“If a kid had a chance, go ahead and take it.” he said. “Attack the space and get the ball on the ground in front of the goal.”

Kai Gibson heard his coach’s plea and stepped up, scoring two goals in the opening moments of the second half. The Huskies held on defensively, stalling the Mavericks’ offense to walk away with the 3-1 victory Monday night.

“They’re a solid program and they’ve got a good team,” Rich said. “This was a great win for us.”

After a slow start in the first half, the Huskies came out aggressive and active from the beginning of the second, keeping the ball moving with precise passes and leading one for good looks close to the goal.

“That’s how we’re going to generate chances this year,” Rich said. “Then, we need guys to be confident and fire away when they get a good look.”

Gibson had no issue taking open shots Monday. After Phil Toliver weaved through three defenders, his beautiful cross set up Gibson for a goal. Mere seconds later, the junior found the back of the net once again as the Huskies took control.

“I’m out here to finish,” Gibson said. “If they play the ball through, I’m just there to outrun the other team and score.”

After Benjamin Phillips scored the lone goal for the Mavericks in the first half, the chances became scarce for a young Manchester Valley team looking to find it’s rhythm and stamina. Passes became erratic and easily picked off by the Huskies. Alex Martinez had a good look in the second half, but sailed it over the crossbar as the Mavericks failed to convert.

“We played half a game today,” Mavericks coach John Woodley said. “We have a very young team and we need to come out and learn what it takes to get going for a full game.”

The early season matchup against an out-of-county opponent allowed both teams to learn a lot about themselves. No matter the result, Rich and Woodley each feel there is a lot to build on after Monday.

“We’ve got three new starters on defense, so there’s going to be mistakes.” Rich said. “We’re not going to let one mistake throw off our whole mentality. I think we’ll get better every game with that back four.”

For Woodley, he noted his young team showed promise in the first half. With a roster that boasts only six seniors and a schedule littered with tough battles left and right, he is confident his team will get better fast.

“There’s a lot to build off,” he said. “We just have to put together two solid halves, we do that and we’ll be OK.”

The Huskies will host Rising Sun on Thursday, while the Mavericks will look to bounce back with a road trip to Oakdale to face the Bears.

Patterson Mill 3, Manchester Valley 1

Goals: PM- Kai Gibson (2), Reza Mousavi (1). MV- Benjamin Phillips (1)

Field hockey

Francis Scott Key 5, Frederick 0: The Eagles blanked Frederick led by a hat trick from Jena Stambaugh. She scored once in the first quarter and twice in the third. Josie Bachtel and Dory Kelley also found the cage for FSK. Audrey Baugher had two assists, while Carley Topper and Bella Mazan also handed out helpers.

Westminster 3, Bel Air 2: Vivian Dunn scored the game-winner in the second overtime for the Owls. Ava Piluk tallied Westminster’s first two goals with Dunn assisting on both. Bel Air got a goal from Bella Leon to open the game, and another from Paige Feick on a penalty stroke that tied the game late in the fourth quarter. In goal, Natalie Schultz made six saves for the Owls and Sydney Kennedy made eight saves for the Bobcats.

South Carroll 3, Linganore 2: Megan Maynard, Emily Maynard and Olivia Carter all had goals as the Cavaliers held off Linganore. Alayna Enoff, Dakota Clemens and Kayla Janyska all had assists. In goal, Caelin Lopes made four saves.

Franklin 4, Winters Mill 2: The Indians went on the road and neither the Falcons, nor their grass field, could stop Nora Tromble. The junior scored all four goals in Franklin’s win. Riley Dell and Cici Coco scored for Winters Mill. Addy Vanlandingham made 10 saves in goal.

John Carroll 4, Mercy 2: Four Patriots scored in the win with Sara Shorts, Cate Bianco, Annie Minoglio and Mia Castellano all recording goals.

River Hill 3, Atholton 0: Katelyn Sauritch led the way for the Hawks (1-0) in the season-opening win with a goal and an assist. Carolyn Dzubak and Gabby Bergstrom also scored while Maya Chan had an assist. For Atholton (0-1), Adara Baldini made 24 saves.

Centennial 3, Howard 0: Caroline Cudzilo led the Eagles (1-0) in a season-opening win with a pair of goals. Claire Whipkey added a goal and an assist, while Jane Baldy pitched a shutout with four saves.

Reservoir 8, Oakland Mills 0: The Gators offense exploded in the season-opening win. Freshman Sam Feher netted a hat trick and added an assist in her first varsity action. Senior Claire Kimnach added two goals, while senior Sandra Salkini had a goal and a game-high three assists. Junior Annie Riley scored the game’s first goal, while Madi Ellis also scored on a feed from Radhika Shah.

Football

Patterson Mill 25, Digital Harbor 12: In the conclusion of a game suspended Friday because of a lighting issue, the Huskies scored the final 18 points. Digital Harbor went up 12-7 before RJ Wilhelm scored a touchdown for the Huskies and the extra point put them ahead, 13-12. Mason Hemelt had a pick-six for a touchdown and Brycen Hunter closed out the scoring with a 1-yard run.

Patterson Mill boys soccer gets 2 second-half goals from Kai Gibson in 3-1 win over Manchester Valley

Boys soccer

North Harford 4, Elkton 0: Matthew Deily scored twice and assisted on a third goal in the Hawks’ shutout win. Ryder Taylor and Sebasteyan McNally also scored, while Jamail Holmes tallied two assists.

Pikesville 2, Western Tech 1: Anderson Marquez hit the back of the net with less than five minutes remaining to like Pikesville to the win. Ablante Fesseha scored for the Panthers in the first half. In goal, junior Josh Kaplan made four saves.

Towson 5, Franklin 1: Zach Shrager scored twice, while Will Heacock, Jacob Martinez and Mason Westfall also tallied goals in the win. The Generals built a 3-1 lead by halftime.

Girls soccer

Catonsville 2, Mount de Sales 1: Ella Lesniewski scored off an Elin Mellendick assist for the Comets and Kaitlyn Bachtel scored the team’s second goal off a free kick.

Bel Air 3, North East 2: The Bobcats surged ahead after a 1-1 halftime tie. Ally Mace hit the back of the net twice to lead Bel Air to the win. Eve Krout also scored. Sarah Ravadge, Aubrey Blackburn and Kaitlyn Primus had assists and Emerson Schiller made three saves in goal.

Harford Tech 8, Elkton 2: Laney Weaver and Brooke Pollack each recorded hat tricks in the Cobras’ blowout win, and Abby Downes scored twice.

John Carroll 4, Elizabeth Seton 0: Clara Madore had a hand in all four Patriots goals, scoring two and assisting on two. Bella Ottone and Cali Fridel also hit the back of the net. Lily Baumgartner had an assist.

Severn 5, Glenelg Country 2: The Admirals jumped out to a 3-0 halftime lead. Five players scored in the win: Tessa Patel, Layla Epps, Sophia English, Madison Watson and Irelyn Beaulieu. Patel, Eliza Grace Beard, Carys McKenzie and Nina Ambro all had assists.

Westminster 2, Dulaney 0: Clara Kemp (6 saves) and Andi Zaslow (4) split time in goal to combine for the shutout over the Lions. For the offense, Emmerson Hill and Jenny Vasquez scored goals with Riley Taylor and Mikayla Britz handing out assists.

Golf

Dulaney 161, Western Tech 216: The Lions topped the Wolverines led by Quinn Collins with a 37 and Eli Mace with a 39.

Boys volleyball

Patterson Mill 3, Edgewood 0: The Huskies cruised, 25-8, 25-13, 25-10. Cullen Young led the win with eight kills and five aces. Jake Rakaczky also served fived aces for the Huskies. Aidan Mackowiak chipped in four kills.

North Harford 3, C. Milton Wright: The Hawks swept the Mustangs, 25-11, 25-12, 25-16. Mike DeJesus picked up 21 digs in the win and Jackson Armiger tossed up 23 assists. Chance Kobus and Jordan Bogarty shared the team lead with eight kills each.

Girls volleyball

Annapolis 3, Frederick Douglass 0: Christen Brisbane put down 12 kills to lead the Panthers in their sweep. McHale Hughes tossed up 15 assists while getting three kills of her own. Lindsay Lyman had four kills and six blocks, and Carolin Heyder chipped in four aces and three kills.

