MPSSAA All-State Offense – First and Second Teams 2023

MPSAA All-State Offense 

First Team Offense 

QB Brycen Coleman (Decatur) 6’5 200 SR – Coleman delivered Decatur to the promised land, winning the program’s first state championship, and earning the first state crown by a Bayside Conference member in 27 years. Coleman produced what is arguably the best season at the quarterback position in Bayside Conference history. The Vanderbilt commit led the Seahawks in both passing yards and rushing yards, and accounted for more touchdowns than any other quarterback in any other season in Bayside history.  

Coleman was an All-Conference receiver as a sophomore, but was moved behind center last season following Ashten Snelsire’s graduation in ‘22. With Coleman and Zimere Handy serving as his top two weapons, Snelsire rewrote the single-season passing records for the Seahawks. Two years later, Coleman accounted for more touchdowns than any other player in any other season in Bayside Conference history, accounting for 46 touchdowns in 2023. And, to add icing to the cake, went undefeated and won a state title with his father, Seahawks coach Jake Coleman. 

Coleman completed 156 of 225 passes for 2,241 yards and 32 touchdowns (10 int) this season, adding 705 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 99 carries. Coleman finished second in the MPSSAA in touchdown passes, while Coleman’s 69.3% completion percentage also ranked second in the MPSSAA among passers with 120 attempts or more. Coleman’s 14.2% passing touchdown rate ranked third in the MPSSAA. Coleman ranked sixth in the MPSSAA in passing yards, and sixth in passing yards per attempt, at 9.96 yards per attempt. 

Coleman completed 14 of 20 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns (1 int) in the Seahawks 33-15 week five win over then undefeated Kent Island. A week later, Coleman completed 8 of 13 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns (1 int) in the Hawks 44-20 victory over then undefeated North Caroline, adding 71 rushing yards and another score on nine carries. Coleman accounted for six touchdowns in the Seahawks 41-10 win over Wicomico.  

Coleman took eight carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks 41-7 second round win over Queen Anne’s. Coleman rushed for two touchdowns and passed for two more scores in the Hawks 52-7 win over Wilde Lake in the quarterfinals. Coleman threw for a touchdown and rushed for 63 yards in the Seahawks 35-34 win over 2A defending champ Milford Mill in the semifinals, adding an 18 yard reception. Coleman threw three interceptions in the state final, but was nonetheless the catalyst in the state championship win. Coleman completed 19 of his other 23 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, while adding 67 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts.  

Coleman accounted for 7,142 yards and 93 touchdowns in his three-plus (Covid) seasons with the Seahawks, and helped lead the Hawks to 37 wins and a state title in his time in Berlin. Coleman completed 310 of 501 passes (61.8%) for 4,130 yards and 52 touchdowns (18 int) in his scholastic career, while adding 1,854 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground on 241 attempts. The future Commodores receiver (whether it be at receiver or tight end) also added 72 receptions for 1,158 yards and 12 touchdowns. Coleman became the first quarterback in MPSSAA history to throw for 4,000 yards, rush for 1,000 yards, and also surpass 1,000 receiving yards.  

RB Ethan Arneson (Linganore) 5’7 180 SR – Arneson left a legacy few have in MPSSAA history, igniting the Lancers offense for three seasons, leading to a pair of state title game appearances, and a pair of 12-win seasons. Arneson broke on the scene with a 2,000 yard sophomore campaign in ‘21, one that led to a one score loss in the state championship game, then rushed for more than 1,500 yards during a 5-6 rebuilding year in ‘22, before putting a bookend on the ‘21 season with another 2,000 yard season and a trip to the state finals in his senior season.  

This is Arneson’s third selection to the MPSSAA All-State team, garnering first  team honors as a sophomore, honorable mention honors as a junior, and top team honors again this season. Arneson rushed for 2,168 yards as a sophomore, and led the MPSSAA in rushing, joining Glenelg’s Wande Owens as the only two sophomores to lead the MPSSAA in rushing in the 21st century. Last season, during a 5-6 campaign – dismal, by Lancers standards, Arneson still managed to muster 1,535 rushing yards, and finished second in Frederick County in rushing.  

This season, Arneson set several all-time Frederick County records, and in doing so, set several of the Lancers single-season record marks. Arneson rushed for 2,389 yards and 36 touchdowns on 288 attempts, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. Arneson’s 2,389 rushing yards ranked second in the MPSSAA this season, set a Lancers single-season record, and is the third highest mark in Frederick County history. Arneson led the MPSSAA in touchdowns this season, with 36, the fourth most in a single-season in Frederick County history. Arneson added six receptions for 105 yards, and threw a touchdown pass.  

Arneson rushed for 204 yards and six touchdowns in the Lancers 42-12 win over Walkersville. Arneson rushed for 163 yards and a score on 27 attempts in the Lancers 21-14 loss to Oakdale in week four. Arneson rushed for 233 yards and four touchdowns on 40 carries in the Lancers 49-35 win over Frederick. Arneson rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown in a 30-10 win over Franklin, in a game where the Lancers led 7-3 with four minutes to play. The following week, Arneson rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-20 win over Northern in the semifinals. In the Lancers 42-35 state final loss to Oakdale, Arneson rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.  

Arneson set county records in career rushing yards and career touchdowns, and finished as the third all-time leading rusher in MPSSAA history. In the state championship game, the Lancers senior became the third player in MPSSAA history to reach 6,000 career rushing yards, finishing with 6,092, and joining Dunbar’s Tavon Austin and Glenelg’s Wande Owens as the only three players in MPSSAA history to rush for ‘6k’. Arneson snapped Urbana’s Ray Gray’s county record of 70 career touchdowns, finishing with 73, the 13th most in MPSSAA history. Arneson is just the last of a litany of great Lancers running backs, from John Seymour, to Matt Castor, to Zach Zwinak, to Xander McClure, and now, finishes as the most accomplished.  

