When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Overview: Wilde Lake and Glenelg, contenders for the Howard County championship, square off for an important early season game. The Wildecats (3A East) and Gladiators (2A South) reached the postseason in 2009.
The Wildecats finished 7-4 last season and return nine starters on strong defense which will be led by linebacker E.J. Gilman. Antoine Barnes and Devin McCoy are also strong performers at the linebacker position. Running back Khalil Viera topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark and will be a focal point for coach Mike Harrison.
The Gladiators, who were 8-3 last season, are led by All-County rnning back Colin Osbourne, who was selected to play in the third annual Maryland Crab Bowl. Osbourne rushed for yards last year and looks for more on the ground this season. A concern for Glenelg is the play at quarterback as senior Shane Kellaher moves from wide receiver to under center.
Last season, Glenelg rallied past the Wildecats, 13-12 as Gage Trawick hit junior receiver Ryan Marsh for a 14-yard touchdown pass for the Gladiators to tie the game with 9 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in regulation, and Nick Russo booted the winning extra point. Osborne finished with 154 yards.
