Baltimore Area MPSSAA Playoff Preview – Round of 16

Previewing the Round of 16.

4A North

#24 Parkville (10-0) v Einstein (7-3)

The Knights followed up on their first undefeated regular season in school history with their first playoff win in the program’s history, with their 49-0 shutout of Wheaton. Einstein captured their first post-season victory in school history, as well, as the Titans held off Blair, 25-21.

The Knights have recorded three straight shutouts, and have outscored their last four opponents, 163-6. All three of the Titans losses have come against top 25 teams – Paint Branch 20-0, Damascus 37-0, and Sherwood 41-0.

The Knights were the first Baltimore County team to win a 4A playoff game since Perry Hall was victorious over Howard in the 4A North regional semifinal in 2013, before a heartbreaking 51-48 loss to Paint Branch in the regional final.

The Knights have allowed only 8.3 points per game, and are led by 6’2 222 defensive lineman Emmanuel Akonwute.The Knights triple-option offense, which is averaging 37.6 points per game, is led by QB Kevin Smith.

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4A East

#12 South River (10-0) v #36 Arundel (7-3)

This matchup will be a rematch of the Seahawks 30-22 win over the Wildcats in week 3. The Seahawks took a 31-21 win over Annapolis in the first round on Friday, while the Wildcats knocked off Broadneck for the second time in three weeks, 45-23, notching their first playoff win since 2014.

Delvin Johnson (205-1534-18) rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries in the ‘Hawks win over Nap Town, while David Foust (2,421 passing yards, 31 touchdowns) threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Shaun Hemphill recorded 164 receiving yards and scored twice, in a game the ‘Hawks trailed 21-17 late in the third quarter.

Austin Slye (2,061 passing yards, 24 touchdowns) threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats win over Broadneck on Friday, while Jordan Andrews (1,188 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns) rushed for 187 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries, as the ‘Cats won their 6th contest in 7 games.

In the first meeting between the two, the Seahawks soared to a 16-0 lead, before settling for a 24-16 margin into halftime. The Hawks led 30-16, before a ‘Cats touchdown in the final minutes. Johnson rushed for 167 yards and scored three touchdowns on 18 carries in the win for the Seahawks. The Seahawks are averaging 44.9 points per game (5th best in the MPSSAA), while the Wildcats average 38.0 points (17th) per contest.

#31 Old Mill (8-2) v #39 Meade (8-2)

In another Anne Arundel rematch, the Patriots and Mustangs catch up after the Pats 33-13 victory over the ‘Stangs in week 3. The Patriots have won 8 of their last 9 games, and the Mustangs have won 7 straight games since the loss to the Pats.

The Patriots handled Severna Park on Friday night, 34-19, as Caron Tull (732 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) rushed for a season-high 144 yards and three touchdowns, and Joey Graves (661 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) rushed for 74 yards and a score.

Meade knocked off North County, 27-13, last weekend, to extend its winning streak. Mustangs Head Coach Mike Francis, who was an assistant for his former coach Chuck Markiewicz when North County won its only state title in 1994, stepped down as Head Coach of Old Mill’s basketball team in the Spring, after compiling a 90-34 record and a Final Four finish in 2018.

Old Mill is making its 19th post-season appearance in 21 years, after falling short the last two seasons, and won its first playoff game since 2015. Both of the Patriots losses were to top 25 teams – #10 Douglass and #12 South River. Meade, who has given up just 61 points over the last 7 games, recorded their first post-season victory since 2013 on Friday.

3A North

#6 Mervo (10-0) v Towson (6-4)

Last season, the undefeated Mustangs won the first 4A regional title by a Baltimore City team since Lake Clifton did it in 1996. Now, the Mustangs look to become the first city school to advance to the 3A quarterfinal round since City College did it in back-to-back years in ‘05 and ‘06.

Mervo registered its sixth shutout in nine games (1 forfeit win) on Friday, blanking Kenwood, 54-0. The Mustangs defense, who allow just 4.4 points per game, 3rd best in the MPSSAA, are led by defensive lineman 6’6 260 Kamar Missouri and 6’1 230 linebacker Xavier Shell. Senior quarterback Kelvin Kimbrough directs the Mustangs offensive attack, which averages 39.6 points per game.

The Generals of Towson won their first playoff game in school history on Saturday, with a 14-6 win over City College. Two of the Generals four losses were to top 25 teams – #3 Franklin and #24 Parkville, and the other pair, were 8 point losses to Dundalk and Woodlawn. The Generals are led by running back Damone Moore.

