Week 2 Weekend Watch Part I

Weekend Watch Part II

Game of the Week

No. 15 Quince Orchard (1-0) vs. No. 7 Damascus (1-0)

Friday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.

The MdHigh Game of the Week is the only matchup between two local Top 25 teams. That being said, both of these teams fancy themselves 3A title contenders. And the game itself has major playoff implications. The winner of this game will likely control the 3A West.

A full preview of this game can be seen HERE on Thursday.

Annapolis (1-0) vs. No. 11 Old Mill (0-1)

Friday, September 10 @ 6:30 p.m.

Last season, these two teams engaged in a mistake-riddled defensive struggle that ended in a 17-15 Old Mill victory. The game may be cleaner this time around, but the score should be just as close.

Old Mill (0-1) is coming off a season-opening 30-7 loss to Arundel. An 0-2 start could seriously put a damper on their playoff chances. Last week, a gun-slinging Arundel squad ripped the Patriots' defense apart to the tune of 295 passing yards. Fortunately for Old Mill, Annapolis's offense isn't nearly as difficult to solve. That's not a knock on Annapolis; it just means the Panthers won't go at them with a no-huddle spread.

If Annapolis stays conservative, however, it would play right into Old Mill's strength. Up front, the Patriots have two pocket-collapsing ends in Seth Holbrook and Avery Taylor. Look for them to generate pressure, leaving Old Mill's stellar linebackers, Joe McCargo and Rafael Kess, free to pursue Annapolis' running backs. (Easier said then done against the Panthers' solid offensive line.)

Old Mill runs just as much as Annapolis, although they use a multiple-I in lieu of a wing-T. The Patriots racked up over 200 yards on the ground last week, led by Annapolis transfer Demond Brown (202 yards), who will be making a homecoming of sorts this week playing against his former team.

Old Mill's rushing attack is spurred by their mammoth line, led by anchors Corey Beall and Alex Dembinski. Look for this group to reassert their dominance after a so-so outing against Arundel.

Annapolis, which returns 13 starters from last year's playoff team, is coming off a 27-14 win over Chesapeake. Now comes the real test. Their defense played well, holding Chesapeake to just 48 yards of total offense. But Old Mill will give them more to handle, especially up front. If Annapolis can't hold their own on the line, then stellar linebackers Terrence Brown and Delvin Owens won't be able to stop the run.

Offensively, Annapolis is already in gear. Quarterback Brandon Johnson threw for 137 yards and two touchdowns last week. Do-everything athlete Tajuan Watson, however, led the way with a touchdown reception, a touchdown run and a punt return for a touchdown. Like Old Mill, Annapolis has a solid offensive line with anchor Joe Asselin and two other returning starters.

Look for this team to confuse Old Mill's defense with misdirection plays and off-tackle counters. The goal is to negate the Patriots' ultra-quick defenders and allow their own speedy runners to get out in space.

Annapolis almost pulled off an upset last year in a hostile Old Mill environment. This time they'll be playing at home with a veteran team. But the Patriots are at their best with their backs against the wall. Plus they have a an advantage with their offensive line.

Prediction: Old Mill 35, Annapolis 25

No. 2 Gilman (2-0) vs. Don Bosco (N.J.) (0-0)

Friday, September 10 @ 7 p.m. @ Morgan State

So it's just not good enough for Gilman to play games against Maryland powerhouses DeMatha and Good Counsel every year. Now the 31st-ranked team in the U.S. has to go out and schedule the 2009 national champions, Don Bosco Prep, a team that finished last year 12-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country. Bosco has won four straight state championships and enters the 2010 season on a 23-game winning streak.

Fortunately for the Greyhounds, coming off a victory of then-No. 2 Good Counsel, they may have caught a slight break. Don Bosco, which will be playing its season opener this week, brings back just four starters from last year's world-beating squad. They lost their top running back, their two best defensive ends, their two lead linebackers and two elite linemen. In fact, even before Gilman beat Good Counsel last week, Don Bosco was actually ranked lower than the Greyhounds in the Rivals 100 (No. 58 to No. 63).