RB David Avit (Churchill) 6’0 220 SR – Avit has been the Bulldogs ‘bell cow’ for the last two seasons, ever since he and his brother Ezekiel (Maryland) transferred from Urbana, and this season, the younger brother finished as the MPSSAA’s leading rusher in 2023. Behind the powerful running back, the Bulldogs put together consecutive 9-win seasons for the first time in more than 25 years, and registered the program’s best season in the last 27 years. Behind Avit, the Bulldogs went 11-2, and snapped a nine game losing streak to Northwest, registering a win over the previously unbeaten Jaguars in week seven.  

With Avit literally running the show, the Bulldogs advanced to the 4A state semifinals for the first time since 1995. That too was the last campaign the Bulldogs posted an 11-win season. The Bulldogs won three games versus MPSSAA top 25 opponents, registering wins over Montgomery County foes – Northwest, Walter Johnson, and Gaithersburg. Avit, a Villanova commit, finished his high school career with 4,525 rushing yards and 62 touchdowns. Avit’s career rushing yards rank as the 26th most in MPSSAA history, and his career touchdowns score stand tied for 21st-best in MPSSAA history.  

This season, Avit took 306 carries for 2,487 yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Avit also caught 12 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns, and returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. In all, Avit accounted for 3,066 yards and scored 35 touchdowns this season. Avit’s 2,487 rushing yards are the third most in Montgomery County history, behind Damascus Jake Funk’s 2,862 yards in 2015, and Seneca Valley’s Adrian Felix-Platt’s mark of 2,579 in 2016. Avit’s mark is the 18th most rushing yards in a season in MPSSAA history. Avit finished second in the MPSSAA in touchdowns, with 35. 

Avit began the season by rushing for 268 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs 27-7 opening week win over Seneca Valley. In the Bulldogs 15-7 win over Northwest in week seven, Avit rushed for 172 yards on 32 carries and returned a kickoff 50 yards. The following week, Avit scored six touchdowns in the Bulldogs 64-50 win over Richard Montgomery, amassing 482 total yards of offense, including 237 rushing yards, 220 return yards on three returns, and a 25 yards reception. The next week, in the regular season finale, Avit rushed for 248 yards and three scores in 27 carries in a 32-30 win over Walter Johnson.  

Avit didn’t let up in the post-season, rushing for 813 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in four games. Avit rushed for 187 yards and four touchdowns in the Dawgs 41-12 opening round over Richard Montgomery, then followed that with 207 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a 41-14 over then 1-loss Gaithersburg. In the Bulldogs 27-13 win over Bethesda Chevy Chase in the quarterfinal, Avit rushed for 201 yards and scored four touchdowns. Despite the Bulldogs 31-7 loss to Broadneck in the semifinals, Avit produced 288 total yards, including 218 rushing yards on 33 attempts, and scored the Dawgs only touchdown.  

RB Gideon Ituka (Gaithersburg) 5’10 230 SR – Ituka was the driving force in the Trojans offense over the three seasons, with a heavy load put upon his shoulders. This season, with even more loaded onto the shoulders of the Trojans senior, the Wisconsin commit carried the Trojans to a 9-2 record, and one of the program’s two best seasons in the last twenty years. Ituka carried on his family’s athletic legacy at Gaithersburg by running past defensive units designed to stop him for the last three seasons.  

A year after being selected as Montgomery County’s 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Ituka took it to another level in 2023, becoming just the second 2,000 yard rusher in the MPSSAA in the last seven years to average 200 rushing yards per game. This season, following his ground game heroics, Ituka was named Montgomery County’s Most Valuable Player. Ituka’s excellence on the gridiron mirrored that of his older brother Jao’s excellence on the hardwoods for the Trojans several years ago. Jao was the Montgomery County Player of the Year, and now plays at Wake Forest, after being honored as the MAAC Rookie of the Year in ‘21-22, while playing for Marist.  

In his final scholastic season, the Badgers commit rushed for 2,250 yards and 32 touchdowns on 221 carries, averaging 10.2 yards per carry. Ituka also added a touchdown reception. Ituka led the MPSSAA in rushing yards per game, at 204.5 rushing yards per game, and finished third overall in rushing yards. Ituka also led the MPSSAA in touchdowns per game, at 3.0, and finished third overall in touchdowns scored, with 33. Ituka finished his Trojans career with 4,336 rushing yards, the sixth most in Montgomery County history. Ituka’s 55 career touchdowns also ranks sixth in county history.  

Ituka rushed for 234 yards and four touchdowns on only 13 carries in the Trojans 32-12 opening week win over Clarksburg. Ituka took 26 carries for what was then a career-high 304 yards and scored all four of the Trojans touchdowns in a 28-14 win over Seneca Valley. In the Trojans regular season finale, Ituka rushed for 382 yards and five touchdowns in the Trojans 48-37 win over Richard Montgomery. Ituka posted six 200 yard games in ‘23. Over his last two seasons, Ituka scored 49 touchdowns in twenty games. Ituka chose the Badgers offer over those from Tennessee, Maryland, and Cincinnati, among others.  

The Ituka legacy will live on at Gaithersburg, with Gideon’s younger brother Barry ready to take the reigns. Barry, a 6’2 230 sophomore, was named to the Montgomery County All-Division second team at both tight end and defensive end, blocking for Gideon, and adding nine sacks and four forced fumbles on defense. Barry will now follow in the footsteps of Jao, a two-time Montgomery County Player of the Year, and Gideon, who finished with a pair of Player of the Year honors himself.  

