Outlook: Arguably the most intense rivalry in the Baltimore City league will be renewed with a share of first place in Division I on the line. The teams are the only from Baltimore City to win a state title with Edmondson winning the Class 2A title in 2006 and Dunbar claiming its sixth crown in 2008 (Class 1A)
Edmondson (5-2 overall, 4-1 Division I) kept pace in the league chase with a 34-12 victory over Northwestern last Thursday as Rodney Pratcher continued his impressive play since becoming the starting quarterback for the Red Storm a few weeks ago.
Pratcher, a senior, scored three touchdowns on the ground and threw a five-yard scoring pass to Kevin Day, part of his 130-yard passing day. The Red Storm defense provided four turnovers and three quarterback sacks, holding Northwestern to 55 yards.
No. 13 Dunbar (6-1, 4-1 Division I) is the hottest team in the city league, winning five straight since its lone loss to No. 11 Patterson. Last Thursday, nine players scored in the Poets’ 68-0 victory over IBE.
The Poets’ defense, led by Travon Garrett (11 tackles vs. IBE) and Marvin Gross (two sacks), hasn’t allowed a score in the last 11 quarters. Dunbar shut down Edmondson’s offense in a 6-0 decision last fall.
In addition to first place, possession of the Ben Eaton Memorial Trophy is at stake. Eaton, who led the Poets to two state championships, died before the start of the 2007 season.