But there's a reason Don Bosco is still ranked in the top 100 at all. They just happen to have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Gary Nova, who is committed to Pittsburgh. Nova threw for 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns against only three interceptions last year. His top target is 6-1 receiver Leonte Caroo. When Bosco decides to run they can look to Paul Carnevari, who's also drawing D-I interest.

The rest of the team is full of newcomers, but Bosco isn't about to go into rebuilding mode. Their jayvee went 8-0 last year, and their backups on varsity probably would have started on most other teams. They're a little undersized and they're very green, but this team has great tools and athleticism. This is not a squad to be taken lightly.

Of course, Bosco hasn't played yet, which means they could be rusty. The Greyhounds, on the other hand, are already in mid-season form. They started the season with a 41-14 romp over Spalding and followed up with a decisive 28-7 victory over Good Counsel.

This is the second week in a row Gilman faces a Rivals 100 team (they'll get their third next week against DeMatha), but they remain unfazed. Last week quarterback Darius Jennings, one of the most exciting players in the U.S.A., gashed a stellar Falcons defense for almost 150 yards rushing and a touchdown (he also threw for a touchdown). Slot receiver-running back Cyrus Jones, who caught a touchdown pass against GC, is practically a younger version of Jennings. Add to that a powerful runner in Kenneth Goins and an elite offensive line led by Hunter Goodwin (Wake Forest), and Gilman can hang 30 points on any defense.

Gilman's defense, despite starting 10 underclassmen, has been almost as good as their offense. Linemen Brian Gaia and Goins got major penetration on Good Counsel's awesome front five, and young linebackers Devon Porchia (interception last week), Michael Savage and Micah Kiser are playing like seniors. In the secondary, Nova is going to have a difficult time attacking the likes of Jennings and Jones. The Bosco quarterback may be able to exploit the safeties, but this group didn't flinch against the top quarterback in Maryland last week, Zach Dancel.

Gilman rolls on.

Prediction: Gilman 30, Don Bosco 18

McDonough (1-0) vs. No. 9 Westlake (1-0)

Friday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.

This SMAC showdown becomes a lot more interesting after last week's games. Westlake, a supposed 3A title contender, was not supposed to have problems against Chopticon (albeit, a much-improved Chopticon). They had to overcome a 10-point fourth quarter deficit just to pull out a 12-10 victory. McDonough, meanwhile, was not supposed to destroy a Potomac team loaded with talent. But that's exactly what they did, exploding to a 41-12 victory.

On paper, Westlake should own this matchup. The Wolverines have skilled playmakers at every position, a savvy veteran quarterback, an ultra-quick defense and more speed then a track team. The defense seemed to show up last week, holding Chopticon to 12 points in what could have easily been more (Chopticon had the ball inside Westlake's red zone courtesy of two Wolverines interceptions, but they couldn't score a single point). There's a reason this group only gave up 11 points per game last year.

Defensive end Jon Woodruff is a special player who combines a cat-quick first step with uncanny power. His linemate Justin Lawrence may be just as good in a year. The linebacker corps, led by Marcel Edwards, is second only to North Point's in the SMAC, and the secondary, with Antonio Hale leading the way, can literally fly.

The Wolverines offense has the potential to be special with a strong line, a solid running game and a talented group of receivers. But quarterback Chris Istvan must play like the guy who threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Steve Koudossou rather than the guy who threw two first-half interceptions last week.

McDonough has a veteran team with a number of playmakers, but they weren't supposed to have 40-point potential. Especially after scoring just seven points in the first half against Potomac. But after quarterback Aquil Michaux, who threw a touchdown pass, went down with an injury, his replacement Devone Boone didn't miss a beat. He completed 6 of 8 passes for two touchdowns, leading the Rams to 34 second-half points.