WR Hunter Thompson (Oakdale) 6’3 205 SR – Thompson finished his illustrious Bears career as the most productive receiver in Frederick County history, and will go down as one of the best playmakers in county history. Not only did Thompson have the numbers, but two or three game films will reveal that he is one of the two most talented receivers in county history, joining former first team All-American and current Minnesota Viking, Jordan Addison, in a table for two. No one should have a doubt about that after watching Thompson put on an extraordinary exhibition in the state title game.  

Thompson was a MPSSAA All-State second team selection last season, after garnering 59 receptions for 959 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns, in addition to a ‘pick 6, a punt return for a touchdown, and a kickoff return for a score. Thompson’s connection with Bears quarterback Evan Austin was unequaled over the last two seasons, one that led to a title game appearance, and the other that led to an undefeated 14-0 season and the program’s second state championship. Not only did Thompson star on offense, but the Ohio University commit excelled in all three phases of the game.  

This season, Thompson recorded 78 receptions for 1,451 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 18.6 yards per reception. Thompson led the MPSSAA in touchdown receptions, and finished second in receptions and receiving yards. Thompson set a Frederick County single-season record in receiving yards, which ranks as the fifth-best in a single-season in MPSSAA history. Thompson’s 21 touchdown receptions is also a Frederick County record, and is the sixth-best in MPSSAA history. On defense, Thompson produced 20 solo tackles, two interceptions, and five pass break-ups. Thompson also added 421 yards on kick and punt returns, taking one kickoff back for a score, and bringing back two punts for touchdowns. Thompson scored 24 touchdowns on 101 touches this season.  

In the 3A title game, Thompson took it to another level, registering 15 receptions for 269 yards and four touchdowns, including a pair of top ten highlight reel snares. Thompson caught eight passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns in the Bears 41-24 week two win over Allegany, and caught seven passes for 102 yards in their 21-14 week four victory over Linganore, while also returning a punt 75 yards for a score. Thompson caught nine passes for 212 yards and a score in the Bears 42-25 win over Middletown. Thompson scored three touchdowns in the Bears 41-22 win over Walkersville, including a 78 yard punt return.  

Thompson’s 35 career touchdown receptions are a Frederick County record, snapping Urbana’s Billy Gaines mark of 34, set in 2001. Thompson finished with 2,698 receiving yards, the eighth most in MPSSAA history, and his 152 receptions rank as the 11th-best. For his career, Thompson returned 20 kickoffs for 601 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 30.1 yards per return, and returned 17 punts for 361 yards and three scores, averaging 21.2 yards per return. Thompson picked off four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Thompson scored 41 touchdowns in all as a Bear.  

WR Miles Halbert (Northern) 6’0 175 JR – The Patriots passing game under coach Rich Holzer in his three seasons at Northern has been a formidable one, with three different ‘QB1s’ and three different ‘WR1s’ headlining each campaign. And, this year’s ‘WR1’, junior Miles Halbert, produced a season for the ages, shattering the MPSSAA single-season receiving yards record, and becoming just the sixth receiver in MPSSAA history to register 100 receptions or more in a season. In addition, the Patriots junior made a huge impact on defense, helping lead the Pats to the state semifinals. But, it was at receiver where Halbert boasted mind-boggling numbers.  

In ‘21, Holzer had Zach Crounse at quarterback, the youngest of the three SMAC slinging siblings. Crounse set new SMAC single-season records for passing yards and passing touchdowns, snapping records set by his older brother Reese, four years earlier. Crounse’s top weapon, Tyler Baskett, set SMAC records in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Last season, Patriots quarterback TJ Lattimore led the MPSSAA in passing yards per game, at 215 per. This season, senior Isaiah Randall stepped into the ‘QB1’ slot, and Halbert filled the ‘WR1’ role like nobody had done before.  

Halbert’s production in his junior campaign resembles that of a video game, and hard to comprehend. Halbert finished the ‘23 season with 104 receptions for 1,955 yards and 19 touchdowns, setting a MPSSAA record in receiving yards, and setting SMAC single-season records in all three categories. Halbert’s 104 receptions rank as the fourth-best in a single-season in MPSSAA history, while his 19 touchdown receptions is tied for eighth-best in MPSSAA history in a single-season. At safety, Halbert totaled 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, four interceptions, and forced two fumbles.  

Halbert began the season with a bang, totaling 333 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a 47-7 win over Westlake, adding an interception. Versus defending state finalist Patuxent, Halbert recorded 16 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns in a 53-39 loss. In the Patriots 42-21 second round win over ‘22 4/3A state finalist Arundel, Halbert nabbed seven receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns, scored a rushing touchdown, and forced two fumbles. In the Pats 56-20 loss to Linganore in the state semifinals, Halbert caught 12 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. In four playoff games, Halbert registered 42 receptions for 672 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 25 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception.  

WR Jahmari Powell-Wonson (City College) 6’2 205 SR – Powell-Wonson was the veteran leader of the Black Knights record-setting receiving corps, which boasted three 1,000 yard receivers, a MPSSAA first. Powell-Wonson was the only senior among the quartet that produced MPSSAA single-season records in passing yards, a foursome that included junior quarterback Nick Cyrus, and junior receivers Vernon Allen and Romero Ison. Powell-Wonson was a constant over the last three seasons, one that saw the Black Knights have their best three year run in 15 years, and first state semifinal appearance since 2005. The Black Knights senior was named to the Baltimore Sun’s All-Met second team.  

Despite having to share targets with two other dynamic receivers, Powell-Wonson, a Maryland commit, finished his scholastic career as Baltimore City’s all-time leading receiver, and finished among the top ten in MPSSAA history in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Not including Tavon Austin, who spent most of his time in Dunbar’s backfield, Powell-Wonson may be the most talented receiver to come out of the Baltimore City public school system since Poly’s Antonio ‘Buttons’ Freeman graduated in 1991. Powell-Wonson chose Maryland over offers from North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Charlotte, among others.  

