High School Sports |

Capital Gazette 2024 high school football preview: Severn Run alters the landscape

Severn Run is here, and coaches both public and private are wondering what that’ll mean. The top teams expect to remain exactly that – the top. But a leveling of the field, something that was certainly in play last fall, is still ongoing. Parity hangs on the mind of coaches heading both perennial powers, like Arundel, as well as teams hoping to make a stab forward.

See more about each team individually:

Annapolis

Coach: Dewayne Hunt, fourth season

Last season: 4-6

Region: 4A East

Key players: Seniors Darrian Carter (QB), Tyler Womack (RB), Cyrus Chambers (WR), Chris Smotherman (OL), Keyshawn Boykin (S), Kevin Jackson (WR), Kameron Hebron (RB/LB), Kyonte Brown-Siscoe (OL), Christian Powell (T), Chris Padilla (G), Sam Hadley (OL), Jayden Hill (T) and Jonathan Hernandez (OL); juniors Calvin Smith (CB/WR), Zyhire Neal (CB), Jordan Johnson (WR/S) and Zach Boyd (OL).

Outlook: The Annapolis T-shirts say: “Finish what we started.” A few years back, the Panthers struggled with numbers and wins significantly. But Annapolis undeniably took a step forward last fall by winning four of its first six games and featuring one of the state’s premier running backs in Tyler Womack. But last year, the Panthers were young. They fell short of beating Broadneck, Arundel or Old Mill, a fell in the first round of playoffs. And yet, Hunt thinks that could change, as soon as Sept. 6 against the Patriots.

Carter, who earned offers from Delaware State, UMass and Brown among others, brings more maturity to this season, his coach said, an understanding of the position and an even keel when it comes to making plays – aided by new quarterbacks coach Warren Johnson CQ.

Annapolis’ defense did excel in causing turnovers last season – led by junior Calvin Smith, who led the county in interceptions – but Hunt expects his defense will appear tougher, “more aggressive,” “flying around” the field to gang tackle and strip the ball. They’re athletic with good size, Hunt said, and will try to “bone-crush” teams.

Coach’s comment: “Every team graduates players, kids move on and some teams get better. I believe we’re one of those teams. We should do pretty well this year. I have a really good feeling about the season.”

Games to Watch: Glen Burnie (9/13), Broadneck (10/18)

Arundel

Coach: Jack Walsh, seventh season

Last season: 7-3

Region: 3A South

Key players: Seniors Ryan Eshenbaugh (DL), Kaleb Omotosho (LB), Dominic Erculiani (LB), Ahmir Lowery (QB), TJ Mordecai (RB), Shariff Glassgow (WR), Naseem Tension (WR/RB) and Brandon Gorham (DL); junior Avry Harris (WR).

Outlook: Crofton head coach Todd Sommerville quipped Arundel could graduate 44 players, fill those spots with 44 kids the next year and be just as dangerous. Luckily, the Wildcats aren’t facing that problem now. They’re fully stocked with seasoned players in key roles, and one would expect that would place Arundel in the upper echelon of the county this year.

The big green team returns 10 of 11 starters on offense and six of 11 on defense, intending to place its faith in its upperclassmen. Lots of eyes rest on running back TJ Mordecai, widely anticipated to be one of the county’s best offensive pieces this fall.

Coach’s comment: “Depth at key positions will need to be addressed in order to compete at the state level come playoff time.”

Games to watch: Glen Burnie (9/6), Broadneck (9/13), Old Mill (10/18)

Ian Mauldin, Broadneck: 648 yards

Broadneck

Coach: Rob Harris, 14th season

Last season: 11-3, state runner-up

Region: 4A East

Key players: Seniors CJ Watkins (QB), Joey Smargissi (WR), Ian Mauldin (RB/SB), De’Marien Hayes (SB), Donovan Boyer (RT), Declan Miller (LT), Nathan Griswold (OL), Tyrin Chinn-Thompson (S), Blake Levicki (S), Mike Swick (DB), Tommy Anglim (DE), Zion Lowder (LB/S) and Dylan Jordan (K/P); juniors Aaron Foote (RB/SB), Ty Brown (RG), Cameron “Porky” Provan (LG), Marlo Brown (MLB).

Outlook: Harris has a squad “that can make some noise.” He reckons this might be the most complete and talented list of skill players he’s ever carried. Smargissi’s the “ring leader” while Foote is “one of the best open-field runners.” The biggest difference between last season’s offense and this one, however, is that everyone seems to have a deeper understanding of how it’s all supposed to run. There’s a fluidity to it that wasn’t truly present in Broadneck’s attacks until November last year.