Century 3, Francis Scott Key 1: The Knights won, 25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16. Stephanie Villanueva had nine aces and served the match’s final nine points with the set tied at 16. Corinne Zepp added six aces. Gabby Zajaczkowski and Hannah Heffernan each put down 11 kills. Heffernan added 15 digs for a double-double. Zepp led the defense with 28 digs. Julia Boone set up a balanced Eagles offense with 20 assists. Samantha Miller led with six kills. Ripleigh Maring and Kiersten Johannes each added five kills and Maring adding six blocks and Johannes five.

Perry Hall 3, Oakland Mills 1: Abbie Znamirowski had 10 aces and Addison Dunlap was close behind her with eight as the Gators won, 25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17. Dunlap also tossed up 13 assists. Milana Scaccio had six kills and three aces.

To submit scores and stats, email mdscores@baltsun.com with a full box score, including first and last names of the players.

Each year for the last four, Bel Air vs. Fallston football has been decided on the last drive — sometimes the last play. Every meeting winds up a thriller. “This is 29 million years in a row, it feels like,” Bel Air coach Eric Seigel said. “It’s always a one-score game.”

Last year, the Bobcats won, 22-21, when JT Ouandji Nana rushed up the middle for a 2-point conversion. Friday night, it was an interception from senior Michael Graham on fourth down that foiled Fallston’s two-minute drill and sealed Bel Air’s 27-20 win.

Graham aside, it was Bel Air’s sophomores and juniors who protected home turf for a team that arrived at Week 1 dreadfully depleted. The Bobcats were without their upperclass core quartet because of injuries. That meant no Julien Horton, Ouandji Nana, Patrick Sullivan or Evan Freeney — all difference makers on both sides of the ball.

Conversations of making up for lost production entering Friday were simple.

“It’s try to do the little things great,” Siegel said. “One of those philosophies we try to install.”

The Harford County preseason favorites fended off the Cougars because younger talent stepped up and, as their coach says, were great at the little things.

First, the help came from an unexpected source. Kayden Blaine nearly lived out every lineman’s dream. The 6-foot, 260-pound sophomore who sees reps on both sides of the trenches, undercut a dump-off pass from Fallston quarterback Dom Foster. As much as anything, Blaine was in the right place at the right time to make the catch inside the Cougars’ 20-yard line and scramble down to the 1. His extended reach landed a yard shy of a pick-six but he was still showered with love back on the sideline for his unexpected forced turnover in the second quarter.

Siegel played the same position when he was in high school and wanted so badly to see Blaine cross into the end zone. But “like the linemen do,” Siegel said, “you get tackled at the 1.”

Fellow sophomore Dylan James finished the job on the next play with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. That was James’ first of two scores. The second of which came on a pass from quarterback Michael Moore, a sophomore seeing his first taste of varsity action in Sullivan’s absence.

Ouandji Nana has historically been Bel Air’s power back; Horton is the team’s speedster. Junior Nathan Finnigan, playing his first game on varsity, filled in for both in the second quarter of Friday’s win. He parted the sea with an eye-popping 57-yard rush, tackled down a yard shy of a house call – just like Blaine.

“After the first half all the jitters went away and I was able to play to the best of my ability,” Finnigan said. “I hit one move on one guy and the safety was the only guy left to beat. That was all my O-Line.”

Fallston defended the goal line thrice following Finnigan’s explosive run. But on fourth down, Siegel went back to Finnigan for a short rushing touchdown, his first of two.

“I absolutely love the effort that Dylan James and Nathan Finnigan gave,” Siegel said. “Just that little one-two punch, those two kids have been fantastic.”

The Cougars hung around with a few big plays of their own.

There was a trick play that resembled the Philly Special finding Oliver Rueckert for a touchdown in the third quarter that trimmed Bel Air’s lead to eight. Then in the fourth, sophomore quarterback Mike Griffin Jr. aired one out to Zach Loewe for a 65-yard touchdown that again, brought Fallston within one score.

Every meeting between the two goes this way. One team edges out the other in the waning minutes, leaving every fan clenching their jaws and gripping the edge of their seats. The difference this time was the Bobcats’ depth. What does this win say about them?

“Watch out for Bel Air,” James said.

Football

South Carroll 7, Chesapeake-AA 0: Manny Rodrigues had a 23-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to lift the host Cavaliers over the Cougars. Rodrigues had 15 carries for 70 yards. Anthony Rodrigues led the team with 12 carries for 74 yards. Quarterback Caleb Evans was impressive, completing 7 of 9 passes for 107 yards and rushing seven times for 19 yards. Jake Miller made a huge impact with two receptions for 63 yards.

Francis Scott Key 22, Smithsburg 15: The opportunistic Eagles forced Smithsburg into four turnovers including two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — by Colton Feister. Chase Replogle led the defense with 12 tackles. Sophomore starting quarterback Jacob Etzler went 6-of-12 for 116 yards and two touchdowns in his first varsity start. Jermaine Dawson rushed nine times for 54 yards and a score.

Williamsport 40, Winters Mill 16: The Falcons cut the lead to 26-16 late, but Williamsport pulled away. Braydon Jones had a pick-six and a receiving touchdown in the loss.

Annapolis 40, Old Mill 20: The Panthers stormed the field, celebrating the program’s first win over the Patriots in at least two decades. Senior running back Tyler Womack rushed for 217 yards and six touchdowns, as well as a 55-yard return. Jordan Johnson scored on a fumble return. Quarterback Darrian Carter threw once for 50 yards. Kyonte Brown-Siscoe recorded three tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Calvin Smith collected an interception as the Annapolis defense held Old Mill to 185 all-purpose yards.

Severna Park 14, Glenelg 9: The Falcons took the lead in the second quarter and matched the Gladiators touchdown for touchdown in the fourth quarter to keep it.

Dundalk 36, Crofton 0: Donte Gause rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns to lead the win. Micah Williams completed 11 of 13 passes for 141 yards. Williams and Phil Jones also rushed for scores. Cardinals quarterback Logan Davis collected 14 passing yards, Jaden Dawins had 55 rushing yards and Dylan Bayne made two catches for 65 yards in the loss.

Severn 35, Seed 18: Charlie Runco collected 173 yards and two touchdowns off 24 carries for the Admirals (2-0), while Jules Floyd rushed 14 times for 107 yards. Ty Bussard was 10-for-17 with 156 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and Daniel Growney caught five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while also collecting an interception on defense.

South River 22, Southern 20: The Seahawks were forced to defend a 22-0 first-quarter lead from their rival Bulldogs. For South River, Ben Adams rushed in the opening touchdown following a 65-yard pass. JP Simpson caught a touchdown for the Seahawks and Korey Warren ran in another.

Broadneck 28, St. Mary’s 13: Ian Mauldin rushed in two touchdowns for the Bruins while Aaron Foote ran in one and Tyrin Chinn-Thompson hauled in a pick-6. Dom Scali scored both times for the Saints (0-2).

Spalding 45, Archbishop Stepinac (NY) 0: The Cavaliers rolled to 3-0 behind a committee performance. Antonio Ledbetter and Myles McAfee had 30-yard and 13-yard receiving touchdowns from Malik Washington, respectively. Cam Pinson rushed for a three-yard touchdown, as did Washington for 19 yards and Chase Gorman for 10. Cooper Welch went 5-for-5 on extra point attempts and booted a 26-yard field goal. Kam Miller ran in a 55-yard punt return.

Marriotts Ridge 42, Mt. Hebron 0: The Mustangs (1-0) earned a dominant season-opening win led by a stout defense. Ashton Clark rushed for 101 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns, while Julian Clay had five carries for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Perryville 39, North Harford 0: The visiting Panthers took a 32-0 lead over the Hawks in the first half in the victory.

Digital Harbor at Patterson Mill, postponed: The game between the Rams and Huskies was postponed because of an issue with the stadium lights. Patterson Mill led 7-0 in the first quarter when play was halted. The game will resume at a later date to be determined..

Girls soccer

Eastern Tech 5, Friends 2: Ineza Ross-Reidel opened the season with a hat trick to lead a strong offensive showing from the Mavericks. Seniors Ava Chenowith and Marie Vanschoorisse each scored once, while Lillian Hutchings handed out two assists.

