When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Overview: What a way to kickoff the football season then with two top five powers battling on opening night. The last time these two teams met was in the Class 4A East Regional final last November. The game is still being talked about.
Old Mill edged out Arundel 58-55 on its way to the school’s first state title. In that game, RB Josh Furman (Michigan) carried the Patriots with 414 rushing yards and six touchdowns. The Wildcats countered with QB Billy Cosh (Kansas State), who threw for 443 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for two more.
Arundel will start a new QB this season in senior Nick Rosati. Rosati looks to bring a different dimension to the Wildcats’ offense as he is a mobile and likes to get out of the pocket. He can also throw the deep ball and senior WR Tyler Washington gives him a big target. Arundel will also have 1,000-yard rusher Joe Blackwell in the backfield.
Old Mill also has major changes in it’s starting lineup. Furman and Jason Clements (Morgan State) combined to account for 90 percent of the Patriots rushing yards and touchdowns a year ago. But with the addition of All-County performer running back Demond Brown (formerly of Annapolis) and junior Rob Chesson, Old Mill hopes to continue to run the ball effectively behind a big offensive line.
Will Arundel be able to stop the Old Mill rushing attack? Will the Patriots contain the Wildcats aerial assault?
We’ll find out in Gambrills on Friday night.