This season, Powell-Wonson caught 59 passes for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 19.5 yards per reception. Powell-Wonson ranked third in the MPSSAA in receiving yards per game, at 115.1 per game, and fifth overall in receiving yards. Powell-Wonson also tied for fifth in the MPSAA in touchdown receptions. Powell-Wonson’s yards per reception average ranked sixth in the MPSSAA among those with 40 receptions or more. Powell-Wonson caught six passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns in the Knights 47-7 rout of Poly on Homecoming. Powell-Wonson recorded more than 1,000 all-purpose yards for a third straight season. 

Powell-Wonson finished his high school career with 137 receptions and 2,681 receiving yards, to go with 34 touchdowns receptions. Powell-Wonson finishes ranked ninth in MPSSAA history in receiving yards, and tied for 11th in receiving touchdowns. Powell-Wonson’s career 19.6 yards per reception average ranks second among those with 125 career receptions or more. Overall, in three seasons, Powell-Wonson produced 3,382 all-purpose yards and scored 39 touchdowns as a Black Knight.  

ATH Antonio Berry (Northwest) 5’9 155 SR – Berry was one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the MPSSAA for the last three seasons, lining up wide, in the backfield, or taking the snap in the ‘Wildcat’ formation. The two-time All-Met athlete was named Montgomery County’s Athlete of the Year this season, leading the Jaguars to a 9-3 record and a win over then #1 Quince Orchard, their arch rival, in the second round of the playoffs, snapping the Cougars 37 game win streak. Berry was one of just three MPSSAA players to be named to the Washington Post’s All-Met first team on offense.  

This season, Berry led the Jaguars in rushing yards, kickoff return yards, punt return yards, and finished second on the team in receiving yards. Berry took 80 carries for 566 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and caught 31 passes for 548 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. Berry also completed both of his pass attempts for touchdowns. On special teams, Berry returned 14 kickoffs for 404 yards, averaging an astronomical 28.9 yards per return. The Jags senior also returned ten punts for 228 yards and a touchdown. In all, Berry totaled 632 return yards on kickoffs and punts.  

Berry totaled 165 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in the Jaguars 47-14 win over Damascus in week two, and produced 210 all-purpose yards in the Jags 28-13 victory over Paint Branch. Berry accounted for all three of the Jaguars touchdowns in their 34-21 week eight loss to Quince Orchard, throwing for a touchdown, running for a score, and adding a touchdown reception, totaling 166 all-purpose yards.  

Berry returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown and added a touchdown reception in the Jaguars 36-0 playoff victory over rival Seneca Valley. The following week, in the Jaguars shocking 29-26 win over Quince Orchard, Berry manufactured 120 yards from scrimmage and 202 all-purpose yards, with a rushing touchdown and a touchdown pass. In the Jaguars heartbreaking 21-20 season-ending loss to Broadneck, Berry rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts, and produced 235 all-purpose yards in defeat.  

ATH Romero Ison (City College) 6’0 175 JR – Ison produced a blockbuster season in a breakout campaign for the Black Knights, one that saw the aerial attack set virtually every single-season passing and receiving record in Baltimore City history. The Black Knights junior was one of the most explosive playmakers in the MPSSAA, and led arguably the best receiving trio in MPSSAA history in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Ison was a threat wherever he lined up on the field, at receiver, in the backfield, or as a kickoff or punt returner.  

Ison was the leading scorer of a Black Knights team that produced more than 4,000 passing yards, and averaged 32.9 points per game. Teaming with senior Jahmari Powell-Wonson and junior Vernon Allen, the three became the first receiving trio in MPSSAA history to each register 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, and first to have three receivers record 50 receptions or more in the same campaign. The Black Knights aerial attack led the program to their first state semifinal appearance since 2005. 

Ison set a couple of Baltimore City single-season receiving records, and next year, barring injury, will likely put his name among the top ten receivers in MPSSAA history. Ison set a Baltimore City record with 1,438 receiving yards and 15 touchdown receptions. Ison recorded 69 receptions, averaging 20.4 yards per reception. Ison’s 1,438 receiving yards rank tied for the sixth most in a single-season in MPSSAA history, while his 69 receptions ranked second only to Allen in the MPSSAA this season, who finished 74 receptions.  

Ison added 465 rushing yards, averaging 10.1 yards per carry. The junior also added 750 kickoff and punt return yards on a total of 31 returns. In all, Ison produced 2,653 total yards in 2023, and scored 20 touchdowns overall. Ison Jr was just one of three non-quarterbacks in the MPSSAA this season to produce more than 200 all-purpose yards per game. Ison’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed, with the Black Knights junior holding offers from Penn State and Vanderbilt, among others. Next season, Ison, Allen, and quarterback Nick Cyrus will build on their monstrous numbers and look to take the Black Knights one step further, to their first state title game appearance.  

OL Carlton Meeks (Wise) 6’3 280 SR – Meeks was a pillar for the state champion Pumas at offensive tackle, taking talented defensive linemen, edge rushers, and aspiring blitzes out of the equation. Meeks was a shining star for a Pumas offense that averaged 48.3 points per game and went undefeated versus their twelve MPSSAA opponents. With Meeks leading the way in the trenches, the Pumas averaged 9.7 yards per carry this season, boasting three ball carriers that each produced more than 850 rushing yards this season. Meeks was selected to the Washington Post All-Met second team, as well as the Prince Georges County 4A All-County first team.  

Meeks provided holes for the Pumas talented rushing trio of juniors DeCarlos Young and Peyton Nelson, and senior Gregory Pruitt III, who provided the large majority of the Pumas 290.9 rushing yards per game, and 59 rushing touchdowns on the season. In addition, Meeks served as a huge security blanket to sophomore quarterback Eric Wedge III’s blind side. The soph’ felt comfortable enough this season to throw for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions this season. Meeks holds offers from Frostburg State and Shippensburg, among others.  