#3 Franklin (8-2) v #46 Dundalk (7-3)

The Indians took their fifth straight victory over Dundalk, 49-10, in week 3, dating back to the Owls upset victory in the 3A North regional final in 2015. The Tribe took out the Owls in last year’s regional final, 42-7.

Friday night, the Indians steamrolled Edgewood, 54-0, after staking a 40-0 halftime lead. Von Reames rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns on just 5 carries, while Dundalk shutout C.M. Wright, 33-0.

The defending 3A state champion Indians are 17-3 in the playoffs since 2013. The Tribe have outscored the seven fellow MPSSAA opponents on their schedule this season, 336-39, including wins over Milford Mill, Dundalk, and Towson, three teams still alive in the playoffs. The Indians are averaging 39.6 points per game.

The Owls, who are riding a six game win streak, won their only regional title in school history in that monumental victory over Franklin in 2015, two weeks after suffering a 19 point loss to the Tribe in week 10.

3A East

Wilde Lake (3-7) v Manchester Valley (6-4)

The 8 seed Wildecats provided the biggest upset in the new format introduced this season, stunning the 1 seed River Hill Hawks, 14-10, on Friday, after suffering a 41-7 loss to the four-time state champs in week 5. Manchester Valley, meanwhile, shut down Hammond, 14-6.

The win Friday night was the first playoff win for Wilde Lake since winning the 3A state title in 2010. The Cats entered the game having gone 36-53 since the Cats clinched their 6th state title.

The Cats used some trickery on their first drive, with a fake punt that led to a Doniele Cooper to Justin Avenger touchdown pass, then used trickery again with an onside kick to open the second half that led to another Cooper to Avenger score.

The Mavericks fell behind the on the first play of the game on Friday, on a 67 yard touchdown pass, but then held the Bears scoreless the rest of the way, despite five trips into their territory. Nathaniel Costley rushed for 157 yards and a score, and Zach Bowen added a touchdown reception, following his interception in the first quarter.

#34 Westminster (8-2) v #43 Marriotts Ridge (8-2)

The Owls won their 8th straight game with their 47-28 win over Long Reach in the opening round, while the Mustangs won their eighth game in nine contests with their 17-14 win over Atholton, a week after trouncing the Raiders, 35-7. The win was the first post-season victory in the program’s history for the Marriottsville school.

The Owls have averaged 38.3 points per game over their 8 game streak. The Mustangs have allowed more than 14 points in a game just once this season, in a 38-14 loss to Liberty, in a game that was tied at 14 at halftime. The Owls nipped the same Lions in overtime, 34-31.

Nate Mattingly scored three touchdowns for the Owls Friday night, while Erick Stranko surpassed the 1,000 yard mark and scored his 17th touchdown. The Owls led 44-7 in the third quarter. The Mustangs allow just 11.8 points per game, and their defense is led by junior defensive tackle Jack Baxter, who has registered 19 tackles for loss.

2A West

#41 Glenelg (7-3) v #35 Liberty (7-3)

The Gladiators are making their seventh straight post-season appearance, while the Lions are making their fourth straight appearance. Both have played Carroll County champion Westminster, with the Gladiators falling to the Owls, 36-29, and the Lions losing in overtime to their league rival, 34-31.

The Gladiators thumped Century Friday night, 31-14, as Kyle Dry (213-1239-13) rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions routed Oakland Mills, 51-13, Friday night, their seventh win in eight games.

The Lions have scored at least 28 points in each of their last eight games, averaging 37.5 points per game over that span. Lions quarterback Nate Kent has accounted for more than 2,600 yards and 28 touchdowns.

The Gladiators have won four regional titles in the last five years, while the Lions had won just one playoff game (2014) in six post-season appearances prior to last weekend. Glenelg first year coach Tim Cullen once played for Liberty’s Head Coach Larry Luthe at Hammond in Columbia.

2A North

#14 Milford Mill (9-1) v Owings Mills (7-3)

The Millers throttled the Golden Eagles 40-6 in week 6, as their defense recorded three touchdowns. Friday, the Millers won their sixth game in a row, since a 42-7 loss to Franklin, with a 43-0 shutout of Digital Harbor. The Golden Eagles shut down Overlea, 26-6, their second post-season win in school history.

