The Warrior’s Football Insider previews Montgomery County’s premier match up as Sherwood attempts to spoil the Hornets’ homecoming game.

by Michael Natelli ‘14

Junior quarterback Jordan Larsen looks down field while Gaithersburg’s D.J. Johnson gives chase and junior Mark Sherman throws a block. photo by Hannah Chertock ‘12

Before last week, one reasonably could predict Damascus to dominate Sherwood tonight in a blowout.

Damascus, Sherwood’s opponent tonight, had taken the 3A Conference by storm through three games, posting a perfect record while allowing a combined 30 points in their first three games. They pulled out a huge overtime win in week one, defeating a solid Clarksburg team 19-18. They followed that up shutting out Watkins Mill 7-0, and then lit up the scoreboard in a 49-12 win against Wootton the following week.

Sherwood, on the other hand, had a much more uneven opening three weeks. They opened the year at No. 2 Quince Orchard and penalties sealed their fate as they suffered a difficult but expected loss by a score of 23-6. The Warriors managed to follow that up with an exciting win over Blake, taking the game 17-10. Penalties significantly decreased in that game and junior quarterback Jordan Larsen looked much more in-sync with his offense. The running game was also much-improved, led by junior running back Fitz Mofor’s two rushing touchdowns. The next week against Gaithersburg, questionable fumble calls, poor defense and an unexpected onside kick led to a 29-21 loss.

However, after last Friday’s games tonight’s match up looks a bit more of a toss up. Damascus struggled against 2-2 Einstein, needing a late rally to finally take a 33-27 win. That same night, Sherwood put a big hurt on Blair, 35-0.

Sherwood has the ability to defeat Damascus, but they must play their best. Damascus star wide out Zach Bradshaw will be lining up against the injury-depleted corps of Sherwood defensive backs and the Warriors cannot afford to let Bradshaw snag balls up and down the field if they have hopes of coming away with a win. Damascus quarterback Chase Williams looks suspect as he takes over for All-Met Connor Frazier now at Towson University. Williams will be tasked with getting the ball to Bradshaw and running back Trevor Patton in the open field.

Injuries to pivotal players, such as starting center Dean Emerson, cornerback Braelin Howard and defensive end Monroe Sherman might most hurt the Warriors’ chances tonight. Without Emerson, the snap-count seemed off last week at Blair and that can lead to the occasional fumble; Sherwood cannot afford to give up turnovers. And, with a player like Zach Bradshaw lining up against the Warriors, missing a starting cornerback will hurt the Warriors chances. Sherman made a big tackle last week, knocking the ball loose and setting up a big fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Another critical point where Sherwood must thrive is the passing game. The Warriors have already proven that their running game can hang with the best, but to create big rushing opportunities, it is absolutely crucial that Larsen and senior receiver Abdoulie Jallow stretch the field to loosen up the run defense. Senior Eric Williams should provide sure hands in the slot.

The Warriors and Hornets have been rivals for the last decade because of the success that they have both had, but this game has extra significance because Al Thomas, the coach of the 2008 undefeated State Champion Warriors, will be calling the defense for Damascus and head coach Eric Wallich. Thomas left the Warriors after the 2009 season, but came out of retirement this year to return to Damascus, where he led the Hornets to two State Championships prior to his tenure at Sherwood. Thomas was also a legendary head coach at Seneca Valley, leading the Screaming Eagles to five State Championships.

After absolutely demolishing Blair, the Warriors are confident about their chances against the Hornets tonight.

“Right now, I feel like I can run over anybody,” said senior running back Fernando Smith, who had two rushing touchdowns in last week’s win.

The defense is also feeling confident after blocking a kick and scoring two touchdowns on fumble recoveries.

One of the recoveries was probably the turning point of the game. Junior safety Richie DiPietro took it back 65 yards, putting the Warriors up 21-0 and setting the tone for the ensuing blowout. Sherman put the initial hit on the ball-carrier and DiPietro executed the rest of the scoop and score.

“It was an expected win, but a win’s a win. [The shutout] was what we were aiming for]. A goose egg, and we got it; I’m excited,” said DiPietro

Despite all the confidence, the Warriors knew that Damascus would be no easy task from the moment they beat Blair.

“This is going to be a short week of practice,” said first year head coach Mike Bonavia after the win over Blair. “Damascus is a top notch program.”