OL Wyatt Ferguson (Chesapeake) 6’4 280 SR – Ferguson has been a human plow for the Cougars over the last two seasons, earning All-County first team honors in each of the last two seasons, and this season winning the Al Laramore Award, recognizing the county’s Most Outstanding Lineman. The Navy commit pulverized opponents from the left tackle position, and denied entry in pass protection. Ferguson was one of the catalysts in leading the Cougars to a 27-9 record over the last three seasons, making a state semifinal appearance in ‘21, and earning a state quarterfinal berth this season.  

Behind Ferguson, the Cougars finished 9-3 this season, putting a cap on their first string of three straight 8-win seasons in their program’s history. Ferguson paved the way for Cougars senior Collin Lewis to rush for 1,155 yards this season, registering 36 pancake blocks. Ferguson and his Cougars line mates put up a pass protection that helped provide 12 passing touchdowns versus just one interception in 102 pass attempts. On defense, Ferguson also registered 47 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and blocked two punts this season. Ferguson was selected as the Cougars MVP this season.  

OL Christian Blackwell (Flowers) 6’0 260 SR – Blackwell was a valuable anchor at center for the Jaguars over the last two seasons, where they won 22 of their 24 games on the field. Blackwell was an imposing force as a run blocker, firing off and gaining great leverage after the snap of the ball. The Jaguars averaged a MPSSAA-best 48.9 points per game this season. Blackwell and the offensive line paved the way for 41 rushing touchdowns in ten games, while averaging an astounding 9.1 yards per carry. The offensive line allowed just two sacks all season, on 126 drop backs.  

Blackwell was named to the Prince Georges County first team this season, after earning second team honors last season, and was named the Omega Psi Phi’s Scholar Athlete of the Year. Blackwell, a Sacred Heart commit, was part of an offensive line that powered the Jaguars to 35 points or more in 19 of their 24 games  over the last two seasons. The Jaguars senior was named to the Washington Post’s All-Met honorable mention team, one of just six MPSSAA offensive linemen to be named to the Post’s first, second, and honorable mention teams.  

OL Joshua Blackston (Dunbar) 6’5 275 JR – Blackston unleashed pure dominance at the right and left tackle positions for the undefeated state champion Poets, providing lethal blocking in both the running and passing games. Behind Blackston & Co., the Poets averaged more than 400 yards of offense per game, and averaged scoring a MPSSAA second-best 46.9 points per game. The Poets scored 36 points or more in nine of their eleven games.  

Blackston drove defensive linemen ten yards down the field in the run game, and was unmovable as a pass protector. The Poets averaged more than 300 rushing yards per game, as the extended their overall win streak to 37 games. The Poets junior also provided protection for junior quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who threw 16 touchdowns against just one interception. Blackston will be a key piece in ‘24 for the Poets and quarterback Savion Witherspoon, as the 13-time state champions look for a fourth straight state title.  

OL Gregory Maddox (Dundalk) 6’4 300 SO – There is a reason the Owls sophomore has garnered seven D1 offers already – he possesses the skill, strength, and technique that will translate well at the next level, possessing a skill set that allows him to dominate at the high school level. Within two months of playing his last game of his freshman season, Maddox was offered by Michigan State and Penn State in back-to-back days. This season, the talented tackle entered the season with huge expectations, built on the foundation he laid as a freshman, and left it as one of the best lineman in the MPSSAA. 

The Owls suffered huge losses in the 2023 graduating class, but Maddox displayed his prowess throughout the Owls 8-3 season. Maddox registered a team-best 52 pancake blocks, and led a ground game that averaged seven yards per carry. The Owls averaged 318.4 yards of offense per game this season, while playing three top 15 opponents this season – Perry Hall, Milford Mill, and Broadneck. Last winter, recruiters had been descending on Dundalk to pursue Chimdy Onoh, who went off to Happy Valley, but were enamored with the tape of the freshman, and wanted to get a beat on the competition before the recruiting onslaught began in earnest. In addition to offers from Happy Valley and ‘Sparty’, the sophomore also holds offers from Maryland and Charlotte, among others.  

Second Team Offense 

QB Evan Blouir (Patuxent) 6’0 200 JR – A year after helping lead the Panthers to the 2/1A title game, Blouir flourished in his junior campaign, becoming one of the most five productive quarterbacks in the MPSSAA this season. With Blouir behind center, the Panthers put together back-to-back 11-win seasons for the first time in their program’s history. Next season, Blouir could very well become the first quarterback in MPSSAA history to throw for 6,000 yards in his career, while also rushing for 3,000 yards in his career.  

A season after throwing for more than 1,500 yards and rushing for more than 1,200 yards and accounting for 29 touchdowns in 13 games as a sophomore, Blouir accounted for 3,636 yards and 38 touchdowns in 11 games this season. Blouir completed 142 of 232 passes (61.2%) this season, throwing for 2,695 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. The Panthers junior ranked fourth in the MPSSAA this season in both passing yards and passing yards per game, seventh in touchdown passes, and second in passing yards per attempt, at 11.62 yards per attempt.  

Blouir also rushed for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns on 154 carries, ranking third in the MPSSAA in rushing yards among quarterbacks.  

In two seasons, Blouir has thrown for 4,215 yards and 41 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,146 yards and an additional 26 more scores. Together, Blouir has accounted for 6,361 yards of offense and 67 touchdowns.  

Blouir, for his accomplishments this season, was named the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) Offensive Player of the Year. In week two, Blouir threw for 195 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 154 yards and three scores in the Panthers 41-31 win over 2A finalists Huntingtown. Versus Northern, the junior threw for 419 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers 53-39 win over the Patriots. Blouir completed 17 of 21 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers 42-7 quarterfinal win over Middletown. In the Panthers season-ending 36-29 loss to Dunbar in the semifinals, Blouir threw for 167 yards, and rushed for two touchdowns.  