Towson 6, Gerstell 0: Gia Celenza scored two goals and had an assist to lead the visiting Generals (1-0) over the Falcons. Madden SySantos made three saves in goal to earn the shutout. Koto Davis, Jolie Bull, Lizzie Corvera and Mikayla Bull also scored, with Davis and Bull also delivering assists. Amelia Culbertson and Tatiyana Chase also gave out helpers.

St. Mary’s 8, St. Mary’s Ryken 0: Elizabeth Schummer had one goal and two assists and Leah Hamilton had a goal and an assist to lead the host Saints (1-0) over the Knights (0-3).  St. Mary’s travels to Mount de Sales on Wednesday.

Severn 4, Glen Burnie 1: The Admirals had four players score in the win. Eliza Grace Beard, Tessa Patel, Eleanor Bear and Carys McKenzie all scored goals with Peach Wellschlager, Madison Watson and Sophia English providing assists. Stephanie Ohl scored for the Gophers and Dania Eguizabal made 13 saves.

St. Paul’s 1, Bel Air 0: Reese Flaherty scored the game-winner in the second half to lift the Gators over the Bobcats  in the Public vs. Private Challenge at Mercy. Emerson Schiller made nine saves for Bel Air.

Marriotts Ridge 1, Wilde Lake 0: Allison Custer scored the game-winner to lift the visiting Mustangs over the Wildecats in the season opener for both teams.

Boys soccer

Fallston 3, Rising Sun 1: After falling behind by a goal at halftime, the Cougars hit the back of the net three times in the second. Ariya Khairghadam, Levi Tanguay and Dominic Witherspoon all scored in the come-from-behind win in the season opener.

Eastern Tech 1, Patterson Mill 0: Anthony Baca-Fuentes made six saves to earn his first career shutout in the Mavericks’ win. Jake Locklear scored the game’s only goal from the left edge in the 10th minute.

Towson 2, Crofton 0: Andrew Kammann and Tyler Hudacek each scored off corner kicks and the host Generals (1-0) shut out the Cardinals (0-1) in Friday’s season opener.

Hereford 3, North Harford 2: The Bulls got past the Hawks with the game-winning goal in overtime. For North Harford, Ryder Taylor assisted Cole Schultz on a goal. The Hawks also took advantage of a Hereford own-goal.

Chesapeake-AA 3, Severn Run 0: Byron Klohr, Cade Shannon and Colton Keeter each scored and the visiting Cougars shut out the Wolves. Ethan Kiniry made five saves for Chesapeake. The Cougars led 2-0 at the half.

Glen Burnie 2, Westminster 0: Nick Bezek scored both goals for the Gophers in the second half. Adolfo Contreras Florian made an assist while Dylan Cunningham recorded two saves.

Volleyball

Perry Hall 3, Harford Tech 0: The Gators survived three close sets to beat the Cobras, 25-20, 28-26, 25-23. Addison Dunlap had six aces, 13 assists and three blocks to lead the win. Milana Scaccio added four aces and three kills.

Aberdeen 3, Edgewood 2: The visiting Eagles beat the Rams, 25-15, 25-13, 23-25, 22-25, 15-10. Edgewood was led by Peyton Parise with seven  digs and four aces and Mo Rohner with five aces, and Lisette Ahlijah with two kills.

Perryville 3, Elkton 0: The Panthers won, 25-11, 25-18, 25-14.

Glen Burnie 3, North County 2: Cici Wilkerson had 14 kills and Lelahni Ladipoh had 11 kills to lead the visiting Gophers over the Knights.

To submit scores and stats, email mdscores@baltsun.com with a full box score, including first and last names of the players.

The Bobcats return two-way threat Julien Horton, the 2023 Aegis Player of the Year; Joël Tristan Ouandji Nana, who broke onto the scene with a powerful junior campaign last fall; and quarterback Patrick Sullivan, eager for his last dance. But take it from Bel Air coach Eric Siegal when he says, “Every team we play in the UCBAC is well coached and it’s a battle every Friday night.”

In early September, it’s hard to pin down one team entirely incapable of stringing a magical run. Last year that was Havre de Grace, turning a 6-6 record into a state quarterfinal appearance. Could another school find similar lightning in a bottle?

Here’s a look around the county (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Kaleb Myers, first year

Last year: 1-8

Top returners: Seniors Terrez Boothe (S/WR), Kelsyn Harris (QB), Tristyn Slogosky (DL) and Cameron Williams (LB); juniors Aaron Dixon (LB), Sean Green (OL) and Chase Saunders (DL); and sophomore Xzaiver Whittington (OL/DL).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Cameron Allen- Jones (LB/RB); sophomores Nepha’Tali McCown- Soto (DB) and Lennox Morris (OL); and freshman Jovan Kenion (WR).

Coach’s outlook: “Above .500, contending for division champions.”

Bel Air

Coach: Eric Siegel, sixth season

Last year: 6-5, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Michael Graham (OLB/WR), Evan Freeney (LB/TE), Matthew Valente (OL/DL), Joël Tristan Ouandji Nana (RB/LB), Julien Horton (WR/DB), Nathan Calamita (LB/OL), KJ Wood (DB /WR), Hayden Meyers (LB/TE), DJ Collier (ATH) and Patrick Sullivan (QB); junior Jonathan Gettle (OL/DL) and sophomore Owen Reilly (OL/DL).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Lamar Watts (DB/WR); juniors Mikel Abeid (DB/WR), Zach Lipscomb (LB) and Nathan Finnigan (RB/LB); sophomores Dylan James (RB/DB) and Kayden Blaine (OL/DL); and freshman Malik Davis (LB).

Coach’s outlook: “The Bel Air Bobcats coaching staff is very excited about the mix of youth and senior leadership that has been displayed so far this year. We like the progress that has been made so far and are excited with where the team is headed. We look forward to improving every single day and watching these student athletes compete this season.”

C. Milton Wright vs Harford Tech football

C. Milton Wright

Coach:  Larry Ashman, third season

Last year: 5-4 record

Top returners: Seniors Kyle Ashman (QB), Alex Curry (OL/DL), Harlem Palmer (RB/DB) and Nathan Whetzel (OL/DL); juniors Mike Holcomb (WR/DL), Baxton Marchand (K), Jaxon Simms (RB/LB) and Cameron Stepp (OL/DL).

Newcomers to watch: Seniors Anthony Camarote (WR/DB), Landon Krepps (WR/DB), Hunter Nolan (OL/DL) Brayden Ruby (WR/DB) and Zach Curry (OL/LB); juniors Matt Sampson Jr. RB/LB and Cameron Wheeler Jr. WR/DB; sophomores Anthony Frank (RB/DB) and Adrew Ringgold (RB/LB).

Coach’s outlook: “This will be a rebuilding year for the Mustangs. We graduated 26 seniors with a lot of those players playing both sides of the ball. We are excited for the talent coming up from our JV program. We will be relying on senior QB Kyle Ashman (two-year starter) to lead our offense with his arm and leadership on the field. Our defense looks to create turnovers and get off the field on fourth downs. The coaching staff has been very pleased with the “buy in” from the team so far. The team has worked very hard during both offseason workouts and preseason camp. The coaching staff is very excited to get this season started.”

Edgewood at North Harford High School Football

Edgewood

Coach: Keith Rawlings, fourth season

Last year: 9-2, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Shane Tressler (OL/LB), Quintin Williams (WR/DB), Darius Fleming (RB/LB/DE), TJ Wesson (WR/LB), Jeremiah Smith (WR), Wroto Quiah (WR/LB), Tyrone Williams (H/LB), Malachi Coates (LB), Jesiah Stokes (OL/DT), Terrence Powell (OL/DL) and Miles Putney (OL); juniors Kyion Greenwood (ATH), Jayden Harvin (RB/DB), Charles Brown (WR/DB) and Joey Bynaker (OL).

Newcomers to watch: Seniors Jaydon White (TE/DE), Amir Shaw (WR/DB), Tavon McLean (OL) and Arthur Johnson (OL/DL); juniors Michael Robinson (QB/FS), Tevonte Williams (WR/DE), Jarrod Burton (TE), Mikhail Georges (RB/LB), Khalil Brice (H/LB), Brian Guerrero (DE/QB), Dezekiah Bailey (OL/DL) and Karlito Richardson (DE); sophomore Isaiah Deyo (OL/DE) and freshman Malachi Robinson (WR/LB).

