB Nick Brunner to put up gaudy numbers in Wilson’s spread offense, while linebacker’s Scott Placide and Jeremy Hines will lead the defense. The Owls offense will put up points and if the defense can play solid, Westminster will win plenty of games this season. Wilson thinks he has the ingredients for another playoff team. Now only time will tell.
5. Tuscarora
The Titans enter 2006 as a young team with high expectations. Tuscarora finished 2005 at 5-5 overall and 2-4 in their first year in the Chesapeake Conference. This season the Titans and Head Coach Shawn Carey would like to get over the hump and finish in the top tier of the league. That won’t be easy in a conference with the defending 3A runner-up Westminster and perennial powers Urbana and Linganore. Offensively running back Cruz Mannherz returns after a productive 2005 campaign. Brian Sweeney will inherit the quarterback duties from the departed Chris Castro, while also playing free safety. Lineman Ian Quirk and Steven Johnson return to anchor the line on both sides of the ball and Jay King will lead the linebackers. The Titans are enthusiastic about this season and with wins over Westminster and TJ and Tuscarora could finish as high as third place---that would speak volumes for a third year program in this conference.
6. Century
1-9 and 0-6. That was the final records for the Knights last year. 1-9 overall and 0-6 in the conference. Century is looking to improve on that this season. RB/DB-Ryan Pentz, DL-Steve Komaromy, and OL-Matt Saur returns to lead the Knights. Those players will have to play huge this season in order for the Knights to make a move in this conference. Century opens with Winters Mill (picked to win Piedmont) and a win there could set the tone for the rest of the season.
7. North Carroll
Jeff Oeming returns to lead the Panthers in 2006. Oeming coached North Carroll in 1986 and 1987 and finished with a 10-10 record. In fact, Oeming is the only person ever to coach at North Carroll and finish with a .500 record. He will have his work cut out for him as the Panthers have had five different coaches in six seasons and went 14-46 during that stretch. Oeming will implement a college-style spread offense. The returning seniors have shown great leadership and a talented group of juniors and sophomores look to lead the Panthers this season. RB/DB-Kevin Henningan, OL-Brandon Kunert, OL-Ben Burden, LB-Mike Strong, LB/DL-Jason Thoman, WR-Stefan Mitchell, and LB-Mark Lammey will be key players for North Carroll this season. If anyone can dig the Panthers out of the MVAL basement---it’s Oeming. Brighter days are definitely on the North Carroll horizon.
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Antietam Conference
Pre-Season All-Conference
OFFENSE
QB-Logan Kelso-Sr.-North Hagerstown
QB-D.J. Doyle-Jr.-Catoctin
FB-Grant Wilson-Sr.-Brunswick
FB-Kyle Cunningham-Jr.-Williamsport
RB-Kyle Kane-Sr.-Boonsboro
RB-Diez Johnson-Jr.-North Hagerstown
OL-Seth Haines-Sr.-Brunswick
OL-Bobby Bechtel-Sr.-North Hagerstown
OL-Clay Rorher-Sr.-Smithsburg
OL-Jeb Brako-Sr.-Brunswick
OL-Lake McDonald-Sr.-Williamsport
OL-Richard Sines-Sr.-Brunswick
Recv-Colton Eureka-Sr.-Catoctin
Recv-Jarell Hasan-Sr.-North Hagerstown
Recv-Mike McMillan-Jr.-North Hagerstown
Recv-Pat Mertz-Sr.-South Hagerstown
TE-Curtis Wolfe-Sr.-Boonsboro
DEFENSE
DL-Kevin Redden-Sr.-North Hagerstown
DL-Clay Rohrer-Sr.-Smithsburg
DL-Dervon Wilson-Jr.-North Hagerstown
LB-Zeke Ricketts-Sr.-South Hagerstown
LB-Tommy Evans-Sr.-North Hagerstown
LB-Kyle Kane-Sr.-Boonsboro
LB-Cadyn Robinson-Sr.-North Hagerstown
LB-Brad Hewitt-Jr.-Williamsport
LB-Kyle Cunningham-Jr.-Williamsport
DB-Marcellus Sumlin-Sr.-North Hagerstown
DB-Colton Eureka-Sr.-Catoctin
DB-Mike DeBarge-Sr.-Boonsboro
DB-Mike McMillan-Jr.-North Hagerstown
DB-Kyle McDannell-Jr.-Williamsport
K-Chris Reid-Sr.-North Hagerstown
P-Mike DeBarge-Sr.-Boonsboro
Predictions
1. North Hagerstown
The Hubs are ready to move into their brand new home and would like to add a 2006 Antietam Conference title banner to it. No team in the conference has more athleticism than North. QB Logan Kelso will have plenty of weapons (Jarell Hasan, Marcellus Sumlin, Mike McMillan, Richie Baymon) to throw to and a bruising running back (Diez Johnson) to handoff to. Look for the Hubs to lead the league in scoring, but for North to return to the post season they have to step things up on the defensive side of the ball.
