Five MPSSAA Playoff Games to Watch: Regional Semifinals
Congratulations to all MPSSAA football teams that still have games to play! The playoffs begin this Friday, and while you should keep an eye on every game that's taking place, here are a few that should be particularly exciting.
4A East: No. 3 Arundel (8-2, 10.00) at No. 2 North Point (10-0, 11.50)
North Point looks to beat its second Anne Arundel County opponent of the season when the Eagles host Arundel in the first round of the 4A East playoffs.
North Point is in the state playoffs for the fourth straight season, though the Eagles have not made it past the first round during that span. In fact the Eagles have only won one playoff game in their seven postseason trips. To change that trend, North Point will need a big game from quarterback Jermichael Jones, who threw for 1,306 yards and 11 touchdowns this season to just three interceptions. Jones was also a big threat with his legs, rushing for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns. Malik Lawrence has been the top receiver for North Point with 36 catches for 710 yards and nine touchdowns. Joshua Crumb has rushed for 579 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Arundel is in the postseason for the first time since 2014. Quarterback Ryan Sedgwick has been excellent, throwing for 2,138 yards and 21 touchdowns. Marcus Abrams has been his main target with 55 catches for 839 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Darius Hunter has also been crucial to the offense, running for 1,195 yards and 20 scores. Gereme Spraggins has been the leader on the Wildcats' defense with 45.5 tackles, which includes a team-high 3.5 sacks. Kottrell Davis, Will Oliver and James Sykes have also been big contributors for the defense.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
3A North: No. 4 C. Milton Wright (7-3, 7.20) at No. 1 Milford Mill (9-1, 10.80)
Baltimore County Division I champions Milford Mill opens up its playoffs by hosting C. Milton Wright in 3A North action.
The Millers' season began with a frustrating loss at home to Tuscarora, but the group has thrived since then. Milford Mill has managed to pull off wins against Baltimore County's best in Franklin, Perry Hall and Parkville. The play of quarterback Brandon Savage has been crucial to Milford Mill's success, throwing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also running for five scores. Ugo Obasi has been Savage's main target with 538 yards and nine touchdown catches. The Millers also have an excellent running back tandem in Troy Scott Jr. and Desmond Shell. Scott Jr. has 17 touchdowns and 818 yards, while Shell has nine scores and 733 yards. Kevin Neal has been the leader on defense with 79 tackles and eight sacks.
C. Milton Wright finds itself back in the postseason for the first time since 2015. Before 2015, the last time the Mustangs qualified for the state playoffs was 1998. C. Milton Wright enters the playoffs after back to back wins, the second of which was a thrilling 14-13 decision against Elkton. Andrew Sherinsky was key in that contest, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts. Lance Lehmann also registered a rushing touchdown, while quarterback Michael Starkey threw for 110 yards. On defense, Ryan Messer was the key figure with 13 tackles. Falan Laguerre chipped in eight tackles, while Vito Annunziata had the unit's lone sack.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 1 PM this Saturday.
2A West: No. 3 Oakdale (9-1, 10.30) at No. 2 Walkersville (10-0, 11.60)
Walkersville starts its quest to defend its 2016 2A state championship by looking to beat Oakdale for the second time this season.
Walkersville's rushing attack has led the Lions to this point. Jacob Wetzel is the key man with 1,055 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he has plenty of help. Ty Littleton has rushed for 615 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Christian Policelli finished the regular season with 613 yards and nine scores. Quarterback Billy Gant has also done well, throwing for 803 yards and 10 touchdowns. His main target is Josh Polce, who has seven receiving scores. Policelli has also been a leader on defense with 81 tackles. Tyler Gleason has 56 tackles, including 16 for a loss, while Jerimiah Sweet has 4.5 sacks.
Oakdale has had a sensational season of its own, with the group's lone loss coming against Walkersville in Week. 9. The 19-13 decision is the closest game Walkersville has played all year. Quarterback Collin Schlee has thrown for 1,333 yards and 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Wide Receiver Bryce DeMaille has been Schlee's main weapon, hauling in 48 passes for 759 yards and 10 scores. Simeon Sabvute has complimented Oakdale's strong passing attack with a physical run game, rushing for 940 yards and 16 touchdowns. Logan Carey's 72 tackles and Frank Blazer's 6.5 sacks are both team highs, as is Noah Miller's four interceptions.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
2A East: No. 3 Elkton (8-2, 8.50) at No. 2 Harford Tech (10-0, 9.70)
Undefeated Harford Tech begins its first ever playoff journey by hosting Elkton, which reached the state finals in 2016.