Running back Justin Brooks adds another dimension to the offense. The speedy scat-back rushed for 108 yards last week, including a 61-yard scamper to seal the victory. His backup, Kenny Grimes, gives the Rams a solid one-two punch. Receiver Devante Gray, who hauled in five catches and a touchdown last week, doubles as a defensive end. He's a sack machine in the same mold as Westlake's Woodruff. Up front, left tackle Jamal Price is impossible to move.

All of the aforementioned Rams play defense as well, although it doesn't matter much who McDonough plugs in. McDonough always has a physical, relentless style that gives opponents fits. Potomac found that out last Friday, and Westlake found that out last year. In 2009 the Wolverines barely pulled out a 13-12 victory.

It should be a similar game this time around with Westlake getting just enough from their offense to edge out McDonough.

Prediction: Westlake 15, McDonough 12

Dunbar vs. Patterson

Saturday, September 11 @ 1 p.m.

Based on what happened the last time these two teams tangled, this should be the game of the week in Baltimore City. Last year Dunbar, a team that dominates the city year after year, lost just one game in the regular season. It came in Week 2 against Patterson, a 37-20 defeat. Most of the key contributors from that game are gone -- both Patterson and Dunbar graduated more than half their starters -- but don't think for a second anyone's forgotten that game, especially at Dunbar.

Poets coach Lawrence Smith called this a "rebuilding year" before the season, neglecting to mention that his underclassmen are better than most city teams' starting seniors. They proved it last week in a 42-0 dismantling of Randallstown. The Poets' attacking 4-4 defense hounded Randallstown, creating turnovers and forcing three-and-outs. Veterans Leo Eades and Darius Banks plug the A-gaps up front, allowing linebackers Travon Garrett, Charles Brown and newcomers Ernest Hawkins, Marvin King and Andre Cudane to roam free. In the secondary, linebacker-safety hybrid Deontay McManus is a future Rivals 250 star and has already made preseason all-state teams.

Offensively, Dunbar may have the best collection of receivers in Baltimore with McManus, Bryant Vass (he plays quarterback) and Josh Davis. But the Poets are a run-first team; they'll look to Lavar Highsmith and Joppatowne transfer Epe Henriques to carry the load along with McManus.

Patterson wasn't nearly as impressive as Dunbar last week (they beat Parkville 22-6), although Parkville is a better team than Randallstown right now. The key for the Clippers is Aaron Overton, a run-first quarterback with wheels like Gilman's Darius Jennings. Running back Deonta Winston, a 1,000-yard rusher last year, will also contribute to the Clippers' offense. If Patterson's explosive playmakers can get in gear, it will take pressure off their young defense.

Like Dunbar, Patterson attacks with a barrage of blitzes and edge rushers. They can disrupt any offense that isn't prepared to meet their relentless style. The problem is Patterson doesn't have a defensive line that can control the line of scrimmage. Nor do they have the playmakers Dunbar does.

Prediction: Dunbar 28, Patterson 12

No. 13 Calvert Hall (1-0) vs. Dunbar (D.C.)

Friday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.

After two impressive wins to start the season, Calvert Hall may finally have met their match this week. Dunbar (2-0) is one of the top-ranked team in Washington, D.C., thanks to 17 returning starters and a glut of talent. Of course, Calvert Hall isn't ranked 13th in Maryland for nothing, and the Cardinals have their share of savvy as well. Which means this should be one heck of a game.

The Cardinals have already beaten one District team, the WCAC's St. John's. They followed up with a 26-20 triple-overtime victory over a solid Spalding team.

Mostly, the Hall has done it with solid line play. Division-I prospect Ben Curtis leads an offensive line that held their own against a formidable St. John's front. On the defensive side, Curtis and fellow lineman Dan Yarborough gobble up running backs like a sofa gobbles up spare change.

Calvert Hall's skill players have been stepping up, too. New quarterback Thomas Stuart continues to impress. In two games, he's now thrown for almost 400 yards and four touchdowns. But the running game, with CJ Williams, Brandon Neverdon and Garrett Keene, cannot be ignored.

