Breakdown of Poets’ schedule

Andre Brandon rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior for Dunbar football last year. The Poets won the Class 1A state championship.

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

Dunbar Poets

2017 record: 12-1 (Class 1A state champions)

2017 review: The Poets won their area-best 10th state championship and first Baltimore City Division I title since 2013 last season. The east Baltimore school have 30 letter winners scheduled back, including seniors Andre Brandon (running back/defensive back), Raekwon Walker (wide receiver/defensive back), Doshon Davis (wide receiver/defensive back) and junior defensive end Deon Crews-Harris.

2018 opponents’ win/loss record (from 2017): 47-55 (.461)

Toughest 2018 opponent: Mervo. The Mustangs have been Dunbar’s biggest foe in the City Division I, winning three straight crowns from 2014 to 2016. The Hillen Road school arguably has the league’s best player in wide receiver/defensive back Terry Jones, who’s committed to Old Dominion University.

Most intriguing 2018 opponent: Potomac. The Braves have been a perennial 3A state playoff team (back-to-back 3A state semifinals in 2016 and 2015). Junior wide receiver Corey Dyches is one of the state’s top underclassmen with early scholarship offers from Maryland, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Rutgers.

By a number: 56. State playoff wins by Dunbar (most all-time).

2018 schedule

Aug. 31 vs. Allegany (9-3)

Sept. 7 vs. Potomac (5-6)

Sept. 14 vs. City College (5-4)

Sept. 22 at Mervo (8-2)

Sept. 28 vs. Central (2-8)

Oct. 5 vs. Poly (3-6)

Oct. 12 at Douglass (2-8)

Oct. 18 vs. Digital Harbor (5-5)

Oct. 26 vs. Edmondson (7-4)

Nov. 2 at Patterson (1-9)