Senior running back Dillon Beidleman(24) catches the ball at the Varsity Football Game against Einstein

by Matt Rosenthal ‘22

The Warriors football team has started on a roll this season with a record of 4-0 after a 41-14 win against Einstein on September 24. Sherwood ranks 24th in the state of Maryland, according to MaxPreps, and 6th in Division 4A. In his first season as head coach, Andrew Fields has produced a team with a powerful offense and a stingy defense. 

“As a first-year coaching staff, we wanted to set high expectations,” Fields said. His staff’s main goal this season is to make a statement in the state of Maryland that Sherwood is a contender.  

Sherwood welcomed the Wheaton Knights to kick off the season on September 3 and easily won 50-6. Senior running back Dillon Beidleman had 102 total yards and 4 TDs. Senior receiver Sean Scott had a touchdown, as well as a 22-yard one-handed catch. Senior Anthony Comeau passed for 163 yards and 3 TDs. The defense was ferocious with 9 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and 4 fumbles recovered. 

The Warriors next traveled to face the Urbana Hawks in an offensive battle. The Hawks were 1-0 headed into the matchup of two traditional powers in Maryland football. Urbana has a potent run game, scoring three rushing TDs against Richard Montgomery the week prior. The Warriors also showed off its offensive firepower, and Scott had 6 catches for 111 yards and 2 TDs. On a gadget play, Scott also had a 51 yard bomb to senior receiver Eyasu Palmore. Comeau was 15 for 23 with 200 passing yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Sherwood was leading the game 28-7 at the end of the third quarter, but the Hawks clawed back. Urbana got to within three points of the lead, but an onside kick recovery by Sherwood sealed the win, 31-28. “Our student section is able to travel so well; it feels like we’re playing with home-field advantage,” said Scott. 

The following week, the Warriors traveled to face the Blake Bengals. It was a rough first half in a defensive grudge match that saw only one touchdown, a run by senior RB Malachi Herring. Penalties also caused the Warriors to not get into a rhythm and stagnate on offense. “The first half was just us beating ourselves [up],” said Comeau. “We had to get back to playing gritty and smart football.”

Blake scored at the start of the third quarter with a touchdown to make it 7-6.  Sherwood got it together in the 4th quarter and scored two touchdowns, including a 43-yard touchdown from Comeau to senior receiver Idris Elburuji. Beidleman scored the game-sealing touchdown with 6:40 left in the game, and the Warriors won a tough battle against the Bengals, 21-6. 

The Warriors welcomed the Einstein Titans last week, and it turned into a lopsided 41-14 victory. The game started off with Herring and Beidleman each taking a trip to the endzone. Comeau threw a TD to senior tight end Brandon Daniels. A Beidleman interception capped off a dominant first half, 21-0. Sherwood lost traction to start the second half when Einstein returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. A botched snap resulted in another touchdown for the Titans to make it 21-14. The Warriors regained their momentum with Beidleman and Herring each scoring a touchdown before the third quarter ended. Scott scored a 37-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. Herring and Beidleman combined for 265 yards and 4 TDs.  

“We are doing [well] so far, overcoming challenges and being able to play together,” said Herring. The Warriors travel to Northwood to face the 0-4 Gladiators on Friday October 1 at 6:30.