2. Williamsport
The Cats are the team to watch this season and next. Williamsport has a solid junior class with plenty of varsity experience. Next season Williamsport should be in the post season hunt, but if the juniors excel this year, the Cats could finally play in week eleven. Kyle Cunningham, Kyle McDannell, and Brad Hewitt are three of the top players in the junior class. Head Coach Adrian Custer said his team had one of the best turnouts in years in the weight room. That should pay off with Williamsport’s highest ever finish in the Antietam Conference.
3. Catoctin
Catoctin has one of the most exciting players (QB D.J. Doyle) in the MVAL. The athletic Doyle should lead Doug Williams’ double wing offense back to the post season. The Cougars play in the 1A North region where a winning record could get them in. Colton Eureka and Nick Stiles also return to lead Catoctin.
3. Brunswick
According to Head Coach Kevin Lynott, “Big men rule in Brunswick in 2006.” Four of five offensive lineman return to the ‘Roaders that rushed for 295 yards per game. Lineman Seth Haines, Jeb Brako, Richard Sines, and Kyle Clem return to lead Brunswick’s double wing offense. Grant Wilson returns to the backfield. Brunswick is a mirror image of Catoctin. The Roaders and Cougars both run the same type offense, both should likey finish in the top tier of the league, and both will battle for a 1A North playoff berth. The week ten matchup between the two schools could decide who is playing in the playoffs and who is not.
5. Boonsboro
The 2005 Antietam Conference champs lost plenty of key starters from last season, but don’t write them off. The Warriors have been known to surprise and with all-league running back/linebacker Kyle Kane returning, Boonsboro could make another run.
6. Smithsburg
For the first time in several years Smithsburg does not have a clear cut all-league running back returning. Coach Buddy Orndorff will have to replace running back Justin Thompson and all his yards, but recently in Smithsburg running backs have grown on trees.
7. South Hagerstown
Coach Greg Kellick and the Rebels are coming off a tough 1-9 season, but Kellick thinks this season could be different and is cautiously optimistic. “Some of my best teams have finished with a .500 record because of the strength of the opponents.” Zeke Ricketts and Pat Mertz will lead South this season. If the Rebs can step up and stay in games…who knows….stranger things have happened.
8. Clear Spring
The Blazers lost top players QB Tyler Braithwaite and WR Donnie Lapole to graduation and finished 1-9 in 2005 with their only win over Westmar. Look for the Blazers to take a step back and struggle this season.
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Piedmont Conference
Pre Season All-Conference
OFFENSE
QB-Colton Weaver-Jr.-Liberty
QB-Chris Kolb-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
FB-Ryan Joyce-Sr.-Walkersville
RB-Brad Martz-Jr.-Francis Scott Key
RB-Garrett Hill-Sr.-Winters Mill
RB-Jimmy Hargett-Sr.-Middletown
OL-Josh Cole-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
OL-Trevar Felkner-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
OL-John Hopkins-Sr.-Winters Mill
OL-Greg Lomb-Sr.-Middletown
OL-Andrew Crown-Sr.-Middletown
Recv-Nick Hanson-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
Recv-Alex Harpine-Sr.-Liberty
Recv-Anthony Walker-Sr.-Frederick
TE-Pat McCarrick-Sr.-Middletown
DEFENSE
DL-Josh Cole-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
DL-Andrew Crown-Sr.-Middletown
DL-Jeff Braum-Jr.-Winters Mill
DL-Brandon Fringer-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
DL-Pat McCarrick-Sr.-Middletown
DL-John Hopkins-Sr.-Winters Mill
DL-Chris Thompson-Sr.-Frederick
LB-Quentin Ferguson-Sr.-Frederick
LB-Garrett Hill-Sr.-Winters Mill
LB-Chris Batts-Sr.-Winters Mill
LB-Roger Yohn-Sr.-South Carroll
LB-Paul McDonald-Sr.-Winters Mill
DB-Kevin Linehan-Sr.-Middletown
DB-Brandon Kline-Sr.-Middletown
DB-Andy Bowersox-Sr.-Winters Mill
K-Derek Ritgert-Sr.-South Carroll
P-Nick Hanson-Sr.-Francis Scott Key
Predictions
1. Winters Mill
Last season, in the school’s third year, Winters Mill got over the hump and qualified for their first state playoff berth. The Falcons lost an ugly 5-0 decision at Middletown in the first round. This season Winters Mill looks to build on that experience and take things to another level. Back are several key players including RB/LB-Garrett Hill, OL/DL-John Hopkins, OL/DL-Jeff Braun, and LB-Paul McDonald. The Falcons should have one of the best defenses in the MVAL and if the offense can start rolling---look out. Winters Mill could end up where 2005 2A West champ South Carroll did last season---Ravens Stadium.