During their six game win streak, the Millers have outscored their opponents, 243-26, an average of 40.5-4.3 per game over that span. Friday night, the Golden Eagles turned five Overlea turnovers into four touchdowns, including the defense scoring three times, twice on interceptions, and once on a fumble recovery.

The Millers, who are making their seventh post-season appearance in eight years, including finishing as the 3A runner-up in 2017, are led defensively by 6’2 215 Makai Booker and 5’10 220 Nathan Brown, who have combined for 27 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. The Millers allow just 10.7 points per game.

#38 New Town (7-3) v Hereford (7-3)

The Titans moved on to the round of 16 with their second shutout of Eastern Tech in two weeks, 40-0, staking a 40 point lead after three quarters. Hereford pummeled Patterson, 57-22, with Connor Dunay scoring four touchdowns, to set up a second meeting with the Titans. In their first meeting, New Town stretched a 28-21 halftime lead into a 48-28 victory.

The Titans have won eight of their last nine games on the field, though they forfeited their 33-0 win over Sparrows Point for using an ineligible player. If one is to not consider that score, the Titans have recorded five shutouts in their last six games. The Bulls, meanwhile, average 38.1 points per game, ranking 16th best in the MPSSAA.

The Titans reached the state semifinal in 2018, registering their first two post-season victories since finishing as state runner-up in 2012. Hereford has made 11 post-season appearances in 14 years, though their four year streak ended last season.

2A East

#9 Elkton (9-0) v #42 Parkside (9-1)

The Golden Elks won their 21st playoff win in school history, during the program’s 21st post-season appearance, with a 35-6 win over North East. Parkside advanced with a 35-14 victory over Rising Sun.

In the Golden Elks win Friday night, it was their defense that stepped up, recording 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a fumble recovery. The Elks special teams blocked a kick and Trevin Ewing returned a punt for a touchdown, his state-leading sixth return touchdown of the season. Ewing also caught a pass for a score, and Tashawn Waters Jr ran for two scores. The Elks have throttled the two top 30 teams they have played, Oakdale (31-14) and Harford Tech (52-6).

The Rams rushed for 432 yards on 41 carries in their win over North East, with Marcus Yarns rushing for 172 yards and two scores, while Devian White added 124 yards, and Alijah Bivans added 85. The Rams average 341 rushing yards per game.

Yarns, who gained 1,680 yards, was hurt in the season opener versus North Caroline, came into the game with 13 carries on the season. In his place, both Bivans (1,070) and White (1,042) have passed the 1,000 rushing yard mark, giving the Rams backfield a trio of backs that have surpassed that mark. The Rams last playoff win had been in 2007, when the Rams beat Wicomico, before losing to the Elks in the regional final.

The Golden Elks average 45.2 points per game, 4th best in the MPSSAA, and post a +39.2 point differential, 3rd best in the MPSSAA. Parkside has won nine straight games since a 7-6 opening week loss to #23 North Caroline (10-0).

#23 North Caroline (10-0) v Harford Tech (9-1)

This is the third straight season the Bulldogs have finished the regular season undefeated, going 30-2 since the dawn of the 2017 season, including last year’s regional final loss to Elkton, 24-13. Harford Tech has gone 30-4 since the 2017 opener, including losing to Elkton twice, and Gwynn Park, in the 2017 state semifinal, 16-9.

Friday night, the Bulldogs built a 28-0 halftime lead over Kent Island, before settling on a 35-14 victory, two weeks after coming from behind to beat the Buccaneers, 28-21. Harford Tech held off Easton, 32-23. The Cobras produced 518 yards of offense.

Kelvin Mendez rushed for 232 yards and three scores on 22 carries, and Ryan Hunt threw for 248 yards in the Cobras win. The Bulldogs average 38.3 points per game, but its their 6.3 points allowed that ranks 6th in the MPSSAA.

1A South

Loch Raven (8-2) v #50 Fairmont Heights (7-3)

The Raiders won their first post-season game since 1981, when they finished as runner-up in Class A (3A), with a 35-22 victory over Largo. Fairmont Heights advanced with a 44-12 rout of Friendly.

This is the Raiders first post-season appearance since 2005, and just their third playoff berth in the last 35 years. The Raiders made five straight post-season trips from ‘13 through ‘17, before being shut out of the playoffs last season.

The Raiders suffered losses to Randallstown (22-7) and Dulaney (43-28), with their biggest win being a 28-8 victory over Catonsville. The Hornets have won seven of their last nine games, with their two defeats coming to #10 Douglass (26-20) and #33 Gwynn Park (30-15).