Coach’s outlook: “In 2024 for our team to be successful, we will have to be explosive on offense, control the ball and limit our turnovers. On defense we will look to create turnovers, pressure our opponents, play fast and make sure we tackle well. Our special teams must be solid. We must control field position and limit big plays by our opponents.”

Fallston

Coach: Keith Robinson, fourth season

Last year: 7-5, regional finalist

Top returners: Seniors Evan Alcide (RB/LB), Dom Foster (QB) and Kael Morosko (LB); juniors Oliver Rueckert (DL/Edge), Zach Loewe (WR/DB) and Cole Shea (OL/DL).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Hunter Solwold (TE/H/LS) and Mike Griffin Jr. (QB/ATH).

Coach’s outlook: “Fallston returns eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. Last year’s unit led the county with 19 interceptions total. This unit has to be stout early on, while a young offensive line jells. The offense returns a veteran group of skill players and we expect to very much be in the race for the Susquehanna title.”

C. Milton Wright vs Harford Tech football

Harford Tech

Coach: Brad Hunt, second season

Last year: 7-4, state quarterfinalist

Top returners: Seniors Joshua Baer (LB), Karon Evans (DB/WR), Luke Kelley (DL/OL), Blake Hott (DL/OL), Jamaal Pearl Jr. (RB/LB), Brian Vickers (DL/TE), Benjamin Welzenbach (DL/OL) and Trenton Wrzosek (LB/WR); juniors Maurice Butler (DB/RB), Stephen Kelley II (QB) and Shamari Whitmore (RB/DB).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Aaron Wilson (LB/TE), juniors Brennan Appleby (DB/WR), Robert Crane (LB/RB), Christian Donlick (DB/WR), Bryce Rowland (DB/WR) and Elijah Walker (DL/OL); sophomores Bradley Cloude (DL/OL) and Deacon Milton (LB/TE).

Coach’s outlook: “We are look to continue to be a competitive team in a tough conference.”

Havre de Grace

Coach: Brian Eberhardt, eighth season

Last year: 6-6, state quarterfinalist

Top returners: Seniors Bryce Baur (TE/DE), Joe Spencer (OL/DL) and Brandell Stokes (ATH); juniors Kevin Kinsey (WR/DB) and Miles Miller (WR/S).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “We are a young team looking to build off of some late season success from last year.”

John Carroll

Coach: Mark Modeste, third season

Last year: 7-5, MIAA B Conference finalist

Top returners: Senior Myles Britt (OL/DL), Ryan Kruk (WR/DB), Oliver Bayliss (OL/DE), Jackson Harcarik (Slot/CB) and Mason Bezold (RB/LB).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Cam Durbin (RB), Nate Shutt (LB/RB), Logan Rogers (LB/RB), Buster Barger (WR/S) and Anthony Modeste (QB); sophomores James Westervelt (TE/DE), Parker Miller (LB/TE) and Carson Shoffner (RB/CB).

Coach’s outlook: “We are young but talented. The mix of a few returning senior starter, handful of really strong transfers and a talented group of younger players gives us a chance to create a great year for JC. We feel it will be a process but this is a really hard working group that will turn some heads as the season progresses.”

Joppatowne

Coach: Albert Goode III, third season

Last year: 2-7

Top returners: Senior Ashton Brown (MLB); juniors Xavier Stacker (OL/DL) and Ty’quon Billinger-bey (DB/WR).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Anthony Hall (RB), Sharod Partlow (OL/DL), Elijah Winn (OL/DL), Daniel Hart (DB) and Dartanun Blakney (ATH); and freshman Tyrone Elee (OL/DL).

Coach’s outlook: “Excited to watch this team grow and compete this season.”

North Harford vs Hereford football

North Harford

Coach: Justin Martinek, sixth season

Last year: 5-5

Top returners: Seniors Donald Mullins (RB), Drew Keener (K/DL), Zachary Mullins (WR/LB), Andrew Sharff (OL/DL), Holden Young (RB/DL), Brendan Zang (QB), Nolan Clark (WR/DB) and Peyton Baldwin (WR/DB); juniors Xavier Dunaway (OL/DL) and Luke Bylen (WR/DB).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Matthew Carico (OL/DL); juniors Jason Brady (WR/DB) and Mason Leizear (OL/DL); sophomores Gavin Powell (RB/LB), Ben Liebel (RB/LB) and Jordan Lucas (QB/LB).

Coach’s outlook: “Build off of last year’s improvement and keep moving forward.”

Bohemia Manor vs Patterson Mill football

Patterson Mill

Coach: Dave Huryk, third season

Last year: 9-2, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Luke Plesniak (DL), RJ Wilhelm (RB/DB), Sanel Becirovic (OL/DL), Dylan Myers (OL/DL) and Deitric Jackson (LB); sophomore Brycen Hunter (QB).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Junior Council (WR/RB).

Coach’s outlook: “We have a very tough schedule within the UCBAC and many teams have gotten better this offseason. We hope to remain competitive with the top teams in the UCBAC by slowing down the game and controlling what we can control.”

Harford Tech has made such strides to be in the conversation.

In 2022, the Cobras middled around at 7-7. Then they beat every team on their schedule that wasn’t Bel Air. And this year, Harford Tech returns most of its roster. Meanwhile, the Bobcats lost the Aegis Player of the Year Chris Couch to graduation.

One coach called Harford Tech “a force last year,” insinuating a step forward this fall. Another praised coach Gary Clement’s program, saying, “clearly [they’re] the team that is heavily favored to win the county this year. It is hard to see another team that can compete with them at this point.”

For years, that was how coach’s spoke about Bel Air. Can Harford Tech meet such lofty expectations? The two powerhouses meet first at 5 p.m. on Sept 11, then again at 5 p.m. on Oct. 14.

Perhaps a third meeting is destined for the playoffs.

Here’s a look around the county (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Coach Placzankis, second season

Last year: 1-13

Top returners: Senior Tyler Murdock (M) and junior Louis Lim (L)

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Bryan Eng (OH) and Sam Boyer (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “I think this team can go further than last year. We’re learning and going to be doing our best to hit the ground running with our first match against Bel Air on the ninth of September.”

Bel Air

Coach: Larry Tsomos, 30th season

Last year: 16-0, Harford County champs

Top returners: Seniors Jack Svoboda (OH) and Andrew DiEdoardo (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Seniors Arvin Dong (DS) and Austin Deyo (OH); juniors Isaac Torres (OH), Kaleb Osei-Boateng (OH), Willie Lam (S), Joey Dinan (MH), Jackson McCray (MH), Gavin Lurz (OH) and Matt Studnicki (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “We have a young team. We look forward to having a good time, learning how to play volleyball and putting together a good game every time.”

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Shawn Duffalo, fourth season

Last year: 12-2, Harford County semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Julian Datesman (O) and Kandin Illigan (L); juniors Brody Hichkad (O), Ben Silcox (O) and Mason Crouch (M).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Nnamdi Ozoilo (M).

Coach’s outlook: “C. Milton finds themselves in an unusual position compared to past years. The team has some very strong returning players, but also has multiple positions which remain uncertain. The team will clearly have a learning curve and could be a very different team at the end of the year compared to the beginning. The big question is which of the newcomers will emerge, and can they fill the shoes that were left behind from last year’s All-County departures?

Fallston

Coach: Bill Stewart, third season

Last year: 7-7

Top returners: Senior Jerry Dinan (L/DS) and Ethan Seilback (L/OH); junior Joey Gross (OH); sophomores Jackson DeNichillo (MH), Shaughn Kelly (M/OH) and Luke Price (S).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Zachary Boczar (OH); sophomores Flynn Callan (OH) and Alex Kegan (OH); freshman Reese Koppelman (L).

Coach’s outlook: “Fallston comes into the season with a young group with less experience than in years past. The Cougars challenge will be to work hard and get better as a team as the year moves forward. I’m looking forward to watching this group develop into a competitive team.”

