Spring Week One: Games and Players to Watch
KICKOFF IS HERE!! The snow is finally melting, and the warm weather is breaking through the cold. Though it may not be August, public schools are kicking off their spring seasons throughout the state. While some leagues have delayed their…
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Continue ReadingKICKOFF IS HERE!! The snow is finally melting, and the warm weather is breaking through the cold. Though it may not be August, public schools are kicking off their spring seasons throughout the state. While some leagues have delayed their start, or have scrimmages, the rest are offering some great matchups to kick off the spring season. Here are three games to keep an eye on during this opening weekend.
Liberty vs Westminster (March 5)
Any time two teams that previously made the state playoffs the previous season meet, it is gonna be a great showcase. Both of these teams reached the quarterfinals, in their respective classes, in 2019. And, in their regular-season matchup, Westminster scraped by 34-31.
This matchup will show the depth of talent that both teams have going into next season, but for now, this matchup will be the highlight of opening weekend.
Player Spotlight
Tommy Nelson, RB, Liberty, 2022: Nelson had a great sophomore season with over 1000 total yards (891 rush, 250 rec, and 16 TD’s) for Liberty’s offense in 2019. This production is incredible and gives him the platform to use the restart to jump on college coaches radars. He has above-average speed and will make the first man miss. In the open field, he makes it difficult for the secondary to get a hand on him. Nelson will be one to watch for this game and the entirety of the restart.
Dimarco Brooks, WR/CB, Westminster, 2022:Dimarco looks like a good two-way player that has good speed. As a WR, this game gives him a chance to show the tools he has to be the guy for Westminster. On defense, he has no problem staying with receivers or adjusting to outside run plays. When he breaks on underneath plays he has no issue getting up-to-speed and making the play. Keep an eye on his development, starting with this game.
Cambridge-South Dorchester vs Wicomico (March 5)
A 1A state semi-finalist in 2019, C-SD is a consistent power in the Bayside Conference. This matchup ended in a 4-point win by C-SD in 2019, which made it one of the best matchups in the Bayside Conference last season. It was one of the two games for C-SD that was within one score.
Wicomico had an up-and-down 2019 season with plenty of bright spots. This restart is gonna be a great opportunity for the coaches to find the key players that will contribute to their Fall 2021 playoff push.
Both teams have under-the-radar prospects that will be looking to make a name for themselves. This will be one of the best matchups of Week One in Maryland.
Player Spotlight
Dario Belizaire, LB/RB, Cambridge-South Dorchester, 2022: A young player that gives his all on both sides of the ball. Dario had limited carries in a crowded backfield (44 Car., 260 yds, 4 TD’s), but was effective with those opportunities. It will be interesting to see where the majority of his playing time comes because he may be an even better linebacker (54 Tkls (4 TFL). Dario plays downhill and uses his speed to either; get into the backfield, or get outside and make the tackle. All of this production is a great base for him to make the jump during this restart.
Lennon Cox, OG, Wicomico, 2022: The best word to describe Lennon is MAULER! Every other clip is him putting someone on their back. He uses good leverage when coming out of his stance to win his battle, and then his feet do not stop moving. This type of lineman is one that must be watched during this restart. A great restart will definitely get him on coaches radars.
Winters Mill vs South Carroll (March 6)
This game features two teams that are dying for this restart to get underway. Both teams struggled in 2019, but there were plenty of players that stepped up for both teams. Head-to-Head last year, Winters Mill won 21-17. This game starts their opportunity to build on that momentum.
Player Spotlight
Braxtyn Koch, Punter, Winters Mill, 2022: Koch is considered one of the better punters in Maryland. He never seems rushed when under pressure. He is very consistent and can put the ball inside the 5-yard line. Shows good leg strength, with an ability to outkick the returner’s starting position. This spring will be a great chance to see the development that Koch has had since his sophomore year.
Ryan Barnard, QB, South Carroll, 2022: Barnard has good size at 6’2″ 202. This spring should give him an opportunity to show his continued development. He is an above-average athlete at the QB position. Consistently able to avoid rushers and get outside and beat undisciplined defenders. Barnard has good arm strength, and will undoubtedly be looking forward to this first game.