RB Jabril Daniels (Fort Hill) 6’0 180 JR – Daniels emerged as the hottest running back in the MPSSAA as the post-season began, and left with that title after a blockbuster performance in the 1A title game. Daniels performance in the Sentinels 45-21 championship game victory over Mountain Ridge was one of the best handful of performances ever produced in a MPSSAA championship game since the association’s inception in 1974. With another year remaining, Daniels may very well place his name atop the Sentinels all-time career rushing lists, while he and the Sentinels seek their fourth state championship, and 11th overall.  

Daniels finished his junior campaign with 1,823 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns on 190 carries, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. With a touchdown reception, Daniels scored 34 touchdowns overall, setting a Sentinels single-season record in both rushing touchdowns and overall touchdowns, breaking Steve Trimble’s marks of 32 in both categories, set 48 years ago in 1975. Daniels had only 16 carries as the Sentinels headed into week four, but the junior amassed 1,685 rushing yards and scored 32 touchdowns over the last ten games, leading ‘Big Red’ to their tenth state championship.  

Daniels ranked second in the MPSSAA in touchdowns per game, at 2.83, third in overall touchdowns, fifth in rushing yards, and seventh in rushing yards per game. In week six, Daniels rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns in the Sentinels dominating 37-14 win over Mountain Ridge. In week eight, Daniels scored five touchdown in the Sentinels 49-21 win over then 8-0 New Oxford of Pennsylvania, rushing for 223 yards on 21 carries. In the annual ‘Homecoming’ game with the Campers of Allegany, Daniels scored five touchdowns again, rushing for 146 yards on 19 carries. Daniels needed just 11 carries to score three touchdowns and rush for 107 yards in the Sentinels 38-20 win over Cambridge South Dorchester in the state semifinals.  

Daniels saved his greatest performance for the state title game, where he set one quarter and one half championship game rushing marks, and finished with the second most rushing yards ever in a championship game, becoming just the second player to rush for 300 yards or more in a MPSSAA title game. Daniels rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter, and 292 yards and five touchdowns in the first half in the title game matchup with the Miners, all but sewing up #10 for Fort Hill. Daniels finished with 301 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 21 attempts in the Sentinels 45-21 win.  

RB Maximus Jones (Old Mill) 5’9 200 SR – Jones was the latest of the all-time great running backs to don a Patriots jersey over the last 20 seasons, from Ryan Callahan, to Josh Furman, to Rob Chesson, to Jones. Jones has been one of the most consistent rushers in the MPSSAA over the last two seasons, and joins Linganore’s Ethan Arneson as the only two players in the MPSSAA to rush for 1,500 yards or more in both ‘22 and ‘23, and joins the Lancer senior as the only two players to score 20 touchdowns or more in each of the last two seasons.  

A year after rushing for 1,538 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns in twelve games as a junior, Jones led Anne Arundel County in rushing yards for a second year in a row by amassing 1,865 yards on the ground, on 265 carries, ranking fourth in the MPSSAA in rushing yards. Jones finished with 23 rushing touchdowns, and 26 touchdowns overall, ranking sixth in the MPSSAA. Jones average of 155.4 rushing yards per game ranked fifth in the MPSSAA this season, and led all Baltimore area public school rushers.  

Jones began his senior campaign by rushing for 321 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-12 win over Annapolis. Jones rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots 31-28 win over Broadneck, then rushed for 174 yards on 27 carries the following week in a 14-9 win over Arundel. The Patriots senior rushed for 107 yards and two scores on 23 attempts in the Patriots 28-27 win over Meade in the regular season finale. Jones rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Pats 27-6 victory over Glen Burnie in the second round.  

Jones repeats as a MPSSAA All-State selection, after being selected to the honorable mention team last season. Over the last two seasons, Jones  rushed for 3,403 yards and 44 touchdowns on 511 carries, scoring 48 touchdowns in all. And, leaves out as a county champion, adding his name to the legacy of running backs to have suited up in Millersville.  

RB Kaleb Hart (North Point) 5’11 195 SR – Hart has been the ignition in the Eagles running machine over the last two seasons, whether in a traditional running back formation, or running the ‘Wildcat, a formation that propelled the Waldorf program to back-to-back 4/3A title games. While the Eagles boasted one of the most punishing defensive units over the last two seasons, Hart delivered the punishment on the offensive side, which led the Eagles to 24 wins over the ‘22 and ‘23 seasons.  

Despite missing the first two games of the season as he recovered from an injury, Hart nonetheless ranked seventh in the MPSSAA in rushing yards, for a SMAC squad that averaged 37.1 points per game. The Eagles scored 28 points or more in 12 of the 14 games, fueled by the Hart-led power running game.  

Hart rushed for 1,560 yards and 15 touchdowns on 190 carries this season, leading the SMAC in rushing yards, and averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Despite missing two games, Hart led the SMAC in both rushing yards and rushing yards per game, at 130.0 per clip. Over the last two seasons, one that led to the program’s first state title, and the other leading to another title game appearance, Hart accounted for more than 2,800 yards and 43 touchdowns.  

Hart made his ‘23 debut in week three, and picked up where he left off last season, as an All-State running back. Hart rushed for 126 yards on 14 attempts in his first game back, a 28-0 win over Great Mills, then rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns two weeks later in a 20-10 win over fellow state finalist Calvert. Hart rushed for 264 yards, rushed for five touchdowns, and threw for a score, in the Eagles 56-20 win over Frederick in the quarterfinals. Then, Hart rushed for 144 yards a week later in the Eagles 28-7 semifinal victory over Blake. Hart was selected to the Washington Post’s All-Met honorable mention team, and was named to the All-SMAC first team.  