Harford Tech

Coach: Gary Clement, fourth season

Last year: 13-2, Harford County finalist

Top returners: Seniors Saxon Fuller (OH) and Sam Thomas (L).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Philip Kozlowski (S) and Peter Kozlowski (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “The goal this year is to make it to the championship and win it; however, we know how strong our competition always is.”

Havre de Grace

Coach: Bob Reider, fifth season

Last year: 5-9

Top returners: Senior Shane Cardwell (MB) and Hayden Byrns (MB/OH).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “We are a young team looking to develop through the course of the season.”

John Carroll

Coach: Jordan Smith, second season

Last year: 14-6

Top returners: Senior Nikko Sohn (OH)

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Mason Proctor (L) and Tyler Olivi (S).

Coach’s outlook: “We have some young players and some guys who are new the sport, so we are looking for a lot of growth this year. We have a lot of great kids and athletes, so we are hoping to learn and get better with each practice and game.”

Patterson Mill

Coach: Lucas Daniel, second season

Last year: 7-6, Harford County semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Aidan Mackowiak (OH) and Blaise Jones (OH); junior Cullen Young (RS).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Dylan Lewis (OH) and sophomore Titus Lyttle (S).

Coach’s outlook: “Mechanically, the team is great. Movements and technique are all phenomenal. Mental fortitude has been a weak point for our team, but once we find support for it, we will be a team to beat.”

The regulars atop the Chesapeake Division of the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference — Bel Air, C. Milton Wright, Patterson Mill and Fallston — graduated players, reloaded with talent and boast experienced coaching staffs that find ways to win. Any of the quartet is capable of making a state playoff run, meaning each matchup with one another comes with a playoff feel. Only time will tell.

Here’s a look around the county (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Robin Landis, first season

Last year: 8-10

Top returners: Seniors Lia Lucas (L) and Jaliyah Lane (S).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “As a new coaching staff, we are super eager to start the season. We have some great new ideas for the players and are focusing on playing hard, having fun, trying our best and leaving it all out on the court.”

Bel Air vs Patterson Mill volleyball

Bel Air

Coach: David Simon, sixth season

Last year: 11-7, state quarterfinalist

Top returners: Seniors Anna Kane (RS/S), Olivia Mannion (OS), Lilia Dziedzic (L), Aubrie Faulkner (MB/RS), Lucy Griger (MB/RS) and Sophie Rivera (RS); juniors Emma Duvall (S), Annalise Lewis (MB/OS), Hayden Pennypacker (OS) and Julie Stillwagon (OS).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Annie Sorrells-Koukounaras (DS), Aya Srisukwattananan (DS) and Claire Bowden (DS); sophomores Gaby Watts (LB) and Mari Brady (S).

Coach’s outlook: “After being the dominant team from 2019 to 2022 and losing one time in the conference, we took six tough losses in the conference last year. This year we have a strong and fun core of 10 returners and five newcomers that are hungry to return to the top of their conference. It won’t be easy but the team comes in refocused with hitting options all over the court. Last year was a wake up call. This year we want to show everyone we are back.”

C. Milton Wright vs Patterson Mill volleyball

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Dave Naugle, sixth season

Last year: 16-3, regional champs

Top returners: Seniors Ana Mioduski (OH), Maddie Duffalo, (OH), Jenna Ritz (S) and Olivia Kobb (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Grace Boseck (MH) and Luna Musto (S); sophomore Isabella Shaw (OH); freshman Elizabeth Costello (MH).

Coach’s outlook: “We have eight players returning this year, including two four-year players, two three-year players and four two-year players. They are a cohesive bunch of girls who’ve been playing with each other for quite a while, including some on the same club team. We have some really good new players joining us, and almost all of our girls are top players within their respective club programs. With the experience and lessons learned from last season, I believe we have a good chance to sit on top of the conference again, defend our regional championship and go further into the state playoffs.”

Edgewood

Coach: Hannah Whitmire, sixth season

Last year: 12-1, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Sofia Ortiz (S) and Zyianna Rowlette (M).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Samarra Brodbeck (OH) and Ava Supan (S).

Coach’s outlook: “Our team is looking solid this year. There is a lot of talent on both JV and varsity. We look stronger every day and should have a good season.”

C. Milton Wright vs Fallston volleyball

Fallston

Coach: Christopher Kraft, first year

Last year: 14-3, regional finalist

Top returners: Seniors Sam Ruth (S), Kaylee Lindhorst (OH) and Jadin Woods (M); juniors Mary Pfaff (M) and Natalie Gross (OH); sophomore Sloane Mister (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Alyssa Curry (L) and sophomore Mady Kelly (M).

Coach’s outlook: “We lost seven players from last year, including two all-county players (Kyra Douglass and Grace Pfaff). We are young, so I am expecting to have some bumps in the beginning, but the talent is there and I think by the end of the season we will be a tough match for anyone.”

Harford Tech

Coach: Caitlin Torley, third season

Last year: 10-5, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Mady Bobb (M), Winter Evans (M), Lauren Kunes (RS) and Mahalia Sam-Kpakra (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Freshman Emme DuBose (L).

Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited for these teams, both varsity and JV. These kids are hardworking, dedicated, and have a lot of collective experience.”

Havre de Grace

Coach: Ashley Algard, sixth season

Last year: 6-9, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Kinsey Mentzer (OH), Lillia Dalton (S/RS), Abigail Transparenti (OH/MB) and Claire Bond (L); junior Sophia Holloway (MB/OH); sophomore Sabree Knox (MB).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “This is one of the most athletic teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. These girls this year, particularly the seniors, have played together since their freshman year and were brought into the game by former JV coach Brooke Foley, who gave them the proper foundation to be at the caliber of volleyball they’re at now. Both programs look healthy, athletic and ready to put in the work to get some wins this year. They are hungry to have a winning season, which makes me excited as their coach.”

John Carroll

Coach: Katie Forsythe, first year

Last year: 6-12, semifinalist

Top returners: Junior Ava pollock (L) and sophomore Mia jovetić (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Kaitlin Hudson (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited for this first year at John Carroll, we are a young team full of talent. We have been talking about our team culture and the words, confidence, discipline, effort have stuck with us. These are the words we use to remind ourselves how we play the John Carroll way. We have good potential this year to make our opponents work harder against us, as long as we keep our discipline.”

North Harford

Coach: Jacob Birchfield, first season

Last year: 0-13

Top returners: Senior Emily Signor (MH); juniors Jayla Holmes (DS), Alex Manzari (S) and Arlynn Goodman (L).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Tara Stone (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “We are a team that has not performed well in the last couple of seasons, going 0-13 without winning a single set last year. We lost our 2 scrimmage games 1-3 for both games against Aberdeen and Edgewood this season, but we won a set for both of those games marking the first set wins in almost 2 years. This is extremely motivating for our team as we try to push for our first win. We have a group of dedicated girls and a JV coach (also assistant to varsity) with a wealth of knowledge who basically speaks volleyball and can help critique girls on minor details.”

Patterson Mill

Coach: Joshua Wagener, first season

Last year: 15-3, state semifinalist

Top returners: Senior Zoe Valan (S); juniors Sophie Lopano (OH) and Harlon Jones (OH/RS); sophomore Anna Elliott (M).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “Patterson Mill High School is a great school with exceptional diverse athletes. We have been volleyball regional champs 2 years in a row which allowed us to win quarterfinals and fall short by 1 set in semi finals. This year we plan on making it to the State finals and Regional champs as we have new strong multi position players and the returns have come back ready for war!”

Perryville

Coach: Matt Borrelli, 11th season

Last year: 13-4, regional finalist

Top returners: Senior Emma Cavall (MH); juniors Taylor McGuirk (S) and Brooke Taylor (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Freshman Peyton Simon (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “Our players are excited for the opportunity to play in the upper division again.  Everyone is working hard and displaying excellent attitudes and work ethic so far during the preseason. We’re looking forward to a fun, exciting and challenging season ahead.”

Fallston, C. Milton Wright, Bel Air, North Harford and Harford Tech all got nods, but the Cobras seem the clear front-runner in the area coming off a Class 1A state championship. It was a special run for a group that made school history. They were a six-seed and downed an undefeated Allegheny team.

“They’ll always be the first group of guys to put a trophy into the school,” coach Michael Dempsey said in November. Now begins the quest to repeat.