2. Middletown
The Knights were a year ahead of schedule after winning the Piedmont Conference last season. This season Middletown will look to continue that success and get back to the playoffs and contend for another league title. A tough trip to Winters Mill will decide the Piedmont championship. A win there and the Knight will rack up their second straight league crown and playoff berth. The defense again looks strong with DL-Andrew Crown leading the way, while the offense should be good enough to plenty of games with QB Kevin Linehan and a typically powerful Middletown O-line returning.
3. Francis Scott Key
The Eagles changed head coaches during the summer, but look for things to stay the same with Ken Hyson taking the helm. Hyson, a longtime assistant, will not change much from former coach John Baugher’s system. FSK has the talent to win the conference and get back to the playoffs if the coaching transition goes smoothly. QB-Chris Kolb, RB-Brad Martz, Receiver/P-Nick Hanson, OL-Trevar Felkner, OL/DL-Josh Cole, and DL-Brandon Fringer will lead the Eagles. Games with Middletown and Winters Mill will decide where FSK finishes---first, second or third.
4. Frederick
Frederick joined the Piedmont Conference last season with high expectations after winning a share of the Chespeake title in 2004. Injuries hurt the Cadets and the season took a nose dive. In 2006, Frederick will look to rebound with several talented players returning. QB Damien Wallace, one of last year’s injuries, is back for his senior season and could lead Frederick to big things. Wallace will have several athletic receivers, including Anthony Walker, to throw to in Vince Ahearn’s wide open offense. If the Cadets can steal a game or two from the Piedmont’s big dogs, Frederick could get back to their 2004 form.
5. South Carroll
The Cavs went on an unbelievable playoff run last season that ended at Raven’s Stadium in the 2A State Championship game. South Carroll was routed in that game, but held their heads high as they had the most successful season in school history. This season, South Carroll will have to replace 20 starters and start over with a new coach. Butch Schafer stepped down as Cavs coach and was replaced by Greg Mihalko over the summer. Mihalko has a rebuilding job ahead, but it only took the former coach two years to rebuild after the successful 2003 team. Look for the Cavaliers to struggle this season, but make their move again in 2007.
6. Liberty
Talented junior quarterback Colton Weaver returns to a team that had off season turmoil. An unexpected head coaching change sent Jason Potts out and put Jeff Kent in. Kent, a longtime assistant, will take the head job and lead the Lions in 2006. Weaver, who had a spectacular sophomore season, is the key player for Liberty this year. With several strong teams in the conference this season, it will be tough for the Lions to finish in the top tier.
7. Walkersville
Ryan Hines started his high school coaching career with a victory last season in Walkersville’s first game and things look bright. But nine losses to end the season soured things and showed the Lions were had to improve in several areas. QB Ryan Nusbaum put up good numbers and showed promise heading into this season, but a knee injury will keep him on the sidelines until October. Nusbaum’s injury will force the Lions to find a replacement at QB. This could hamper Walkersville’s chances early in the season.
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Beef O'Brady's MVAL Player of Week Panel Set
Frederick, MD---Beef O'Brady's, a national restaurant chain located in Frederick, will award a top MVAL offensive and defensive player each week for each of the three league conferences.
A panel of 13 members of the media and league will vote each week for the top offensive and defensive player in each MVAL conference. The Beef O'Brady's panel will also award a Player and Coach of the Year for each conference.
The 2006 panel will include from the print media: Mark Keller, Tim Koelble, and Dan Kauffman of the Hagerstown Herald Mail, John Cannon from the Frederick News Post, Patrick Stoetzer of the Carroll County Times, and Darren Gendron from The Gazette.
Also incldued are Shawn Stepner and James Hill from NBC25 Sports, Wes Decker (WJEJ Radio Sports), Rick Reeder (WARK Radio Sports), Drew McMahon (WTTR Radio Sports), and Dave Foltz (MVAL website).