ATH Tavahri ‘Tick’ Groves (Quince Orchard) 5’11 165 SR – Groves was a threat to score anywhere on the field with the ball in his hands. Groves was the two-time defending champion Cougars top perimeter threat for a second season in a row, as well as one of the MPSSAA’s top return men. Groves ranked among the top ten in the MPSSAA in touchdown percentage, among those with ten scores or more. Groves was selected to the Montgomery County All-County first team for a second year in a row, as well as being selected to the Washington Post All-Met honorable mention team.  

Groves caught 31 passes for 648 yards and ten touchdowns, averaging 20.9 yards per reception over ten games. Groves was just one of eight receivers in the MPSSAA to average more than 20 yards per reception, among those with 30 receptions or more. Groves also scored twice on the ground, and returned both a kickoff and a punt back for scores. Groves scored 14 touchdowns on 45 touches, for a 31.1% touchdown rate. 

In the season opener, Groves returned the second half kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown to put the Cougars up four scores in a 33-0 victory over South County (VA), then returned a punt 70 yards for a score a week later in a 56-0 win over Gaithersburg. The following week, Groves hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass with 17 seconds to play in the Cougars thrilling 28-22 victory over Stone Bridge (VA).  

Groves scored three touchdowns in the Cougars 35-0 win over Churchill, scoring with a 60 yard touchdown reception, a 54 yard touchdown reception, and a ten yard score on a ‘jet sweep’. Groves caught two touchdowns in the Cougars 34-21 week eight win over arch rival Northwest. Groves grabbed a touchdown in the final minute of their 29-26 season-ending loss to Northwest, but it wasn’t enough to extend the Cougars 39 game win streak. Groves was a three-time All-County selection, including his sophomore season at Seneca Valley, where he earned honorable mention honors.  

ATH Antonio Lyde (Dunbar) 6’0 170 SR – Lyde provided production in all three phases for the Poets over the last two seasons, a period where the Poets went unbeaten in 24 games and won two of their three consecutive 2/1A state championships. Lyde was the most valuable player, literally, in the 2/1A title game in early December, scoring the only touchdown of the game, on the longest gain of the game.  

Lyde gave coach Michael Carter and the Poets whatever they needed – whether out wide, in the backfield, or in the ‘Wildcat’ on offense, or his playmaking ability on special teams and defense. Lyde provided more than 1,800 total yards and scored 16 touchdowns for the Poets. Lyde was the Poets leading receiver with 1,135 receiving yards and 11 touchdown receptions. Lyde provided 457 rushing yards and five touchdowns, more than 300 in kick return yards, and a 31 yard completion. Lyde added two interceptions on defense.  

Lyde began the season with three 100 yard receiving games in wins over Poly, City College, and Edmondson. Lyde scored a touchdown in the Poets 20–18 win over Mervo. Lyde provided 205 yards of offense and scored three touchdowns in a 62-6 win over then 6-2 Carver Tech. Lyde scored a touchdown in the Poets 36-29 win over Patuxent in the semifinals. Lyde saved his best for last, netting 187 all-purpose yards on 16 touches in the state title game, including his 36 yard scoring run in the third quarter in the 8-0 win, the only score of the game. Lyde returned four punts for 103 yards, returned a kickoff 24 yards, and added an interception in the title game victory.  

WR Eli Harris (Broadneck) 6’0 175 SR – Harris finished his high school career as not only one of the best players in Bruins history, but as one of the best receivers in MPSSAA history. Harris has been the best player on the Bruins over the last two seasons – the state semifinals team in ‘22, as well as this season’s state finalist team. Harris led the Bruins in receiving yards in each of his four seasons, including his freshman campaign in the Spring of ‘21. The Bruins registered a 34-7 record over Harris’ four years, including 26 of 27 versus league opponents.  

This season, despite missing two games with a leg injury, Harris caught 56 passes for 884 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 15.8 yards per reception. Despite the time missed, Harris tied for sixth in the MPSSAA in touchdown receptions, tied for ninth in receptions, and ranked 12th in receiving yards. Harris ranked among the top ten in the MPSSAA in receptions in each of his last two seasons. 

Harris accounted for 170 yards in the Bruins 21-14 loss to McDonogh, registering four receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins senior caught six passes for 136 yards in their 31-28 loss to Old Mill. The following week, the Navy commit caught ten passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns in their 35-28 win over Annapolis. Harris tipped the pass on the Bruins game-winning ‘pick 6’ in their 21-20 quarterfinal win over Northwest, following his touchdown reception that knotted the game in the first half.  

Harris finished his Bruins career with 2,671 receiving yards, ranking tenth in MPSSAA history, and 167 receptions, ninth-best in MPSSAA history. An abbreviated Spring season in ‘21 likely cost the Bruin a 3,000 (receiving) yard mark, which would have made him the fifth player in MPSSAA history to hit that mark. The Bruins senior was selected to the Baltimore Sun’s All-Met first team, the Washington Post’s All-Met second team, and earned All-County honors for a third time.  

WR Vernon Allen (City College) 6’3 193 JR – Allen was the quiet assassin of the Black Knights ‘Big 3’ receiving trio, the Charlie Joiner of the San Diego Chargers ‘Air Coryell’ fame in the early 80s. The sure-handed junior led the most prolific passing attack in MPSSAA history in receptions, and joined junior Romero Ison and senior Jahmari Powell-Wonson to form the most talented and productive receiving trio in any single season MPSSAA history. 

Allen caught 74 passes for 1,123 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, averaging 15.2 yards per reception. Allen’s 74 receptions ranked third in the MPSSAA this season, tied for 16th in MPSSAA history, and set a Baltimore City single-season record. Allen ranked seventh in the MPSSAA this season in receiving yards, and sixth in receiving yards per game. Allen’s 13 touchdown receptions tied for fifth-best in the MPSSAA this season, and tied for the fourth-best in Baltimore City history.  

