Howard County Preseason Football Rankings

1. River Hill Hawks
Last Season: 10-0 county, 14-0 overall, 2A State Champs
The Hawks return three DI commits in Michael Campanaro (Wake Forest), Malek Redd (Central Michigan), and Leron Eaddy (Central Michigan), as well as the majority of their line. River Hill has the ability to sweep its schedule once again this year.

2. Wilde Lake Wildcats
Last Season: 8-2 county, 10-3 overall, 3A State Semifinalist
Wilde Lake’s senior backfield returnees Danny March (QB/CB), Ashton Hayes (RB/DE), and Jerrel Epps (RB/CB) combine for leadership, determination, and a lot of speed. The Wildecats will rely on these three to lead them back to glory.

3. Atholton Raiders
Last Season: 7-3 county, 7-4 overall, 3A State Quarterfinalist
Though the Raiders lost offensive leader Kelechi Odocha (RB) and defensive leader Brian Nance (LB), Head Coach Chuck Fales likes the talent moving up from JV to go along with an experienced line.

4. Marriott’s Ridge Mustangs
Last Season: 6-4 county, 6-4 overall
The Mustangs lost QB Kevin Seker to graduation, but return WR Kyle Williams, RB Vincent Testerman, and RB Derek Coleman. This much core talent on both sides of the ball could be enough to propel Marriott’s Ridge to their first playoff appearance.

5. Howard Lions
Last Season: 7-3 county, 7-4 overall, 3A Quarterfinalist
The Lions are this year’s team of unknowns. Last year, they came on strong with a big upset win over Wilde Lake and a trip to the playoffs. This season, running back AJ Bonavitacola will have to shoulder the load as the Lions lost some talent to graduation and will be under the direction of a new head coach. It will be interesting to see if it can all come together for the Lions this season.

6. Long Reach Lightning
Last Season: 5-5 county, 5-5 overall
Last season’s even record was surely disappointing for Pete Hughes and the Lightning. However, two big wins over Howard and Marriott’s Ridge to close out the season, combined with the maturation of several underclassmen give Long Reach the nod as this year’s dark-horse team in Howard County.

7. Glenelg Gladiators
Last Season: 6-4 county, 6-4 overall
The Gladiators started last season with a 0-4 record but then finished the season going 6-0. Couple that imbalance with the loss of several seniors and it’s difficult to gauge the Glads. One thing is always certain: the Glenelg Gladiators will always step on the field prepared, well-coached, and ready to punch you in the mouth for four quarters.

8. Reservoir Gators
Last Season: 4-6 county, 4-6 overall
After starting the season with a perfect 3-0 record, the Gators were disappointed with only one more win in week 8 against Centennial. One bright spot is that the Gators lost a few close contests to Howard, Marriott’s Ridge and Wilde Lake. If Reservoir can turn two of those close losses into wins this season they’ll be able to compete near the top of the county.

9. Centennial Eagles
Last Season: 2-8 county, 2-8 overall
The 2-8 Eagles definitely struggled last season. However, they return a slew of upcoming seniors who have experience with their complicated offense. Combine that with very close losses last season to Long Reach, Reservoir, Marriott’s Ridge, and Oakland Mills and the Eagles could surprise a few unsuspecting teams and climb to .500 this season.

10. Hammond Bears
Last Season: 2-8 county, 2-8 overall
The Bears ended the season with two impressive wins over Long Reach and Mt. Hebron. Quarterback Sam Plazak returns and will be protected by what should be a senior-laden line. However, finding a way to stop the opponents from scoring an average of 33.6 points against them per game will be the key to their 2008 success.

11. Oakland Mills Scorpions
Last Season: 3-7 county, 3-7 overall
Last season, the Scorpions were definitely able to put points on the board (20 points per game). Their problem was stopping the opponent (32 points per game). As Head Coach Seth Willingham steps down, the Scorpions’ new staff will have to bring the team together to find a way to continue their success on offense, but tighten up the reigns on defense if they hope to have any success this year.

12. Mt. Hebron Vikings
Last Season: 0-10 county, 0-10 overall
The Vikings were actually in a lot of games last year. They lost to Centennial by 1 point, Oakland Mills by 8, and Glenelg by 7. A slew of returning players should surely improve the Vikings from their winless season a year ago.