Category: Howard County News

Breakdown of Gladiators' schedule

Glenelg football, led by Wande Owens (6), hopes to finally reach the state final in 2018. Owens rushed for 941 yards, despite missing four games, last season.

With practice for the 2018 high school football season several days away, Varsity Sports Network’s Derek Toney takes a look at the regular season itinerary for select area teams.

Glenelg Gladiators 

2017 record: 8-4 (Class 2A state semifinalist)

2017 review: The Gladiators reached the state semifinals for the second straight season after trying for third in Howard County. Glenelg has 18 letter winners scheduled back in 2018, led by all-Howard running back Wande Owens and junior kicker Chris Retzbach.

2018 opponents’ win/loss record (from 2017): 49-44 (.527)

Toughest 2018 opponent: Howard. The Lions won a fourth straight Howard County crown last season (co-champ with River Hill) and reached the 4A state semifinals for the fourth straight year. The Ellicott City school will be the favorite this season, led by last season's league Player of the Year Devin Dawkins and all-league defenders Ben Stephanos (linebacker) and Jake Wrisk (line).

Most intriguing 2018 opponent: Centennial. After disbanding last season for lack of players and safety concerns, the Eagles return to Howard County varsity play. Centennial, which has a new coach in Billy Martin, has one win over the past four seasons.

By a number: 103. Point differential in Glenelg's four losses (110-7) in 2017.

2018 schedule

Aug. 31 at Centennial (0-0)

Sept. 7 vs. Howard (12-1)

Sept. 14 at Oakland Mills (3-7)

Sept. 21 vs. Reservoir (4-5)

Sept. 28 at Atholton (7-4)

Oct. 5 at Marriotts Ridge (4-5)

Oct. 12 vs. Long Reach (8-4)

Oct. 19 vs. River Hill (9-1)

Oct. 26 at Mount Hebron (1-9)

Nov. 2 vs. Wilde Lake (1-8)