Allen, Powell-Wonson, and Ison, became the first trio in MPSSAA history to each reach 1,000 receiving years in the same season, while they also became the first ‘triplets’ to each gather in 50 receptions or more in the same campaign. Allen caught nine passes for 153 yards and a score in the Knights 47-7 rout of arch rival Poly on Homecoming. The Black Knights junior has garnered offers from Michigan, Penn State, Duke, and Maryland, among others.  

TE Zachary Michael (Allegany) 6’4 235 SR – Michael is a cut of the cloth of the traditional tight end, lining up along the trenches, and adept in both run blocking, and finding space down the seams for big play production. Michael was a two-way star for the Campers, whose all four losses came to stae finalists and state champions – Mountain Ridge twice, Oakdale, and Fort Hill.  

Michael was a key component in the Campers running game, one that produced 279.3 rushing yards per game, at 8.1 yards per carry. But, Michael, at 235, also served as quarterback Brody Williams’ top downfield threat. Michael caught 25 passes for 529 yards this season, averaging 21.2 yards per reception, with ten touchdown receptions, the most in the MPSSAA among tight ends this season. Michael scored on 40% of his receptions for the Campers this season. At linebacker, Michael totaled 60 tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, a sack, and a forced fumble.  

Michael caught three passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Campers 16-13 week two loss to Mountain Ridge, adding 11 tackles. Michaels caught two touchdown passes in each contest versus St James, Keyser (WV), and Northern, where the Campers senior also recorded a sack. The following week, Michaels caught three passes for 68 yards and a score in the Campers 47-21 loss to Fort Hill.  

OL Jalen Jones (Westminster) 6’4 280 SR – Jones was literally a driving force in the Owls ground game, headlined by quarterback Kyrece Walker, who led Carroll County in rushing, and won his second consecutive Offensive Player of the Year award. At guard, Jones created holes up the middle for Walker and running back Raquan Warfield, and was a menace as a pulling guard for the Carroll County champions. Jones was the best linemen for a unit that averaged 335.8 yards of offense per game.  

With Jones as his lead blocker, Walker threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 yards, while the Owls averaged 29.4 points per game and went undefeated in league play. Walker averaged 11.2 yards per carry, with many of those carries following Jones. On defense, Jones recorded 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The Owls senior was selected to the All-County first team for a second year in a row. The Owks notched wins over 3A quarterfinalist Franklin and 2A semifinalist Walkersville.  

OL Eric Lowe (Linganore) 6’0 260 SR – Lowe provided the blocking for the MPSSAA’s third all-time leading rusher for three seasons for the Lancers, supplying a number of key blocks for classmate Ethan Arneson’s, who finished his career with 6,092 rushing yards and 73 touchdowns, both all-time Frederick County records. Lowe started for three seasons on the offensive line for Coach Rick Conner, and started in two state championship games, in 21, and again this season. 

Behind Lowe, fellow senior Mikey Ayers, and others, the Lancers offense produced more than 4,800 yards and scored 77 touchdowns. The Lancers rushed for more than 3,000 yards, and scored 59 touchdowns on the ground, and threw for more than 1,700 yards, for another 18 touchdowns. At left tackle, Lowe provided the blind-side blocking for quarterback Christian Petruzzello, who boasted a 4.5-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Lowe was a two-time All-Frederick County first team selection.  

OL Jackson Rood (Churchill) 6’3 275 SR – Rood stood out as one of the best linemen in Montgomery County over the last two seasons, plowing holes for the Bulldogs David Avit, the MPSSAA’s leading rusher in 2023. The left tackle was honored this season as the Montgomery County Offensive Lineman of the Year, a season after being the only junior offensive lineman named to the county’s first team. 

Behind Rood & Co., Avit rushed for 2,479 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, scoring 35 touchdowns in all, ranking second in the MPSSAA. Rood protected the blind side of junior quarterback Vasi Hallas, who threw 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. Rood was a catalyst in leading the Bulldogs to their first 4A state semifinal appearance in 28 years, and their first 11-win season in that same time frame.  

OL Mike Southerland (Flowers) 6’0 280 SR – Southerland was a consistent asset on the Jaguars offensive line for three seasons, a period where the 2022 4A finalists posted a 33-4 record on the gridiron. Southerland teamed with senior center Christian Blackwell to form one of the best interior line duos in the MPSSAA, a pair that helped power drive the Jaguars to a 48.9 point scoring average through ten games, before having been found to have played an ineligible player.  

The Jaguars scored 41 points or more in nine of their ten games, in all but their 17-14 overtime loss to Wise, which was a heavyweight tussle. For the season, Southerland, Blackwell, and the line, provided for 10.6 yards per carry, and scoring on 19.8% of their rushing attempts. Southerland was selected to the Prince Georges All-County first team for a second year in a row, a year after being the only junior selected among the five linemen on the ‘22 first team.  

OL Hayden Raymond (Broadneck) 6’2 280 SR – Raymond has been a lynchpin in the Bruins over the last two seasons, helping lead his team to the 4A state semifinals in ‘22, and their first state championship game appearance in 20 years this season. After serving on the interior line in his sophomore and junior campaigns, Raymond lined up at the tackle position for the Bruins this season and flourished. As did the Bruins, scoring back-to-back wins in Montgomery County in both the quarter and semifinals. 

Raymond started at offensive guard as a sophomore for the county champions, moved to center as a junior, where he earned All-County honors for the back-to-back county champions, then moved to tackle this season, helping usher the Bruins to the 4A title game. The Bruins won 30 games in three seasons with Raymond starting on the offensive line, including 21 of 22 versus league competition.