Baltimore Sun high school football preview: Storylines, players to watch and top 15 teams heading into 2024 season

Here’s what you need to know for the 2024 high school football season in the Baltimore area:

Storylines to watch

Can anybody beat two-time defending champion Archbishop Spalding in the MIAA A Conference?

With star quarterback Malik Washington and plenty of talented, well-prepared returnees on both sides of the ball, the No. 1 Cavaliers are poised for continued success, having not suffered a conference defeat over the past two seasons. In going 8-0 in conference play last season, capped by a 40-7 win over McDonogh in the championship game, the Cavs averaged 39 points while yielding 8.5 per game. Much of that success starts with a disciplined game-by-game approach that not only makes sure they’re ready for the next opponent, but consistently growing each week.

State champions Dunbar, Mervo continue Baltimore City rivalry in October

Mark your calendars: On Oct. 18, defending Class 4A/3A state champ Mervo travels to three-time Class 2A/1A defending state champ Dunbar in what will likely determine the Baltimore City league. Last season, Dunbar built a 20-6 lead before holding off Mervo’s fourth-quarter rally as the Poets claimed a 20-18 win and went on to repeat as Baltimore City champions. Returning running back Cole Floyd surpassed 100 rushing yards and scored a touchdown to lead the winners. Dunbar has won the past three meetings between the perennial state powers by a combined eight points.

Experienced quarterbacks poised to lead their teams to the top in Anne Arundel County

Three Anne Arundel County public school teams cracked The Baltimore Sun’s Top 15 poll — defending county champion Old Mill, Broadneck and Arundel — and each return their starting quarterbacks after successful seasons. The Patriots will lean on junior Trey Martini. The Bruins, who reached the Class 4A state title game, bank on CJ Watkins. And the Wildcats feature Ahmir Lowery. Much like last year’s league play, a lot of closely contested games can be expected with fourth-quarter drives making the difference. That’s when quarterback play becomes that much more vital, and all three signal-callers have had success in crunch time.

MIAA B Conference up for grabs with teams coming and going

With last year’s champion Concordia Prep moving up to the A Conference and other teams coming and going, the B Conference is wide-open for the new eight-team field. B semifinalist St. Mary’s joins Concordia Prep in the A, while St. Vincent Pallotti comes down from the A. Severn and St. John’s Catholic Prep make the jump from the C. John Carroll, which reached the title game last season, and Archbishop Curley, which went 5-1 in league play during the regular season before getting upset by the Patriots in the semifinals, are the two mainstay favorites.

Franklin presses through tragedy; county leagues wide-open 

Tragedy hit Franklin when junior guard Leslie Noble IV died after collapsing during the team’s first practice Aug. 14, leaving the team to rally together to prepare for a season dedicated to him. The Indians have a deep, senior-oriented roster that will be a strong contender in Baltimore County. Last season, Perry Hall pulled rank on Milford Mill, handing the Millers their first league loss since the 2021 season opener to wrest away the crown. The Gators come back younger, with Milford Mill and Dundalk joining Franklin as candidates capable of knocking them off. In Howard, Reservoir claimed its first county crown and will look to fend off a deep field led by Oakland Mills, Atholton and Glenelg. Harford County champion Patterson Mill should get a push from Edgewood with Harford Tech also planning to have a say. In Carroll County, defending champion Westminster and Liberty are the favorites with South Carroll in the mix.

Players to watch

Offense

Jeff Exinor, McDonogh, wide receiver, senior

Bringing dynamic talent with his explosive 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame, Exinor produces big play after big play. Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports, the Penn State commit earned All-Metro first-team honors last season after catching 72 passes for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns for MIAA A Conference runner-up McDonogh.

Amory Hills, Milford Mill, lineman, senior

Overpowering and wearing down opponents with his 6-6, 310-pound frame at left tackle, Hills emerged as the anchor of the offensive line as the No. 12 Millers reached the Class 2A state semifinals last season. The All-Metro first-team pick and three-star prospect committed to Maryland this summer.

Bel Air vs Fallston football

Julien Horton, Bel Air, wide receiver, senior

The 6-foot, 175-pound Horton, a North Carolina commit and 2023 Aegis Player of the Year in Harford County, brings do-everything skills with a penchant for quick-strike plays. Last season, he caught 54 passes for 563 yards and seven touchdowns, added 183 rushing yards and two scores and also threw a 22-yard touchdown pass.

