Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
Best Player: Jelani Jenkins, Sr., Good Counsel
Jenkins is an accomplished fullback for Bob Milloy’s squad, but linebacker is where he excels. He is a monster on defense, able to attack the run and drop back into coverage effectively. His power and athleticism could make him the top linebacker in the country. Returning state leaders - Passing: Peter Aherns (St. Mary's) 109 of 170, 1,787 yards, 22 TDs; Rushing: Tavon Austin (Dunbar) 198 carries, 2,553 yards, 32 TDs.
Best All Time Player: Chuck Foreman, Frederick High School
A three sport star at Frederick High School in the late 60’s, Chuck Foreman continued his playing career at the University of Miami before getting drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. As a running back for the Vikings he garnered Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and later went on to play in five straight Pro-Bowls.
2008 Must See: River Hill/Quince Orchard
Both the River Hill Hawks and Quince Orchard Cougars finished 2007 with undefeated, state championship-winning seasons. River Hill, the reigning 2A champion, will rely on star runningback Michael Campanaro, who had over 2,200 total yards last season. Quince Orchard also has some holes to fill, but most notably returns defensive tackle Terrence Stephens, who will plug a lot of holes on the line. Both the Hawks and the Cougars will be shooting for title repeats, but with bulls eyes on their respective backs, it will certainly be a challenge.
On The Throne: DeMatha
Head coach Bob McGregor’s Stags have won five consecutive Washington Catholic League Conference titles. The Hyattsville’s school, with one of the richest athletic histories of any school in the country, is expected to be back playing at the U.S. Naval Academy in November for another WCAC championship next season. DeMatha got an unexpected boost over the offseason, when Central Catholic (Pa.) star Jeff Knox transferred in. Knox could play a big role in continuing the DeMatha dynasty.
Best Rivalry: Baltimore City College vs. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Few rivalries have the history of the Baltimore City College vs. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute rivalry, which dates back to 1889. The “City-Poly” rivalry has been very balanced, as Poly has the slight all-time lead, 58-54, with six ties. Their 2008 match up will represent the 120th meeting between the two schools.
Future Star(s): Brandon Phelps, So., WR/DB, Damascus Brandon Phelps.
The Damascus Hornets finished the season with a sparkling 13-1 record and a 3A state title, and then freshman Brandon Phelps was a big contributor. In the season opener, Phelps, starting at wide receiver and defensive back, intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. He’s the first freshman to start both ways for Damascus in more than two decades. Phelps will help ease in the transition of new head coach Eric Wallich.
Fun Fact
Known for its proud basketball history, Dunbar High School has done pretty well on the football field, capturing back to back 1A state titles, thanks in large part to Tavon Austin. This summer, the highly recruited Austin is keeping a diary with the Baltimore Sun, detailing the recruiting process in a feature called “Recruiting Tavon Austin”. Austin is the reigning two-time Sun Offensive Player of the Year, and could lead Dunbar to a three-peat.
MaxPreps Preseason All-State Team
WR - Sean Farr, Dunbar
WR - Mark McNeil, St. Mary's
WR – Brandon Felder, Oxon Hill
TE - Dave Stinebaugh, Perry Hall
OL – Devonte Helms, Potomac
OL – Justin Hymes, Allegany
OL – Antonio Brown, Dunbar
OL – Beau Haworth, Archbishop Spalding
OL - Pete DeSouza, DeMatha
QB - Leon Kinnard, Loyola
QB - Raymond Cotton, Meade
RB - Tavon Austin, Dunbar
RB – Jeff Knox, DeMatha
RB – Malek Redd, River Hill
ATH- Mike Campanaro, River Hill
K – Mark Magas, Damascus
DL - Sean Stanley, Gaithersburg
DL - Terrence Stephens, Quince Orchard
DL - Elliott Poehlman, Loyola
DL - David Mackall, Edmundson
LB - Horace Miller, Dunbar
LB - Jelani Jenkins, Good Counsel
LB - Tevin Brown, Dunbar
LB – Loren Goree, Flowers
LB – Isaiah Ross, Eleanor Roosevelt
DB - Terence Garvin, Loyola
DB - Travis Hawkins, Quince Orchard
DB - Leron Eaddy, River Hill
DB - Daryl Givens, Lackey
P – Mark Hamilton, Good Counsel