Defensively, the Hall hasn't budged. The Cardinals don't do anything fancy in their disciplined, gap-control 4-3, but it's effective because they rarely get beat. Connecticut commitment Adrian Amos and rising star Daquan Davis are playmakers in the secondary. Williams is a leader at linebacker, and Yarborough and Curtis control the line of scrimmage.

But Calvert Hall's defense hasn't been tested by an offense like this yet. They sputtered last week in a 14-12 victory over McKinley, but that's mainly because four starters were out with injuries.

Quarterback Lamel Matthews (176 yards last week) is only a sophomore, but he already looks like the next great D.C. gunslinger. Matthews can air it out to big-play receivers like Daniel Adams (seven catches, 98 yards), Maxie Stevens, Davon Burris and tight end Cavon Walker. Or they can run it with speedy scat-back Curlee Walker, who is coming off back-to-back 100-yard games. Up front, Don Broughtnight, Terry Jackson and Travon Jackson are all pushing 300 pounds.

Defensively, Dunbar rebounded after surrendering 28 points against one of their sister schools (Dunbar, Chicago) in Week 1. West Virginia commit Vance Robertsis a lockdown defensive back who should not be tested. If he picks off a pass, it's going back for six. Linebackers Kevin Chappell and Calton White are terrific in pursuit. And the three aforementioned offensive linemen are equally formidable on defense. Defensive end Cavon Walker is a sack machine.

This is one of the toughest calls of the weekend. Both Dunbar and Calvert Hall are full of veterans. Both have a stack of Division-I players. Both have size up front and skill in back. Both are coming off close, hard-fought victories. So . . .

Prediction: Calvert Hall 20, Dunbar (D.C.) 16

Eastern Tech (1-0) vs. Hereford (0-1)

Friday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.

This battle between perennial powers has the potential to be one of the better games in Baltimore County all regular season. It was last year. Class 3A Hereford lost just one game in the regular season in 2009: a 14-10 Week 2 defeat to none other than Eastern Tech, the eventual class 2A champions.

Thanks to graduation, neither squad has many players who suited up in that classic defensive struggle. But that shouldn't compromise this game in any way.

Eastern Tech is coming off a hard-fought 26-20 victory over Milford Mill. The key for the Mavs is two-way lineman Dan McManus, a fiery tackle who can dominate a game like former Nebraska tackle Ndamukong Suh. He lived in Milford's backfield last week, racking up 12 tackles and a sack. Behind McManus is an ultra-quick back seven led by linebacker Marquiese Bannister, who recorded nine tackles, a sack and a touchdown on defense. Linebacker Josh Cannella (two interceptions last week) and defensive backs Milan Barry-Pollack, Nick McElfish, Bryan Okereke and Sayvon Norman swarm to the ball like bees to a honeycomb.

The Mavericks defense is in good shape, but they could eventually have trouble offensively if their young line is exposed. McManus is a stud, but they lost four other starters and need to find the right mix to block for their triple-option attack. Brad Hager, the new quarterback, played well last week and must continue to progress. Tech should be fine at the skill positions with Bannister, Cannella, Barry-Pollock and Kenyon Crawford in the backfield and Wright, Devonn White, Daryn Davis, and Norman at wingback-receiver.

Eastern Tech survived last week, but Hereford is coming off a 31-21 loss to a solid North Harford team. The Bulls have only two starters returning from last year, and their youth was exposed against the Hawks. That being said, it's hard to pick against a Steve Turnbaugh-led team two weeks in a row.

Like Eastern Tech, Hereford lives and dies with the triple option/wing-T. Running back Vince DePaola, one of the team's two returning starters, rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown last week. His fellow returner and backfield 'mate, Tim Bristol, also scored. New quarterback Greg Fultz, who threw a touchdown pass, must step up his game for this offense to click, however.