Jeremiah Koger, St. Frances, wide receiver, senior

The 6-1, 190-pound South Florida commit is a ball hawk, using instincts and quality hands to track and secure passes. It adds up to big plays. In his breakthrough junior season, he led the Panthers in catches and receiving yards while scoring 13 touchdowns to earn All-Metro second-team honors.

Jackson Taggart, Calvert Hall, tight end, senior

A versatile 6-7 and 230 pounds, Taggart possesses unique qualities that serve a dual purpose as a blocker and pass catcher. Coming off a 21-catch, 292-yard, four-touchdown junior season, he’ll be one of the Cardinals’ top red zone threats this season.

Malik Washington, Archbishop Spalding, quarterback, senior

The Maryland commit is looking to pick up where he left off in his third season as a starter, having led the two-time defending MIAA A champions to a 16-0 mark in league play. Washington accounted for more than 2,300 total yards and 27 touchdowns last season.

John Watkins, St. Frances, lineman, junior

The offensive line is one of the Panthers’ biggest strengths this season, and it starts with Watkins, a bullish 6-6, 330-pound guard who emerged as a leader in a sophomore year in which he earned All-Metro second-team honors. Along with his massive size, he moves well in space to open holes for the running game and protect the passer.

Tristian West, Liberty, tight end, senior

The 6-4, 207-pound West uses his overmatching size, agility and good hands to make the big splash plays. Last season, he made a team-high 34 receptions for 815 yards — averaging 24 yards per catch — with eight touchdowns. West also plays a big role on the Lions’ defensive line, wreaking havoc at end.

Loyola Blakefield at Dunbar football Sept. 1, 2023

Savion Witherspoon, Dunbar, quarterback, senior

First and foremost, the Poets’ 6-3, 170-pound signal-caller is highly efficient in running the offense and using all of his playmakers. Last season, his first as a full-time starter, he threw for 1,400-plus yards with 12 touchdowns and just one interception while adding 400 rushing yards and four scores.

Tyler Womack, Annapolis, running back, senior

Quick to find the hole with breakaway speed, the 5-10, 170-pound Womack is one of the area’s top rushing threats. Last season, he ran the ball 211 times for 1,536 yards and 14 touchdowns — piling up six 100-plus yard games — while adding four catches for 74 yards and two scores.

Defense

Moses Bailey, Reservoir, lineman-linebacker, senior

With a tireless motor and explosive 6-3 frame, Bailey made an impressive adjustment from linebacker to defensive end last season and simply dominated. The All-Metro pick finished with a team-high 82 tackles, including 25 for loss, as well as a team-high 7 1/2 sacks.

Kwadwo Boampong, Wilde Lake, linebacker, senior

The 5-10, 165-pound Boampong uses his exceptional speed and instincts to cover a lot of ground in wrecking opposing game plans. Last season, the middle linebacker led Howard County in tackles with 137 and added 6 1/2 sacks.

Brian Checkley, Gilman, punter, senior

An All-Metro first-team pick last season, the 6-2, 215-pound Checkley has a strong and accurate leg to help the Greyhounds win the special teams battle. Last season, he averaged 43.6 yards on 34 punts with a long of 60 and placed 15 inside the 20-yard line.

Tyrin Chinn-Thompson, Broadneck, safety, senior

Always playing fast with fine instincts, the 6-foot, 175-pound Chinn-Thompson makes big plays at the line of scrimmage and at linebacker while standing out in coverage. Last season, he finished with 103 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Brian Collins, Dunbar, lineman, senior

With an explosive burst and nose for the ball, the 6-2, 195-pound end earned All-Metro first-team honors last season after registering 22 sacks, 50 tackles — including 10 for loss — and recovering two fumbles for the Class 2A/1A state champion Poets.

Jireh Edwards, St. Frances, safety, junior

Bringing versatile play as a prototype safety, the 6-1, 198-pound Edwards can make thumping plays at the line and is equally adept at dropping back in coverage. Thriving at making big plays, he sets a resounding tone and opposing offenses have to know where he is at all times.

McDonogh vs. Mount St. Joseph

Brandon Finney, McDonogh, cornerback, senior

The 6-2, 185-pound Oregon commit brings quality size, athleticism and technical skills to press or cover receivers with equal efficiency. Recording three interceptions last season, Finney breaks well to consistently get to the catch point and locate the ball.

Kasir Hicks, Mervo, cornerback, senior

Ultra competitive who plays much bigger than his 5-9, 160-pound frame, Hicks leans on his speed, instincts and tenacity to effectively keep the ball out of opposing receivers’ hands. The All-Metro second-team selection had five interceptions last season in helping the Mustangs claim the Class 4A/3A state crown.