The Raiders top weapon is 6’2 195 receiver Mohamed Elsamadisi, who scored a pair of touchdowns in the Catonsville game. The Hornets are led by 5-11 205 Jamal Lone, who has rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Randallstown (7-3) v #33 Gwynn Park (7-3)

The Rams started 0-2, before winning seven of their last eight games, including victories over Woodlawn and Catonsville, with their only loss to #24 Parkville. Similarly, the Yellowjackets have won seven of their last eight games, with a win over Fairmont Heights, and their only loss coming to #13 Potomac (34-28), where they had led the Wolverines, 16-7.

The Rams shut out Surrattsville, 33-0, on Friday, as Syncere Brown amassed 252 all-purpose yards, scored three touchdowns, and recorded two sacks and interception, and was the first Ram this year to be selected as both their offensive and defensive MVP. The Yellowjackets  advanced to the round of 16 with a 37-0 shutout of Pikesville on Friday.

The Rams are making their 20th post-season appearance, but just their third in the last 15 years, after 17 trips in 30 years from ‘75 through ‘04. Gwynn Park is making their 16th post-season appearance in 20 years, including a runner-up finish in 2017. The Yellowjackets are averaging 37.9 points per game, and all three of their losses have come to top 25 teams – #25 St Charles, #10 Douglass, and #13 Potomac.

1A North

#15 Dunbar (9-1) v Lake Clifton (7-3)

If this were anywhere from 30-45 years ago, and on the hardwood instead of the gridiron, this would be must-see. But it’s not, and therefore isn’t.

Dunbar looks to be the first team in MPSSAA history to reach 60 (59-13) playoff wins, with a victory over the Lakers this week, despite joining the MPSSAA in its 20th year. The Poets are making their 18th straight post-season appearance, tied for the second longest streak in MPSSAA history, behind Damascus’ current streak of 22.

The Poets trounced Douglass, 44-0, in the opening round, while the Lakers topped Carver Vo-Tech, 26-16, their first playoff win since 1996, when they were 4A regional champions, the last city team to win a regional title in the state’s largest classification until Mervo matched the feat last season.

Since their 20-14 loss to Mervo, the Poets have won nine straight games (1 forfeit win), out scoring their eight opponents 300-32 (37.5-4.0). Two-way standout Deon Crews-Harris leads the Poets. The Lakers lost to Mervo (38-12), Lewis (28-16), and forfeited a game to NAF, after a brawl in a 20-6 win over Poly.

#49 Edmondson (8-2) v Forest Park (5-5)

The Red Storm survived the first round with a 30-18 win over Francis Scott Key, after trailing 8-6 at halftime. The win was the 20th playoff victory in school history. The Foresters knocked off Lewis, 28-24, after losing to the Falcons, 36-12, in the opening week of the season.

The Red Storm’s two losses this season were to top 25’s, #6 Mervo (35-0) and #15 Dunbar (37-12), while their best win is a 32-14 triumph over Patterson. The Red Storm advanced to the state semifinals in 2016, after a 4-6 regular season, that saw them beat Mervo, but lose to NAF and Lewis.

1A East

Cambridge – South Dorchester (8-2) v Fallston (5-5)

The Vikings of Cambridge are making their 34th post-season appearance, tying Western Maryland power Fort Hill for the most in MPSSAA history. The Cougars are making their sixth post-season appearance in 12 years.

The Vikings outlasted Havre de Grace, 47-34, after amassing 392 yards of offense. Khalik Beasley rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries, and Malik Ennals added 109 rushing yards and a score on 6 carries for the Vikes. The Cougars, who started 1-5 before winning four straight, trumped Colonel Richardson last week, 48-32. CJ Turner has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and has scored 14 touchdowns this season.

Joppatowne (4-6) v Perryville (6-4)

Perryville topped Joppatowne 28-14 in week 2, as the Panthers produced 360 yards of offense, while the Mariners compiled 338 yards of offense. Emarion Hampton rushed for 149 yards and a score on 18 carries for the Panthers, while Alan Brown rushed for 150 yards and a score on 16 carries for the Mariners.

The Mariners won their 23rd playoff win in school history, but their first since 2009, when they finished as 1A runner-up. The Panthers, who finished as 1A runner-up in 2011, captured their first post-season victory since 2013.