In 2023, defense carried Broadneck in games were offense was kneading out some kinks. This year, with so many key graduations, they’ll have to recalibrate and quickly. Chinn-Thompson and Levicki will play essential roles in anchoring the reshuffling, but Harris is excited about his “hungry and aggressive” players taking on new or bigger roles.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve picked up where we’ve left off and we’ve added some things we weren’t doing last year. We’re excited to see how it affects people and it’s gonna be fun.”

Games to watch: Arundel (9/13), Old Mill (10/10)

Arundel at Chesapeake Football

Chesapeake

Coach: Rob Elliott, 14th season

Last season: 9-3

Key players: Seniors Keller Herzberger (QB), Sean Carroll (RB), Peyton Jacobs (RB/LB), Nathan Wheeler (WR), Isaak Sears (WR), Colin Gilmore (WR), Xander Dodd (OL), Blake Messick (OL) and Connor Wright (DE); juniors Levi Page (RB), Jaydon Hurley (WR), Jason Windell (DE) and Gavin Lewis (LB); sophomores Lucas Rothenhoefer (RB) and Kamari Ellis (WR).

Outlook: After a 2023 stricken by injuries and low numbers, the Cougars added 35 new players to the program this year thanks to the successes of its youth program.

Those who return to starting roles are hardened by last year’s hardships, and while the plan is always to be able to throw, Chesapeake’s strengths may lie more in its running backs. Its offensive line will be a work in progress after graduating five seniors – including Al Laramore trophy recipient Wyatt Ferguson to Navy. Success, Elliott said, will rest on how swiftly the new o-line can develop.

Coach’s comment: “We could be in a position where we have up to six sophomore start, and it’s a huge adjustment from JV to varsity. With three out-of-county games out of the gate, that’s gonna hopefully be our period where everybody gels and we see what we have.”

Games to watch: Arundel (10/4), Northeast (10/18)

Crofton

Coach: Todd Sommerville, fourth season

Last season: 0-10

Region: 4A/3A East

Top players: Senior Dylan Bayne (RB/SB), Adetoye Onyekaba (NG), Jake Schacter (S), Gary Berned (LB), Josiah Williams (LB), Kris Shenton (G), Hebrew Norfleet (RB) and Jaden Dawkins (RB/OLB); juniors Aaron Farrar (SB) and Drew Sani (LB); sophomore Logan Davis (QB).

Outlook: The Cardinals feature a senior-heavy offensive line that Sommerville expects will be an asset for an otherwise young offense without much proven success.

Sophomore quarterback Davis put in some “substantial” time late last fall against teams like Broadneck and Glen Burnie, added a few inches and absorbed his coaches’ teachings. Sommerville hopes that’ll diversify Crofton’s run-first scheme of the last four years and make their plans a little less clear.

Coach’s comment: “We just have to believe in what we’re doing. We have to stay true and understand it. It’s not gonna look pretty all the time – we’re still a program trying to figure out who we are – but I think the guys in the locker room want to take that step.”

Old Mill vs Glen Burnie football playoff

Glen Burnie

Coach: Alec Lemon, fifth season

Last season: 7-4

Region: 4A East

Key players: Jordan Daly (QB), William Minor (OL), Elijah Wright (T), Gordon Harris (DE), Sire Moore (LB), Elijah Boston (DL), Darius Williams (S), Noah Mitchell (LB) and Daniel Baruka (K/P).

Outlook: So much of Glen Burnie’s promise last season flowed through true two-way quarterback Romeo Edmonds, who went on to Bowie State. He didn’t have an obvious successor, a reality Lemon is facing now.

The Gophers’ top running back, Norfleet, returns, as well as three of four starting receivers and three of five offensive linemen (as well as a North County transfer, Boston). Otherwise, building depth will be paramount to success, especially as the inevitable injuries arise.

Coach’s comment: “We just got to get everybody to buy in and be consistent. Make sure they’re all on the same page and doing the right stuff. At some point, I think it’s gonna click and the wheels will keep rolling.”

Games to Watch: Arundel (9/6), Broadneck (9/27), Old Mill (10/25)

Glen Burnie at Meade football

Meade

Coach: Tanardo Sharps, third season

Last season: 5-5

Region: 4A East

Key players: Seniors Alijah Johnson (QB), Raymond Gotevbe (OL), LaQuan Upshur (OL/DL), Josh Rowe (DL) and Wesley Meran-Henson (DB); juniors Zaire Willard (WR), Chris Byrant (WR), Cole Bass (K) and Kayden McDuffie (LB); sophomore Jeffrey King (WR).