Darrion Smith, St. Frances, lineman, senior

The 6-3, 270-pound Tennessee commit is a major burst of explosive energy at defensive tackle. In addition to consistently making big plays in the opposition’s backfield, Smith draws added attention to create space for his teammates to make big plays.

Delmar White, Archbishop Spalding, lineman, senior

A dominant disruptor at end, White banks on brute strength and leverage to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Last season, the 6-2, 305-pound Maryland commit finished with 57 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

Preseason Top 15 teams

1. Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Kyle Schmitt

Last season: 10-2 overall, ranked No. 1

Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion

Outlook: Undefeated in league play the past two seasons, the two-time defending champs are stacked with standouts who have had consistent success in big games. All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year Malik Washington is the area’s top quarterback with wide receiver Aaron Igwebe a big-play threat and tackle Kyle Lucas the glue in the trenches. On defense, the secondary is the team’s strength with Trent Gillis, Jayden Shipps and Alijah Jones stalwarts while end Delmar White anchors the line.

2. St. Frances

Coach: Messay Hailemariam

Last season: 5-6, No. 2

Postseason: Did not participate

Outlook: Last season, the Panthers took their lumps early before closing strong, something they plan to build on with another demanding national schedule. Sophomore quarterback Tristan Sabb showed promise in limited time last season and will lean on the quality surrounding experience. Jeremiah Kroger is a big-play wide receiver, running back Jaylen Burke leads a deep backfield and guard John Watkins sets the tone on the line. The defense has an abundance of game-changers led by tackle Darrion Smith and safety Jireh Edwards with Joppatowne transfer Zion Elee a plus at end.

3. McDonogh

Coach: Hakeem Sule

Last season: 7-3, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A Conference runner-up

Outlook: With seven starters back on offense and exceptional talent on defense, the Eagles are primed to challenge Spalding. Quarterback Braeden Palazzo, wide receiver Jeff Exinor and running back Michael Tan will key an offense that wants to control the clock. Playmakers dominate each level on defense with tackle Elijah Crawford, linebacker Kamden Laudenslager and defensive backs Brandon Finney and Anthony Redfern the foundation.

4. Mount Saint Joseph

Coach: Donald Davis

Last season: 7-5, No. 7

Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: At quarterback, the Gaels turn to DeMatha transfer Ben Raines, who plays a pro style with good size (6-3) and a quick release. Wide receivers Peyton Youngbar and Nick Barnabae join tight end AJ Korkosz as key targets with Gabe Plusen and Jabari Berry the stalwarts on the line. Defensively, six starters return with end Sean Curtin and cornerback Angelo Ross the catalysts.

5. Dunbar

Coach: Michael Carter Sr.

Last season: 11-0, No. 6

Postseason: Class 2A/1A state champion

Outlook: With 15 starters back — eight on defense, seven on offense — the three-time defending state champions are poised to continue their epic roll. The skill positions on offense are dynamic with quarterback Savion Witherspoon joined by running back Cole Floyd and wide receiver Sammy Eades. Line play is the Poets’ top strength with Rutgers commit Joshua Blackston setting a dominant tone on offense and the one-two punch of end Bran Collins and tackle Eli Turpin a punishing force on defense. Safety-cornerback Tyler Hart brings special intangibles to the secondary.

The 103rd Turkey Bowl, Calvert Hall vs Loyola Blakefield

6. Loyola Blakefield

Coach: Blake Henry

Last season: 7-4, No. 5

Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: Henry, the school’s athletic director, will serve as coach replacing Anthony Zehyoue, who is now an assistant at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island. The Dons have a quality mix on both sides of the ball to make some noise. Quarterback Brad Seiss is an efficient signal-caller with running back Mason Russell and tight ends Derek Seiss and Harper Rudolph playing big roles in the running and passing games. Luke Marsalek anchors both lines with a secondary that boasts Jesse LeGree and Khary Adams a strength.

7. Concordia Prep

Coach: Joe Battaglia

Last season: 11-1, No. 3

Postseason: MIAA B Conference champion

Outlook: After dominating the B Conference last season, capped by a 35-0 win over John Carroll in the title game, the Saints are looking to develop a young roster quickly to ready themselves for the jump to the A Conference. Quarterback Justin Dixon, tight end Destin Mitchell and wide receiver Noah Robinson will flash on offense with Matt Shivers keying the line. Defensive tackles Rodney White and Matthew Smith and cornerback Jayden Dixon lead the defense.