Frederick Beef O'Brady Owner Erik Scheidhauer will award a Player of the Week certificate and ingrave each winners name on a plaque (see photo above) that will be on the wall at the restaurant. Beef O'Brady's will also award the Maryland State Player of the Week.
The Monocacy Valley Athletic League thanks Erik for his support of the MVAL and high school athletics.
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Hyson named interim FSK coach
by Patrick Stotezer, Carroll County Times
July 8, 2006---Bill Hyson is about to begin his 30th year with Francis Scott Key's football program.
The first 29 were as an assistant coach of some capacity.
The 30th will be as the Eagles' head coach.
Hyson is taking over on an interim basis for John Baugher, who recently stepped down after four seasons to take an assistant principal job at Winters Mill.
Baugher's replacement had to be found in a hurry with the first day of practice six weeks away. So Randy Clark and Craig Walker, FSK's principal and athletic director, decided to give Hyson the interim tag for one season.
"I'm very happy with the existing staff," Clark said. "I wouldn't hesitate to name any of them as coach. For now, we'll go with this and then next year look at the future."
Key's recent past has been quite successful.
The Eagles are 46-18 since 2000, a run that includes three postseason appearances and a county-record six straight winning seasons.
Hyson coached linebackers and offensive line last season. Now he'll assume the head coach position, with Dave Smith as his assistant head coach.
"That's a good deal all-around," said Hyson, who has coached FSK's varsity wrestling team for 27 years. "Plus, it will give me a little bit of time to look at what I'm doing [as a coach]."
Hyson will be the county's fourth new coach when practice begins for the 2006 season on Aug. 15.
Jeff Kent takes over at Liberty, Jeff Oeming returns for a second stint at North Carroll, and Greg Mihalko assumes the role at South Carroll, his alma mater.
Hyson said things won't change much with him as Eagles' coach.
It easy to see why not - Key, which mustered five winning seasons in its first nine years of existence, didn't have one from 1977-1999 and lost 21 straight games at one point.
This decade has been much kinder. The Eagles went 7-4 last year and shared the Piedmont Conference championship.
Hyson, who will be the seventh head coach in school history, credits the program's longtime staff for leading the way.
"We'll try to make it as seamless as possible," Hyson said. "We just want to maintain our continuity."
County Coaches
Four of Carroll's seven high school football team will have new coaches when practice starts Aug. 15. Here's a list of each school's coach, with his tenure at the school
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Westminster’s defensive unit is preparing to stop South Carroll’s Matt Greene (20), a focal point of the Cavaliers’ offense. Bill Ryan⁄The Gazette
WEEK #1
Saturday, September 9, 2006
Urbana 48, Randallstown 8
Edmunson 24, Linganore 19
Friday, September 8, 2006
Thomas Johnson 22, Middletown 14
Tuscarora 23, Frederick 20
Westminster 12, South Carroll 0
Winters Mill 21, Century 13
Francis Scott Key 13, North Carroll 7
North Hagerstown 40, Liberty 26
Walkersville 19, South Hagerstown 6
Smithsburg 34, Westmar 18
Boonsboro 39, Moorefield 14
Northern Garrett 28, Clear Spring 0
Beall 26, Catoctin 14
Williamsport 34, Hancock 0
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Urbana's Mike Mullikin deflects a pass intended Isaiah Alford in the end zone Friday night at Cobourn Field. (Journal photo by Ron Agnir).
WEEK #2
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Thomas Johnson 48, Bel Air 21
Friday, September 15, 2006
Linganore 35, Francis Scott Key 26
Westminster 21, Winters Mill 7
Middletown 49, Boonsboro 0
Tuscarora 13, South Hagerstown 0
Frederick 28, North Hagerstown 7
Century 42, South Carroll 28
Brunswick 20, Walkersville 6
Smithsburg 33, Poolesville 19
Bohemia Manor 28, Williamsport 7
North Carroll 39, Liberty 14
Catoctin 28, Sidwell Friends 14
Westmar 22, Clear Spring 6
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Thomas Johnson's Terrence Kerns (28) running past North Hagerstown's Billy Campbell (60) in the Patriots 42-7 victory over the Hubs on Thursday afternoon.