Outlook: It’s Johnson’s offense to direct now, and Sharps saw proof in seven-on-seven camps that he has the maturity now to take ownership of it. A more nimble quarterback than his predecessor, he’s the brains, Sharps said, and the muscle is the offensive line.

There’s more variety in the receiver unit, but even so, Sharps thinks Meade will run more. All of it will be possible thanks to one of the most seasoned offensive lines in the county, a group where the smallest member weighs in at 220 pounds.

Defense suffered the hardest losses, but several of those players were capable two-way figures, too. Sharps is grateful that players have stepped up in their absence and hopes it’ll be “smooth” from here on out.

Coach’s comment: “We will be a better team. We lost pieces, but we’ll be more balanced overall.”

Games to watch: Severn Run (9/6), Broadneck (9/20), Glen Burnie (10/18), Old Mill (11/1)

North County

Coach: Jawaan Petty, first season

Last season: 4-6

Region: 4A East

Key players: Seniors Jahmari Jones (QB), Chris Rosario (WRDB), Madden Posey (C), Cash Stephenson (TE/DE), Chris Argenal (T), Austin Pierce (G), Korey Durham (G), Alijah Wilson (CB), Pierre Vital (MLB); juniors Corey Gibson (OL) and Josiah Bryant (WR/S).

Outlook: With their third coach in five years and several players redistricted, the Knights are in a state of limbo. These last several years haven’t been kind to them, and as several former basement dwellers have taken off and competed with the top tier teams, North County’s been left behind.

Petty and his staff hope to install a buy-in culture and build a foundation so that inevitably, the Knights can be a team to mark on the calendar.

Coach’s comment: “We’re senior-heavy and that’s something I wouldn’t expect to see so much. They’ve been through a lot these past four years, but they came together and stuck it out. I’m trying to have them go out with a good experience as a big freshman class comes in.”

Games to watch: Lansdowne (9/7), Francis Scott Key (9/13), Meade (10/4)

Northeast

Coach: Caprizio Chisholm, second season

Last season: 7-4

Region: 3A South

Key players: Seniors Brian Adams (SB), Ryan Williams (SB/DB), Kedrick George (DL), Michael Stewart (DL), Dakota Patton (LB), Rodney Sterry (CB) and Jackson Palmer (CB); juniors Kyle “Bub” Townsend (QB), Jake Mierzeski (RB/DB/K), Taylor Watts (WR) and Eric Scarborough (WR); sophomores Ben Gonzalez (RB)

Outlook: Shamar Johnson did it all for Northeast’s offense last fall, but he’s graduated. Without him, Chisholm feels the Eagles are more balanced now, though fairly inexperienced up front. That said, Northeast plans to chuck the ball more than it did, even though they’re still going to rely on their two running backs, who played backup roles last fall.

Defense is where Northeast is seasoned, from front to back, and could make the difference in games.

Coach’s comment: “We gotta get healthy. I got four starters out. To be competitive, be tough and come out of those first few games with less injuries.”

Games to watch: Crofton (9/13). South River (10/4), Chesapeake (10/18)

Trey Martini, Old Mill: 1,226 yards

Old Mill

Coach: Joey Hall, first season

Last season: 10-2

Region: 4A/3A South

Key players: Seniors Connor Adams (SB/S), LaRon Byrd (T), Dylan Budd (G), Elijah Kimmell (G), Noel Norman-Williams (LB) and Banny Ramirez (K); juniors Trey Martini (QB), Makel Wilder (WR), Tahzay Brown (WR), Bryce Daugherty (WR) and Austyn Bunn (T); sophomore Nyjae Colbert (CB); freshman Junie Pack (CB).

Outlook: Unlike some other fall sports, the Patriots were pretty fortunate in not losing too many pieces to the opening of Severn Run. In moving down to 4A/3A, Old Mill’s state championship aspirations – a feat unachieved since 2011 – are suddenly much more realistic.

But there’s still a lot of ground to be won before that can happen. Hall, the program’s former JV coach, believes Martini has finally settled into his arm, which means traditionally run-heavy Old Mill will “surprise some people” and take to the skies more this fall. It’s also a natural progression after losing county leading rusher Max Jones to college, though Hall believes Adams can assume his role with a little work.

The Patriots’ offensive and defensive lines, however, are a bit less experienced after losing so much to graduation (including an All-County First Team selection) but will be steadied by a pair of 6-2 tackles in Bunn and Byrd. Its secondary may surprise, featuring a freshman cornerback in Junie Pack, who already has a verbal offer from North Carolina Central.