Harford Tech has gotten to this point by riding an offense full of weapons that averaged 43 points per game during the regular season. Running back Jalen Dangerfield is the standout with 1,160 yards and 16 touchdowns, but there's been plenty of other threats too. Kyle Cicone has rushed for 668 yards and 14 scores, while quarterback Ryan Hunt has tossed 854 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hunt's top receiver has been Jordan Bright, who has scored seven times while racking up 502 yards.
Elkton is in the state playoffs for the third straight year, and 19th time overall. The Elks have seen two quarterbacks get significant time this season, and the strategy has worked to great effect. Jeff Day has thrown for 516 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 355 yards. The team's other quarterback, Ray Johnson, has thrown for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 468 yards. Dah'mear Triplett has thrived, hauling in 15 passes for 409 yards and four scores. Triplett has been joined in the passing attack by Mike Vass, who has 312 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
1A North: No. 4 Overlea (7-3, 6.66) at No. 1 Reginald F. Lewis (10-0, 9.92)
Baltimore City's lone unbeaten team, Reginald F. Lewis, hosts Overlea in 1A North action.
After beating New Town 8-6 in Week 1, Lewis has not been seriously tested, outscoring opponents 401-21 over the rest of the season. Quarterback Jamaal Douglas has been sensational, throwing for 1,307 yards and 16 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Daquan Benjamin has been the main receiving threat, hauling in 479 yards on 25 catches, 11 of which were touchdowns. Andre Darby Jr. and Malik Green have formed an effective running tandem that has combined to score 25 touchdowns. Kavon Kingsborough headlines a talented bunch on defense with 80 tackles, while Maxwell Williams has 10 sacks. Donyai Dixon and Kendall Wagner each have three interceptions.
Overlea is in the playoffs for the third time in four years. The Falcons are a physical bunch that has some sensational players along the offensive line, including Keivon Bowman, Shaquin Meredith and Kenny Wright. Quarterback Jalen McMillan, running back Jemar Cannon and punt returner/wide receiver Jairus Cannon have made plays for the offense, while defensive tackles Tyrie Friescon and Kiaron Battle, who also plays center, have stood out on defense.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 1 PM this Saturday at Dunbar's home venue, Under Armour Field.
4A East: No. 3 Arundel (8-2, 10.00) at No. 2 North Point (10-0, 11.50)
North Point looks to beat its second Anne Arundel County opponent of the season when the Eagles host Arundel in the first round of the 4A East playoffs.
North Point is in the state playoffs for the fourth straight season, though the Eagles have not made it past the first round during that span. In fact the Eagles have only won one playoff game in their seven postseason trips. To change that trend, North Point will need a big game from quarterback Jermichael Jones, who threw for 1,306 yards and 11 touchdowns this season to just three interceptions. Jones was also a big threat with his legs, rushing for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns. Malik Lawrence has been the top receiver for North Point with 36 catches for 710 yards and nine touchdowns. Joshua Crumb has rushed for 579 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Arundel is in the postseason for the first time since 2014. Quarterback Ryan Sedgwick has been excellent, throwing for 2,138 yards and 21 touchdowns. Marcus Abrams has been his main target with 55 catches for 839 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Darius Hunter has also been crucial to the offense, running for 1,195 yards and 20 scores. Gereme Spraggins has been the leader on the Wildcats' defense with 45.5 tackles, which includes a team-high 3.5 sacks. Kottrell Davis, Will Oliver and James Sykes have also been big contributors for the defense.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
3A North: No. 4 C. Milton Wright (7-3, 7.20) at No. 1 Milford Mill (9-1, 10.80)
Baltimore County Division I champions Milford Mill opens up its playoffs by hosting C. Milton Wright in 3A North action.
The Millers' season began with a frustrating loss at home to Tuscarora, but the group has thrived since then. Milford Mill has managed to pull off wins against Baltimore County's best in Franklin, Perry Hall and Parkville. The play of quarterback Brandon Savage has been crucial to Milford Mill's success, throwing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also running for five scores. Ugo Obasi has been Savage's main target with 538 yards and nine touchdown catches. The Millers also have an excellent running back tandem in Troy Scott Jr. and Desmond Shell. Scott Jr. has 17 touchdowns and 818 yards, while Shell has nine scores and 733 yards. Kevin Neal has been the leader on defense with 79 tackles and eight sacks.