Here’s a look around the area. (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Kevin Williams, sixth season

Last year: 6-2-5

Top returners: Seniors Kaleb Holmes (CM) and Jack Morrill (GK); juniors Kian O’Hara (M) and Trevor Zakowski (D).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Aymaan Anwar (CM), Tobi Dossou (S) and Will McNicholas (D).

Coach’s outlook: “We are a young team this year with only three seniors. And Frederick Hinder was moved up a grade and is actually a junior. A total of five returning players. I’m very excited for this year’s team. We had a large tryout this year and had cuts for the first time in memory, 26 new players. Considering we only had 28 players come out for the whole program two years ago that’s quite an improvement. Both in numbers and skill. I’ve been saying for years that there are more players at Aberdeen that are not coming out to play. Maybe the guys are starting to see that the coaching staff really does care about them. Finishing with a 500 record would be right about where we should be.”

Bel Air

Coach: Dominic Rose, 31 years

Last year: 10 – 6

Top returners: Seniors Galen Klisiewecz (F), Isaiah Traynahm (F), Cooper Rey (GK) and Blake Stallard (F).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “We should be competitive and challenge for the UCBAC championship.”

C. Milton Wright vs. Bel Air boys soccer

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Eric Riedlbauer, third season

Last year: 12-3-1

Top returners: Senior Axel Lorentzen (F), Connor Scurti (D), Dylan Sander (GK), Brandon Flynn (M) and Brody Walton (M); sophomores Lucas Barker (M) and Ben Mroz (F).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Charlie Kitz (M); sophomores Owen Davis (M/D), Liam Bender (M) and Evan Goss (D).

Coach’s outlook: N/A

Edgewood

Coach: Tim Baldwin, third season

Last year: 2-9-1

Top returners: Senior Dontai Collins Jr. (CDM); juniors Luke Sheffy (CDM) and Sebastian Ayala (AM); sophomores Marlon Davis (S) and Kayden Kuessner (GK).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Nayo Matthews (WB) and Eric Landi (WB); freshman Victor Finely (RB).

Coach’s outlook: “With our first two years of rebuilding a boys soccer program behind us, this year’s juniors Markin Mensah, Viraj Singh, Chase Easson, Jesus Hernandez, Luke Sheffy and Sebastian Ayala are proving to be a force to reckon with on the field. Seeing their growth as players, teammates and young men has been incredible. They possess solid ball control and strategic handling of the field. Coupled with the size and strength of seniors Dontai Collins and Franck Fopa and Sophomore Marlon Davis, this year’s starting lineup will be a force to reckon with.”

Fallston

Coach: Christopher Hoover, 20th season

Last year: 6-9

Top returners: Seniors Jack Friskey (B) and Dominic Witherspoon (F); juniors Ariya Khairghdam (M), Brendan Rey (M) and Lucas Clark (GK).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Connor Detamore (GK), Heath Rhudy (M) and Kieran Devine (M); sophomore Caiden Curry (B).

Coach’s outlook: “This year’s team has quickly established a chemistry that is productive, positive, and enthusiastic. We are looking forward to each match as we are playing to our standard. This year, as in the past, the UCBAC is the conference in which the results matter on the state level. We hope to return to our tradition of excellence, as Fallston will look to lead the UCBAC into the playoffs showing – this is the way.”

Havre de Grace

Coach: Jeff Berthney, ninth season

Last year: 4-7

Top returners: Seniors Will Martin (D), Kamil Waclawski (M) and Cameron Grant (GK); junior Aidan McRoberts; sophomores Gabe Bravo (M) and Aidan McRoberts (M).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Caleb Scarbourgh (M), Nate Burton (F) and Landon Bell (M); freshman Larsen Stevens (D).

Coach’s outlook: “We lost nine starters from last year’s team. We will need a complete team effort from all to be competitive this year. We are looking forward to the season. Good luck and safe play to all teams.”

2023 MIAA A Conference soccer championship

John Carroll

Coach: Jimmy Fendryk, 15th season

Last year: 12-2-4, MIAA A Conference finalist

Top returners: Seniors Samko Duracka (M) and Luca D’Allesandro (F); juniors Jacob Gensel (M) and Connor Clarke (D); sophomores Tommy Wysong (M) and Aiden Thiebaud (D).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “Coming off of two successive MIAA A conference championship appearances, we are looking to continue the success we have had over the last five years. We have a blended group of talented upper and lower classmen who are eager to repeat the successes of the past groups.”

North Harford

Coach: Erik Lane, third season

Last year: 9-7, state semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Cole Schultz (M) and Cooper O’Dell (D).

Coach’s outlook: “We’ve got some structural discipline to clean up in game but feel another good season is possible.”

Bohemia Manor vs Patterson Mill boys soccer

Patterson Mill

Coach: Wes Rich, 17th season

Last year: 11-4, regional finalist

Top returners: Seniors Mason Teter (GK), Finn Pantazelos (M) Phil Tolliver (M) and Reza Mousavi (CB); juniors Kai Gibson (F), Jackson Burke (M), David Kim (M), Caleb Zerbe (M) and Grayson McLaughlin (F); sophomore James Chute (CB).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Colin Luddy (OB), Coale Washington (OB), Blake Bonsol (M/D) and Aven Wilson (M).

Coach’s outlook: “We have had an excellent start to the season as we figure out our identity as a team and develop a rotation that fits everyone’s strengths and skill set. Our team chemistry is wonderful and the players seem to really enjoy training, working and playing with one another. We will rely on our five seniors to lead 16 juniors and sophomores in what should be a challenging schedule. The UCBAC should be very strong and deep this season and we hope to compete in every game, challenge for a state title and play with passion for our school and community.”

Perryville

Coach: Larry Sickels, first season

Last year: 7-3-1, state semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Dylan Sayer (M), Paytn Hulbert (D), Logan Shaw (S/M) and Brady Martin (D); junior James Abrams (M).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Jayden Myers (D) and Trey Givens (M).

Coach’s outlook: “The team has had a lot of success over the last couple of years, and we expect that to continue this year.”

“It’s not me, I just had to make them believe,” Cataggio said at the time. “A win is a win. It doesn’t matter if it’s ugly or not. And it really was personal. [Perryville] beat us in the season and I believe we were a better team then. Today, we proved it. We’re No. 1 in the state.”

The Warriors lost their star goalkeeper Cassidy Howes to graduation but return much of their starting lineup. That includes junior Sophie Molyneux, who netted the championship’s decisive goal. Their chase to repeat begins with a season-opening match against Perryville, the team they beat for the state crown in November.

Here’s a look around the area. (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Ali Cataggio, first year

Last year: 3-11-1, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Senior Sasha Pazoki (F); juniors Grace Buxton (M) and Ellie Beinkampen (D).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “I am excited to see how we grow as a team on and off the field. Growth is our biggest goal this year, I am hoping that the growth we see these young women will stick with them even after the season.”

Bel Air

Coach: Mike Friskey, fifth season

Last year: 9-4-2, state quarterfinalist

Top returners: Senior Ally Mace (F/M), Alex Busick (M), Dulaney Burrows (M), Ali Reynolds (D) and Sarah Ravadge (D); juniors Alyssa Foote (M) and Ava Tischler (D); sophomores Addison Bullinger (M) and Audrey Lucas (D/M).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Emerson Schiller (GK), junior Anna Tackett (GK) and freshman Savannah Barry (F).

Coach’s outlook: “We have a solid mix of girls but are replacing 10 seniors that were contributors to last year’s team. Early season should be a mix of building and growth as the team looks to maximize its strong potential.”

Sparrows Point vs C. Milton Wright girls soccer semifinal

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Andrew Harrell, fifth season

Last year: 10-4-2, state semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Delainey Proctor (M) and Ava Lewis (D); junior Mackenzi Milich (D).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Emma Jankowiak (F), junior Sophia Hodges (D) and sophomore Blake Elliott (F).

Coach’s outlook: “Earning a trip to the state semifinals last year was a great experience for our program. We’re looking to build upon that experience, utilize some of our athleticism and returning leadership to never take anything for granted. Every practice and every game is an opportunity to get better and this group takes pride in the hard work needed to be successful.”