Coach’s comment: “I like to take shots. I like to take chances. I played with coach [Chad] McCormick and coach [Damien] Ferragamo and we won a state championship their way. So, something’s right. The best thing we did was play Wise and Northwest in the preseason and our two best games are 4A. It’ll give us an advantage before we play in the 4A/3A.”

Games to watch: Annapolis (9/6), Broadneck (10/10), Arundel (10/18)

Severn

Coach: Demetrius Ballard, third season

Last season: 6-4, MIAA C Conference champions

Conference: MIAA B

Top players: Seniors Daniel Growney (WR/DB), Lawrence Jacobs (LB), Matt Fisher (C), Braden Hanley (TE/OLB) and Cayden Decker (WR/K); juniors Jesse Bell (OL/DL), Charlie Runco (RB/LB), Julius Floyd (RB/LB), Ty Bussard (QB), Jack Fowler (WR/OLB), Talin Bashoc (OL/DL) and Nate Watkins (OL); sophomores Dominic Montgomery (SB), Jack Schlein (RB/DB), Lincoln Watkins (TE/OLB) and Landyn Hardnett (QB/S).

Outlook: The MIAA C Conference is dead, which means Severn, the defending C champions, is off to the B. With a fairly seasoned crew returning from an injured second-half to 2023, they’ve already recorded one win under their belt, Ballard’s eyeing games against Archbishop Curley, Pallotti and John Carroll warily.

Coach’s comment: “Strengths this year would be our depth at the skilled position and all of our skilled guys are returning on both sides of the ball.”

Games to watch: John Carroll (9/20), Pallotti (9/27), Curley (10/11), St. Mary’s (11/1)

Severn Run

Coach: Troy Gibson, first season

Last season: N/A

Region: 4A/3A West

Key players: Seniors Ronnie Burrell (K) and Jeraun Thompkins; junior Shane Gloster (DL); sophomores Caden Lingo (RB/CB) and Omar Kargbo (WR/LB)

Outlook: The picture constantly shifted all preseason, as new Wolves – predominantly kids just learning they’ve been redistricted – showed up in Gibson’s inbox or at his practice almost daily. Figuring out who’s going to do what, therefore, has been a difficult task. Even deciphering what style they’ll play isn’t easy, with so many players transferring in from different systems, molded by different coaches.

Coach’s comment: “We got some pieces. We just gotta put it together. We’re daily improving, from first day of practice barely getting the ball snapped to running an efficient offense. Since everybody makes playoffs, we gotta hit at the right time.”

Games to watch: Meade (9/6), Old Mill (9/13)

Severna Park

Coach: Nick Marks, second season

Last season: 2-8

Region: Class 4A/3A East

Key players: Seniors Vince Ngyuen (QB), Ryder Halloran (TE), Luke Byerly (G/NG), Julian Murphy (OL/DL) and Gavin Hall (LS); juniors Cole Cavanaugh (RB), Jonathan Wark (RB), Asher Knickerbocker (OL/DE), Kam Chapman (DT) and Noah Crogan (DE); sophomores Chase Griner (RB) and Joe Caffiero (K/P).

Outlook: The Falcons started 10 sophomores last year with little varsity experience and suffered too many key injuries and because of it, they took their lumps. Marks is hoping a year under their belt will improve the record. Severna Park put a lot of trust Nguyen, who spent a good part of the offseason reading defenses, practicing run-pass option and limiting some of last year’s mistakes – namely, interceptions.

Coach’s comment: “They look good in practice. We want to see that translate to the field, actually going up against other teams, the energy and aggression.”

Games to Watch: Glenelg (9/6), South River (9/13), Annapolis (9/20), Chesapeake (9/27)

South River

Coach: Steve Erxleben, fourth season

Last season: 3-7

Region: 3A South

Key players: Seniors Finn Mulvihill (QB), Tyrell Davis (SB/DB), Ben Adams (ATH), Andrew Pitta (OL/DL), Busayo Balogun (OL/DL) and Jayden Phillips (OL/DL); juniors JP Simpson (WR), Evan Paximadas (LB), Sean Cox (DB) and Jamar Robinson (DB)

Outlook: South River hasn’t had a go-to running back in years and will definitely opt to a committee of backs if need be, even though they’re not exceptionally deep. South River returns three offensive linemen, and they a few talented guys who can go both ways equally.

Several of their losses last fall came down to a handful of points. South River hopes to overcome those, especially with a little more parity in the county.

Coach’s comment: “Our culture’s built on being tough, being physical, working hard and embracing adversity. It seems like every year, we have something to overcome, and we’ll do that like anything else.”