C. Milton Wright finds itself back in the postseason for the first time since 2015. Before 2015, the last time the Mustangs qualified for the state playoffs was 1998. C. Milton Wright enters the playoffs after back to back wins, the second of which was a thrilling 14-13 decision against Elkton. Andrew Sherinsky was key in that contest, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts. Lance Lehmann also registered a rushing touchdown, while quarterback Michael Starkey threw for 110 yards. On defense, Ryan Messer was the key figure with 13 tackles. Falan Laguerre chipped in eight tackles, while Vito Annunziata had the unit's lone sack.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 1 PM this Saturday.
2A West: No. 3 Oakdale (9-1, 10.30) at No. 2 Walkersville (10-0, 11.60)
Walkersville starts its quest to defend its 2016 2A state championship by looking to beat Oakdale for the second time this season.
Walkersville's rushing attack has led the Lions to this point. Jacob Wetzel is the key man with 1,055 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he has plenty of help. Ty Littleton has rushed for 615 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Christian Policelli finished the regular season with 613 yards and nine scores. Quarterback Billy Gant has also done well, throwing for 803 yards and 10 touchdowns. His main target is Josh Polce, who has seven receiving scores. Policelli has also been a leader on defense with 81 tackles. Tyler Gleason has 56 tackles, including 16 for a loss, while Jerimiah Sweet has 4.5 sacks.
Oakdale has had a sensational season of its own, with the group's lone loss coming against Walkersville in Week. 9. The 19-13 decision is the closest game Walkersville has played all year. Quarterback Collin Schlee has thrown for 1,333 yards and 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Wide Receiver Bryce DeMaille has been Schlee's main weapon, hauling in 48 passes for 759 yards and 10 scores. Simeon Sabvute has complimented Oakdale's strong passing attack with a physical run game, rushing for 940 yards and 16 touchdowns. Logan Carey's 72 tackles and Frank Blazer's 6.5 sacks are both team highs, as is Noah Miller's four interceptions.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
2A East: No. 3 Elkton (8-2, 8.50) at No. 2 Harford Tech (10-0, 9.70)
Undefeated Harford Tech begins its first ever playoff journey by hosting Elkton, which reached the state finals in 2016.
Harford Tech has gotten to this point by riding an offense full of weapons that averaged 43 points per game during the regular season. Running back Jalen Dangerfield is the standout with 1,160 yards and 16 touchdowns, but there's been plenty of other threats too. Kyle Cicone has rushed for 668 yards and 14 scores, while quarterback Ryan Hunt has tossed 854 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hunt's top receiver has been Jordan Bright, who has scored seven times while racking up 502 yards.
Elkton is in the state playoffs for the third straight year, and 19th time overall. The Elks have seen two quarterbacks get significant time this season, and the strategy has worked to great effect. Jeff Day has thrown for 516 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 355 yards. The team's other quarterback, Ray Johnson, has thrown for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 468 yards. Dah'mear Triplett has thrived, hauling in 15 passes for 409 yards and four scores. Triplett has been joined in the passing attack by Mike Vass, who has 312 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7 PM this Friday.
1A North: No. 4 Overlea (7-3, 6.66) at No. 1 Reginald F. Lewis (10-0, 9.92)
Baltimore City's lone unbeaten team, Reginald F. Lewis, hosts Overlea in 1A North action.
After beating New Town 8-6 in Week 1, Lewis has not been seriously tested, outscoring opponents 401-21 over the rest of the season. Quarterback Jamaal Douglas has been sensational, throwing for 1,307 yards and 16 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Daquan Benjamin has been the main receiving threat, hauling in 479 yards on 25 catches, 11 of which were touchdowns. Andre Darby Jr. and Malik Green have formed an effective running tandem that has combined to score 25 touchdowns. Kavon Kingsborough headlines a talented bunch on defense with 80 tackles, while Maxwell Williams has 10 sacks. Donyai Dixon and Kendall Wagner each have three interceptions.
Overlea is in the playoffs for the third time in four years. The Falcons are a physical bunch that has some sensational players along the offensive line, including Keivon Bowman, Shaquin Meredith and Kenny Wright. Quarterback Jalen McMillan, running back Jemar Cannon and punt returner/wide receiver Jairus Cannon have made plays for the offense, while defensive tackles Tyrie Friescon and Kiaron Battle, who also plays center, have stood out on defense.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 1 PM this Saturday at Dunbar's home venue, Under Armour Field.
| November 7th, 2017 | By: Wick Eisenberg |