Fallston

Coach: Jon Salbeck, third season

Last year: 9-4-0, regional quarterfinalist

Top returners: Seniors Sarah Farally (CM) and Addison Rees (D).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “The team’s biggest strength this year is the leadership. We are returning 17 players from the 2023 season including 11 starters. The senior’s motto this season is “Redefine Your Limits.” This team is very talented. I believe any team can beat another team within the private or public school leagues at any given day. The level of talent that Maryland high school teams bring into the fold each year is incredible. I am going to stress to the girls to take one game at a time and to not look ahead to any other team/game other than our next opponent.”

Harford Tech

Coach: Matt Berg, 20th season

Last year: 3-6-3

Top returners: Seniors Faith Orsini (GK), Emily Swenson (GK), Katie Mang (D), Mari Sanchez (D), Ava Patino (D), Allison Putkisto (D), Nina Humpf (D) and Delaney Klaus (D); Caroline Korczak (A), Danielle Korczak (A) and Mia Mickle (A); juniors Ashley Shelton (M) and Ryleigh Moore (M).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Caroline Hendricks (M), Kiera Hill (M), Lauryn Meisel (M), Riley Mullenax (M) and Janelle Reyes (M); freshmen Abby Downes (M) and Brooke Pollack (M).

Coach’s outlook: “We have 11 seniors, but also have a lot of youth. If we can get going on all cylinders, we should contend with anyone. So far, the seniors are proving to be great leaders and the players have impressed with their approach to training and practices, which will be key moving forward throughout the season.”

Perryville vs Havre de Grace, 1A girls soccer state final

Havre de Grace

Coach: Lea Cataggio, second season

Last year: Class 1A state champions

Top returners: Senior Madeline Yost (DM) and Lila Vincenti (F); junior Sophie Molyneux (CM), Jules Baker (D) and Sarah Weitzel (D).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Addy Osborne (D) and freshman Jocelyn Baker (M).

John Carroll

Coach: Hayley Howe, 11th season

Last year: 10-6-3

Top returners: Seniors Mylana Stevens (F/M) and Addy Carter (M); juniors Ava Porrovicchio (M), Cali Friedel (M), Emma Fuchs (M) and Pieper McCue (F); sophomores Clara Madore (M), Olivia D’Alessandro (M) and Bella Ottone (F).

Newcomers to watch: Ella Jantz (D).

Coach’s outlook: “Since we are returning 20 players from last year’s team, we’re able to easily pick up where we left off. This group will continue to fine tune our team chemistry on the field and raise our level of play from last season.”

North Harford

Coach: Aidan Riordon, second season

Last year: 3-8-1, regional finalist

Top returners: Senior Sydney Stoneback (M); juniors Savannah Picha (GK) and Zoe Shum (D).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Gabby Stuchinski (D), sophomore Ella Morgan (F) and freshman Lucy Barndt (M).

Coach’s outlook: “We have an extremely tough schedule this year with the usual challenging county games, but then also Perry Hall and Hereford, who are always some of the strongest teams in Baltimore County. We are still a young team this year trying to learn and implement our style of play, but most importantly, we need to create more scoring opportunities this year to be successful. Most of our goals against last year came from set pieces, so we need to do a better job of avoiding fouls near our goal and defending corners. If we can do that and score two to three goals a game, then I see us finishing with an above .500 winning percentage.”

Perryville

Coach: Chris Tome, first season

Last year: 13-4, state finalist

Top returners: Seniors Mackenzie Lynch (CB), Macy Forrest (S), Justina Radcliff (CB) and Sarah Cantrell (GK); sophomores Sadie Tome (CM) and Carsyn Hulbert (CM).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Ashlyn Anderson (M) and Charlotte Simpers (M).

Coach’s outlook: “I am excited at the potential after working with the girls for the past couple of weeks. The team as a whole has worked hard in the offseason to become very technically proficient. We will be able to play an attractive brand of soccer. That, joined with having personnel that are clinical finishers, should bring positive results. I feel that we will be competitive in all of our matches this season.”

Patterson Mill

Coach: Mike Parker, 17th season

Last year: 6-8, regional finalist

Top returners: Seniors Abbie Wysong (D) and Jalynn Mayfield-Rice (D).

Newcomers to watch: N/A

Coach’s outlook: “Harford County always has a very competitive schedule for girls soccer. We are looking forward to being in the mix for one of the top teams.”

Storylines to watch

The IAAM A Conference has a pair of newcomers

Two Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland B Conference teams — last year’s champion Roland Park and runner-up St. Paul’s — will be moving up to the A Conference this season. That makes seven teams in the A Conference with No. 1 McDonogh coming into the year as the defending champions. The additional teams in the A Conference provide more balance with nine teams now competing in the B Conference and 12 teams, led by defending champion Friends, in the C Conference.

Key coaching change in Baltimore County

Jonathan Wynne, who guided Sparrows Point to the Class 2A state title last season, takes over at Baltimore County champion Eastern Tech. Under former coach Sarah Holmes, the Mavericks won 13 straight games on their way to the county crown last season. They finally met their match when rival Sparrows Point claimed a 2-0 win in the Class 2A North Region I title game. Wynne devised the winning game plan. Sparrows Point will aim to defend its state crown under former junior varsity coach Geoff Holland.

Follow-ups on two special seasons in Anne Arundel County

Both Severna Park and Glen Burnie have tough acts to follow after breakthrough 2023 seasons. The Falcons put it all together by going 17-0 and are primed to defend their county and state titles with another quality roster. Glen Burnie was one of the metro area’s biggest surprises when it reached the Class 4A state semifinals, falling to three-time defending state champion Walt Whitman to finish with a 13-5-1 record. Looking to build on the success, the Gophers return five starters, but standout midfielder Jasmine Escobar, among others, opted to transfer to the county’s new school, Severn Run.

More goals to come in Howard County

Despite graduating its all-time leading scorer — Glenelg’s All-Metro standout Stephanie Lathrop finished with 81 goals and 20 assists in her four-year career — Howard County brings back plenty of offensive firepower to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Wilde Lake’s Tiffany Blakey and River Hill’s Marella Virmani, both juniors, scored 25 and 19 goals, respectively, last season. Mt. Hebron senior Ava Skaggs is coming off a 10-goal season and Marriotts Ridge senior Taylor Riismandel is another dangerous threat.

McDonogh and Severna Park are nationally ranked

Ranked No. 1 in The Baltimore Sun’s preseason Top 15 poll, McDonogh will open the season at No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches’ national poll. It’s the same spot the Eagles closed out last season after going 16-0 and winning the program’s 10th IAAM A Conference championship. This season, they have a 17-game regular-season schedule that includes two games against fellow nationally ranked foes — New Jersey power Pennington and Ohio’s Walsh Jesuit. Defending Class 3A state champion Severna Park, ranked No. 2 in The Sun’s preseason poll, comes into the season ranked No. 19 nationally.

Players to watch

Ella Cieri, Chesapeake-AA, junior, midfielder

The returning All-Metro second-team pick sets a positive tone with her fast pace and crafty play at outside midfield. Coming off a breakthrough 10-goal, three-assist sophomore season, Cieri should create plenty of scoring chances with speedy runs out wide.

Hannah DeVincent, Liberty, senior, forward

Highly skilled with quality vision and game sense, DeVincent is a dangerous threat each time she touches the ball, whether finishing chances or finding teammates. Last year, her 17-goal, 19-assist season for the Lions earned her Carroll County Times Player of the Year and All-Metro second-team honors.

Jasmine Escobar, Severn Run, senior, midfielder

The glue at defensive center midfield in Glen Burnie’s impressive run to the Class 4A semifinals last season, the All-Metro second-team selection takes her high skills and intensity to first-year school Severn Run. Escobar brings leadership and a presence that will be invaluable.

Sarah Farally, Fallston, senior, midfielder

A four-year starter and captain, the versatile center midfielder brings technically sound play that provides a consistent measure of confidence. Coming off a one-goal, 11-assist junior season, her smooth transition between defense and offense is the starting point for the Cougars.

Olivia Nardone, Archbishop Spalding, senior, midfielder

An All-Metro first-team pick last season, Nardone is Spalding’s go-to player who brings consistently strong play and the ability to step up in big moments. Last season, she scored 11 goals and dished out four assists as the Cavaliers reached the IAAM A Conference title game.