WEEK #3
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Boonsboro 20, Keyser 14 (OT)
Friday, September 22, 2006
Francis Scott Key 49, Westminster 42
Catoctin 22, Walkersville 12
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Century 44, Liberty 20
Winters Mill 21, North Carroll 12
Damascus 9, Linganore 7
Tuscarora 35, Smithsburg 0
Thomas Johnson 42, North Hagerstown 7
Clear Spring 27, Hancock 14
South Carroll 28, South Hagerstown 7
Urbana 50, Frederick 14
Middletown 49, Brunswick 7
Bishop Walsh 28, Williamsport 26
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WEEK #4
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Catoctin 40, Williamsport 0
Friday, September 29, 2006
Urbana 56, Westminster 10
North Carroll 42, Tuscarora 28
Middletown 35, Liberty 0
South Carroll 19, Winters Mill 7
North Hagerstown 53, Smithsburg 7
Francis Scott Key 28, Frederick 14
Linganore 49, Walkersville 6
South Hagerstown 28, Brunswick 12
Thomas Johnson 28, Century 12
Boonsboro 41, Clear Spring 0
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WEEK #5
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Linganore 13, Westminster 3
Middletown 21, Winters Mill 0
Thomas Johnson 37, North Carroll 20
Frederick 29, South Carroll 7
Walkersville 34, Liberty 27
Friday, October 6, 2006
Francis Scott Key 21, Century 14
North Hagerstown 27, Brunswick 0
Urbana 29, Tuscarora 0
South Hagerstown 27, Clear Spring 8
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Boonsboro 23, Williamsport 0
Catoctin 48, Smithsburg 26
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WEEK #6
Friday, October 13, 2006
Thomas Johnson 33, Urbana 21
Middletown 38, Frederick 20
Linganore 24, Century 0
Westminster 31, Tuscarora 14
North Carroll 27, South Carroll 7
Winters Mill 33, Liberty 7
Francis Scott Key 42, Walkersville 14
Catoctin 35, Boonsboro 28
Brunswick 42, Clear Spring 0
South Hagerstown 20, Smithsburg 12
North Hagerstown 48, Williamsport 0
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WEEK #7
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Frederick 35, Liberty 19
Linganore 33, Tuscarora 12
Winters Mill 20, Walkersville 18
Century 15, North Carroll 14
Friday, October 20, 2006
Middletown 10, Urbana 0
Thomas Johnson 35, Westminster 14
Boonsboro 14, North Hagerstown 7
Catoctin 59, Clear Spring 6
South Hagerstown 26, Williamsport 7
Francis Scott Key 32, South Carroll 14
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Smithsburg 26, Brunswick 12
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WEEK #8
Friday, October 27, 2006
Middletown 27, Francis Scott Key 14
Urbana 34, Century 15
Thomas Johnson 54, Tuscarora 14
Winters Mill 3, Frederick 0 (OT)
Catoctin 52, South Hagerstown 14
Boonsboro 28, Brunswick 0
North Hagerstown 49, Clear Spring 6
Smithsburg 18, Williamsport 0
Monday, October 30, 2006
Linganore 27, North Carroll 8
Westminster 47, Liberty 21
Walkersville 36, South Carroll 12
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WEEK #9
Friday, November 3, 2006
North Hagerstown 49, Catoctin 36
Middletown 35, South Carroll 7
Tuscarora 6, Winters Mill 0
Francis Scott Key 33, Liberty 13
Boonsboro 41, South Hagerstown 8
Brunswick 35, Williamsport 7
Smithsburg 41, Clear Spring 8
Century 13, Westminster 7
Walkersville 49, Frederick 48
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Linganore 14, Thomas Johnson 3
Urbana 63, North Carroll 22
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WEEK #10
Friday, November 10, 2006
Winters Mill 44, Francis Scott Key 12
Middletown 48, Walkersville 0
North Hagerstown 44, South Hagerstown 0
Brunswick 19, Catoctin 14
Boonsboro 47, Smithsburg 28
North Carroll 16, Westminster 0
Century 29, Tuscarora 22
South Carroll 40, Liberty 20
Williamsport 20, Clear Spring 6
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Thomas Johnson 31, Frederick 28
Linganore 13, Urbana 10
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MVAL mourns loss of TJ QB Dustin Muse
LEESBURG, Va. — A quarterback for the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School football team and his younger sister died Wednesday in a car crash in Leesburg, Va.
Dustin Muse, 16, and Courtney Muse, 13, died when the Jeep Wrangler he was driving toppled about 15 feet down an embankment on U.S. 15, according to Doug Rambo, staff duty officer for Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management.
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Winters Mill's Braun offered by WVU
Link to Jeff Braun offered by WVU article
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