Defensively, Hereford has an entire new line and linebacker corps. They played OK last week, but they'll have to be even better against the Mavs. Eastern Tech could give them problems with their array of offensive weapons.

So who wins this time around? Probably whichever team has their option humming. Hereford should rebound, but doing it against Eastern Tech won't be easy.

Prediction: Eastern Tech 21, Hereford 14

Friendship Collegiate (2-0) vs. No. 1 DeMatha (1-0)

Saturday, September 11 @ 4:30 p.m.

This game gets some play for the bulletin-board material. A couple of weeks ago, Friendship defensive back Lorenzo Fisher told Rivals.com that his team was good enough to beat DeMatha and go undefeated. Now they'll have the chance to prove it.

Is it possible? Not likely. But on paper, at least, Friendship has a strong team bursting with Division I talent. They've scored a total of 89 points in two games while surrendering just 6.

Offensively, three-star running back Malcolm Crockett, a Cincinnati commit, leads the way, with talented backups Isiah Hayes and Justin Watson in tow. Friendship hasn't needed to pass much, but quarterback Percy Goings is an able game manager who can make all the throws. He has a stable of receivers at his disposal, led by DI studs Jordan Kittrell and Lorenzo Fisher. Tight end Denzell Stamback is a mismatch at 6-4, 240. Up front, bookend tackles Larry Mazyck and Eddie Goldman anchors a group that boasts four 300 pounders.

Defensively, Goldman and Mazyck are a load in the middle. Behind them, Charles Bailey is another potential Division-I player, and Tevin Gaither and Eric McNeil are no slouches. In the secondary, Fisher and DeAndre Price form one of the best cornerback duos this side of … DeMatha.

Yes, Friendship has plenty of talent. Yes, Friendship is going to win a ton of games. But no, Friendship is not going to beat DeMatha. Sorry Lorenzo, the Stags are just too good. Friendship has about eight Division-I players? DeMatha trots out a dozen. And that's just for the class of 2011. The class of 2012 has six and counting.

Of course, talent alone doesn't win football games. Last week is proof of that. DeMatha had trouble with a Loyola team that has playmakers, but no one who could start for the Stags. Still, the Dons held a fourth-quarter lead before DeMatha stormed back for a 45-31 victory.

But that was DeMatha's wake-up call. After making adjustments. the Stags looked more like the state's No. 1 team. They'll be ready next week.

DeMatha's juggernaut offense starts with the line, perhaps the best in Maryland. The nation's No. 1 recruit (according to some rankings) Cyrus Kouandjio is the anchor, along with Kelby Johnson (Virginia). Tight end Sam Collura, a Pittsburgh commit, has the footwork to block and the hands to haul in anything thrown in his direction. It would probably help if someone could get him the ball, however. New quarterback Nikolay Uherek struggled in his first start (0 for 5 with an interception) and must step up his game.

But DeMatha's forte is their running game. Maryland commit Delonte Morton, who rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns yards last week, is the workhorse. Darien Harris (committed to Michigan State) is a lightning-quick runner who broke free for 86 yards on three carries. Add in a bull like Jacob Siwicki, a blocker like Andrew Rogers and a rising star in Charlie Jordan and there's little reason for DeMatha to throw the football.

Defensively, no one can run on DeMatha's front four. Darian Cooper and Kendall Patterson can't be moved, and up-and-comers Michael Moore and Brent Wilkerson are relentless attackers with ultra-quick first steps. In back, linebackers Elbie Williams, Sam Lebbie and E.J. Levenberry plug the holes and can run sideline-to-sideline like safeties. And the secondary with Harris, Jordan Lomax, Michael Williams and Tavon Bailey has more depth, speed and athleticism then any unit on the roster. Simply put, it would behoove Friendship to avoid testing them too often.

DeMatha is favored, but Friendship should put up a better fight then last year (they lost 45-12). That being said, the Knights don't have the depth to hang with DeMatha all game.

Prediction: DeMatha 37, Friendship 16