Hanna Phillips, Notre Dame Prep, senior, defender

Smooth at center back with fine ball skills, instincts and speed, the All-Metro first-team pick is the Blazers’ catalyst in defending and effectively getting the ball forward. Behind Phillips, expect the same kind of stingy play from a defense that allowed only seven goals in eight league games last season.

Ineza Ross-Riedel, Eastern Tech, sophomore, forward

Explosive with a heavy shot that can strike from anywhere at any moment, Ross-Riedel is one of the area’s most dangerous goal scorers. She looks to build on a sensational 15-goal, three-assist freshman season, during which he helped the Mavericks win the Baltimore County title. She is a returning first-team All-Metro pick.

Mt Hebron vs Chesapeake girls regional soccer final

Ava Skaggs, Mt. Hebron, senior, midfielder

After thriving as an attacking midfielder with a 10-goal, three-assist junior season, the All-Metro first-team selection moves to holding midfielder to keep the Vikings’ defense strong. Her top-level skills and tenacity will be used to shut down opponents’ threats and she can make the smart pass to get her team forward.

Lexi Terry, McDonogh, senior, midfielder

A standout leader who brings poised play, Terry moves up to holding midfielder after a strong season at center back last year for the IAAM A Conference champions. Her poise and vision will help get the Eagles forward and her precise free kicks are a major factor in the team’s goal production.

Marella Virmani, River Hill, junior, forward

As one of the area’s most dangerous scoring threats, Virmani combines speed, a knack for getting in the right spots and composed finishing to consistently produce for the Hawks. She looks to build off a sensational 19-goal, seven-assist sophomore season.

Preseason Top 15 teams

1. McDonogh

Coach: Harry Canellakis

Last season: 16-0 overall, No. 1 ranking

Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion

Outlook: The Eagles have the goods to stay on top in the IAAM A Conference with another stellar roster that’s particularly strong through the middle. Lexi Terry and Zoe Lilly bring dynamic play at midfield while center back Ava Sesay is the glue on defense and forward Emma Patti is poised to take on a lead role up front. Broadneck transfer Mia Orso further strengthens the offense.

2023 MPSSAA 3A girls' soccer final: Mount Hebron vs Severna Park

2. Severna Park

Coach: Rick Stimpson

Last season: 17-0, No. 2

Postseason: Class 3A state champion

Outlook: With seven starters back and newcomers ready to step in, Severna Park is poised to pick up where it left off last season. Led by Bella Van Gieson, Abby Cover and Ava Scott, the Falcons have the skill to control the ball and pace to create scoring chances. Defender Emerson Scott will play a big role in the back, where most of the inexperience lies.

3. Mt. Hebron

Coach: Tim Deppen

Last season: 15-2, No. 3

Postseason: Class 3A state finalist

Outlook: The Vikings will lean on their trademark defense while a largely new cast gets settled on offense. Goalie Emily Canseven, back Kaitlyn Magdar, and midfielders Ava Skaggs and Maria Brogno are the poised senior core with underclassmen Iris Vainieri and Grace Garvin eager for their opportunity to produce goals.

4. Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Ashly Kennedy

Last season: 6-7-2, No. 10

Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist

Outlook: With 14 regulars back, the Cavaliers have the depth and roles carved out to have a strong say in the IAAM A Conference. Midfielder Olivia Nardone’s top-level skills and winning mentality will set the tone, while Riley Willis and Karrington Gregory are also gifted playmakers.

5. Notre Dame Prep

Coach: Cynthia Walsh

Last season: 6-6-2, No. 10

Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: Close the past two years with nothing to show for solid playoff performances, the Blazers believe this is their time. All-Metro center back Hanna Phillips, goalie Lydia Itzoe, outside back Alissa Armstrong and midfielder Greyson Tischer lead nine returning starters primed for a breakthrough.

6. Chesapeake-AA

Coach: Kevin Keeter

Last season: 11-3-1, No. 4

Postseason: Class 3A South Region I finalist

Outlook: A 1-0 overtime loss to then-defending state champion Mt. Hebron ended a stellar season, providing extra motivation. Six starters return led by a dynamic midfield featuring Ella Ciera and Lily Barnum. Goalie Rhyleigh Smoot and center back Laney Preslipky are stalwarts on defense.

7. River Hill

Coach: Brian Song

Last season: 12-4-1, No. 8

Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist

Outlook: With a cohesive group that features strength through the middle, the Hawks are primed to make a run at Mt. Hebron for Howard County bragging rights. Marella Virmani teams with Dylan Watson to produce goals with help from attacking midfielder Emily Ma. Center back Madison Berge will keep things tidy on defense.

8. John Carroll

Coach: Hayley Howe

Last season: 7-8-1, not ranked

Postseason: IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: Poised to make headway in the IAAM A Conference, the Patriots return 20 players with a cohesive midfield expected to be confident and set the tone. Midfielders Olivia DAlassandro, Cali Friedel, Clara Madore and Mylana Stevens are the starting points with Emma Fuchs playing a key role up front.

 9. Broadneck

Coach: John Camm

Last season: 12-4-1, No. 7

Postseason: Class 4A East Region II finalist

Outlook: The Bruins have a quality mix of talented returnees and promising newcomers to have a say in Anne Arundel County. Grace Gartrell will team with cousins Hadley and Natalie Crooks to bring dynamic play in the middle with defender Grace Mills the leader in the back. Freshmen will play key roles in goal and up front.

10. Mercy

Coach: Tom Durkin

Last season: 7-8, No. 14

Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: A season after starting seven sophomores and freshmen, the Magic are banking on a huge leap forward with the experience gained. Center back Kendall Atwood and center midfielders Mack Hobik and Carly Hax are the catalysts with forward-midfielder Aubrey O’Connell bringing valuable versatility. Another gifted freshman class factors in, too.

11. C. Milton Wright

Coach: Andrew Harrell

Last season: 10-4-2, not ranked

Postseason: Class 2A state semifinalist

Outlook: A young group got plenty of mileage from last season’s impressive playoff run, providing valuable winning moments that help carry momentum into this year. Eight starters return, with Delainey Proctor’s smooth play at center midfield the most critical. Sophia Hodges and Carley Jehnert further strengthen the middle with defenders Ava Lewis and Mackenzi Milich providing sturdy play in back.

Hereford vs Sparrows Point Class 2A Girls Soccer State Championship game

12. Sparrows Point

Coach: Geoff Holland

Last season: 13-4, No. 5

Postseason: Class 2A state champions

Outlook: In a bid to repeat as state champs, the Pointers feature five returning starters led by midfielder Alyssa Hartman and a defense anchored by Lacey Schleig and Olivia Messercola. Sparrows Point will look to pressure high with forwards Madyson Costello and Ami Walters, who are primed for bigger roles.

13. Eastern Tech

Coach: Jonathan Wynne

Last season: 11-1-2, No. 6

Postseason: Class 2A North Region I finalist

Outlook: Last season, the two-time defending Baltimore County champs went through the regular season without allowing a goal before falling in the regional playoffs. Quality talent returns in every phase with All-Metro forward Ineza Ross-Riedel and midfielders Ava Chenowith and Cienna Hughes leading the way.

14. Century

Coach: Chris Little

Last season: 11-3-3, No. 13

Postseason: Class 2A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: A gifted core plans to keep the Knights atop the Carroll County standings and poised for another strong playoff run. Bella Coccio is the midfield catalyst accompanied by Maddison Spradlin’s consistent play. Defenders Lexi McGinnis and Mia Savage team with goalie Megan Taltavull to form a stingy back line.

15. Fallston

Coach: Jon Salbeck

Last season: 9-6, not ranked

Postseason: Class 2A East Region I semifinalist

Outlook: Upset early in the playoffs last season after winning two straight state titles, the senior-laden Cougars are determined to make amends. They have a cohesive unit in place with all 11 starters back, led by center midfielder Sarah Farally and defensive midfielders Addison Rees and Alayna Williams.

Others considered: Glen Burnie (13-5-1), Hereford (10-4-3), Liberty (12-5-1), Marriotts Ridge (7-4-2), Roland Park (14-4-1), St. Paul’s (10-5)