8. Calvert Hall

Coach: Josh Ward

Last season: 4-7, not ranked

Postseason: Did not qualify in MIAA A Conference

Outlook: After a string of injuries derailed last season, Calvert Hall has a strong group back that’s primed to maximize its potential. The Cardinals have top-end speed on both sides to present tough challenges for opponents. On offense, quarterback Mekhi Brown is the poised leader with running back John Asuquo and tight end Jackson Taggart key weapons, while Chase Dorsey anchors the line. On defense, Emilie Dore and Asaiah Hamond are the glue up front with Kyle Greene and Chris Hewitt providing big plays in the secondary.

9. Broadneck

Coach: Rob Harris

Last season: 11-3, No. 9

Postseason: Class 4A state finalist

Outlook: Still seeking the program’s first state title after last year’s impressive run fell one win short, the Bruins believe the experience gained has them primed for the ultimate breakthrough. On offense, dual-threat quarterback CJ Watkins returns with explosive playmakers — running back Ian Mauldin and wide receiver Joey Smargissi — while tackle Donovan Boyer is the main cog on the line. Hard-hitting senior Tyrin Chinn-Thompson can play linebacker or safety to lead the defense with end Tommy Anglim and safety Blake Levicki as other linchpins. Transfers Marlo Brown and Zion Lowder are huge additions at linebacker.

10. Mervo

Coach: Patrick Nixon

Last season: 12-1, No. 9

Postseason: Class 4A/3A state champion

Outlook: Fresh off the program’s second state title in three years, the Mustangs are in a similar starting point as last year: Gifted talent back on offense and a largely new cast on defense. Offensively, Woodlawn transfer Davon Smith Jr. takes over at quarterback with running backs Josh Ross and Zyon Wright and wide receiver Justin DeVaughn bringing big-play ability. All-Metro cornerback Kasir Hicks is the lone starter back on defense, but, like last season, Nixon is confident that his coaching staff will be able to put eager newcomers in the right spots to succeed.

11. Milford Mill

Coach: Reggie White

Last season: 9-3, No. 12

Postseason: Class 2A state semifinalist

Outlook: Last season, the Millers lost three games by a combined six points, capped by a 35-34 semifinal defeat to eventual state champion Stephen Decatur. This season, they’re banking on making the big play late. Junior Owen Newberns replaces DeShawn Purdie at quarterback; running back Damon Ferguson and wide receiver Derrell Pierson are the key playmakers; and All-Metro tackle Amory Hills is the offensive line’s enforcer. Tackle Matt King and cornerback Koby Sarkodie set the tone on defense.

12. Arundel

Coach: Jack Walsh

Last season: 7-3, No. 15

Postseason: Class 3A South Region second round

Outlook: After averaging 28 points per game last season, the Wildcats will continue to lean on their potent offense to make a push for Anne Arundel County bragging rights and an extended postseason run. Quarterback Ahmir Lowery, running back TJ Mordecai and wide receiver Shariff Glassgow all possess special playmaking skills to keep the points coming.

13. Perry Hall

Coach: Ryan Pittillo

Last season: 12-1, No. 10

Postseason: Class 4A/3A state semifinalist

Outlook: The Gators graduated a defining senior class that carried them to the Baltimore County championship. The next challenge is maintaining success with a mix of returning talent and newcomers ready for their chance. While there’s a healthy quarterback competition taking place, several two-way standouts will take on lead roles led by the wide receiver-safety tandem of Corey Costner and Vernon Allen and running back-linebacker Noah Williams.

14. Old Mill

Coach: Joey Hall

Last season: 10-2, No. 11

Postseason: Class 4A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: Hall, who previously served as a varsity assistant and head junior varsity coach, takes over for former coach Mike Pfisterer with plans to maintain the program’s consistent success. The Patriots will rely on the experience of third-year starting quarterback Trey Martini and a defense that brings speed and toughness to make big plays. Wide receiver Tahzay Brown is Martin’s top target with cornerback Connor Adams and linebacker Noel Norman-Williams the cornerstones of the defense.

15. Reservoir

Coach: Matt Banta

Last season: 8-3, not ranked

Postseason: Class 4A/3A South Region finalist

Outlook: Coming off the program’s first outright Howard County championship, the Gators will lean on a mix of talented returnees and hungry newcomers from last year’s 8-1 junior varsity squad to stay on top. Five starters are back on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Elijah Green and running back Brandon Mulira are keys on offense, with ends Moses Bailey — last year’s Howard County Defensive Player of the Year — and Sammy Patraut wrecking opposing game plans.

Others considered: Dundalk (8-3), Forest Park (11-2), Franklin (6-6), John Carroll (7-5), Patterson Mill (9-2), Westminster (8-2)