Eastern Tech High’s football team might not be the flashy team in the area, but there’s no arguing the end result. Three consecutive trips to the Class 2A state title game. State champs in 2009.
While complacency often seek into a team’s psyche after winning a title, the Mavericks’ blue collar attitude could served them well in 2010.
“They remember what it was like to be there and they want to get back there,” said Mesaros, whose team defeated Queen Anne’s, 16-8, at M&T Bank Stadium last December for the Class 2A crown. The only to do that is through hard work and dedication. We’ve pretty fortunate to have kids who buy in.”
“We just have good camaraderie. We push each other in the weight room, trying to break records,” said Eastern Tech senior quarterback Brad Hager. “We’re willing to listen each other.”
Hager will call the shots for the offense and will be joined by seniors Marquise Bannister and Josh Cannella, and Sayvon Norman in the backfield. Bannister, who has committed to Bryant University, is healthy after an injury-plagued junior campaign.
Nick McElfish and Devonn White will be primary receiving targets for Hager. Graduation depleted the Mavericks’ upfront, but they do have back All-State performer Dan McManus. He’ll be the guide to a group that includes seniors Brandon Broda, C.J. Heckler, Zach King, Luke Kotis and Tayvon Wade and juniors Aaron Skeen and Josh Stevens. The Mavericks averaged more than 33 points a game last season.
Canella, one of Baltimore County’s best linebacker last fall, and McManus will be the defensive catalysts along with Bannister (linebacker). Nathaniel Gale, Brandon Jones, Hunter Oleszczuk, Chris Pomory, Rashad Smith and senior Mike Wright make up the line corps. The secondary will feature Milan Barry-Pollack, McElfish, Norman, Bryan Okereke.
The Mavericks have a tough date at Milford Mill to start the season Sunday before playing No. 12 Hereford the following week at CCBC-Essex. No Baltimore County team has won back-to-back state championships since 2001-2002 (Hereford).
“We don’t take anybody lightly,” said Bannister. “We have a workman-like attitude. We’re just humble. That’s the Eastern Tech way of life.”