Games to watch: Southern (9/6), Severna Park (9/13), Northeast (10/4)

Southern

Coach: Cliff Green, first season

Last season: 1-8

Region: 1A West

Key players: Seniors Zamari Cottom (RB/S), Andrew Fox (OL), Sam Young (LB/K), Jordan Butler (LB) and Derek Wilson (DE); juniors Vinny Zimmerman (QB), Brett Apperson (WR), LJ Evans (RB) and Patrick Guy (OL/LB); sophomore Grant Perkins (OL).

Outlook: Numbers aren’t where Green wants them to be, with 32 on varsity, but that hasn’t stopped Southern from returning to a county-heavy slate. As usual, playing a 3A- and 4A-heavy schedule can only help steel the Bulldogs for a 1A playoff stretch.

As it faces bigger teams, the Bulldogs’ strength lies in its passing – but their even greater strengths will come when the team learns how to deal with adversity in games without spiraling.

Coach’s comment: “I’ve watched the film and they have some great first halves. And when they feel like they’re down, they die down. We’ve tried to attack that over 7-on-7s, get them to be more enthusiastic. We’ve been putting them in a lot of situations to fail but showing them if we do this or that, they’ll be fine. Just trying to be competitive.”

Games to watch: South River (9/6), Severn Run (9/27)

Spalding

Coach: Kyle Schmitt, 12th season

Last season: 10-2, conference champions

Conference: MIAA A

Key players: Seniors Malik Washington (QB), Delmar White (DL), Cooper Welch (K), Trent Gillis (S), Alijah Jones (DB), Jayden Shipps (DB), AJ Perdue (WR), Chase Gorman (RB), Blake Wanless (OL) and Ben Ligouri (LB); juniors Aaron Igwebe (WR), Justin Snell (S/LB), Sean Johnson (S), Joey Scheffers (LB), John Juppe (TE), Ryan Sullivan (TE), Antonio Ledbetter (RB), Cam Pinson (RB), Kyle Lucas (OL), Grant Little (OL), Gavin Laupp (OL), Quinn Purnell (OL) and Ethan Boston (LB); sophomores David Ledbetter (WR), Myles McAfee (WR), Michael Byrne (OL); freshmen Keith Miller (WR) and Bryce Smalls (OL).

Outlook: Spalding’s star continues to rocket, no small thanks in part to the efforts of its three-year starting quarterback Malik Washington, making his much-anticipated commitment to Maryland and guiding eight more DMV players in under his #freegrandma movement, including two of his teammates. The Cavaliers are already 2-0, traveling to and beating Akron Hoban in Ohio, then beating DeMatha on Aug. 31. It’s Spalding’s A Conference to lose after garnering back-to-back titles and returning a bulk of its best, especially among defensive backs and, of course, quarterback.

The Cavaliers’ recent victories and esteem are bearing fruit too, as its open spots – left by figures like four-star Maryland linebacker Keyshawn Flowers – are quickly filled by talent another school would kill for. Schmitt lauded his team’s increased depth at receiver, the solid state of specials.

Coach’s comment: “I think it’s about sustaining it, continuing to play and win some of those games. The Don Bosco win [last year] was good, beating Gonzaga back-to-back years, so we’re getting there. Next step is winning more consistently.”

Games to watch: McDonogh (9/13), Calvert Hall (9/20), Loyola Blakefield (10/25)

St. Mary’s

Coach: Jason Budroni, 10th season

Last season: 4-5-1

Region/Conference: MIAA A

Key players: Seniors Kevin Berzins (LB), Aidan Pongratz (LB), Ace Hendricks (LB), James Brinster (OL) and Cole Brennan (LT); junior Dom Scaly (RB); sophomores DJ Hittafer (QB), Max Fresty (WR), Thomas Travis (WR), Luke Pongratz (WR), Carter Pack (RB), Josh Koch (K) and Mason Bieberich (K).

Outlook: The Saints enter the A Conference on the backs of underclassmen. Four starters return in offensive and defensive skill positions, a far cry from the stacked pool they’ll be going up against.

The main veterans on St. Mary’s side of the field are the three senior linebackers and two returning offensive linemen, but the Saints’ defensive line is young. Still, Budroni said his kids are bought into their conference elevation and in a couple years, might be able to hang.

Coach’s comment: “I assume we’ll take a couple lumps here and there and have some growing pains along the way. As we go on, we’ll get better. We’ll learn quick how to play against better teams, and we’ll learn the hard way.”

Games to Watch: Broadneck (9/6), Concordia Prep (9/14), Severn (11/1)