LEXINGTON PARK, MD – Last season a poised and excited Calvert High that had seemingly returned to its early 2000s glory was poised to start the season strong. Coming off of an impressive 11-2 2016 season, reaching the state semifinals with a senior-heavy team, the Cavaliers were young but hopeful.
Equally hopeful were the Northern Patriots, adorning their newly hired, state champion head coach—Steve Crounse. Patuxent’s former head coach brought his senior starting quarterback son up the road with him. An excitement bubbled throughout the school and community which hoped to see their team compete against their rivals within the county and possibly even the conference. A 2-8 bar set in the 2016 season would not be difficult to improve upon.
What was supposed to be a close, in-county, grudge match, quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Northern scored at will in the game, posting 28 points in the second quarter alone. Reese Crounse passed for 317 yards on a perfect 13 of 13 passing. His 177.1 QBR (Quarter Back Rating) and five passing touchdowns exemplify the coverage difficulties the Cavaliers faced last season. Calvert completed only one pass for seven yards. Though they rushed for 166 yards total, a majority of those yards came in the fourth quarter when Northern was already up 49-0. Calvert managed to rush for one touchdown in that last quarter, making the final score 49-7 Northern.
The significant difference between the teams this year is Calvert’s experience. Though both sides had 19 seniors last season, Calvert’s main contributors were still their juniors. With a solid group of experienced players, Calvert should put up a fight against Northern this year who has a promising athletic junior quarterback — Rex Flemming. Calvert’s junior quarterback, Michael Floria, is returning as the starter, after a season-ending injury in week three last year. Both quarterbacks have veteran running backs and solid receiving corps which can make tough catches. Be ready for an exciting game at Calvert High School Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.
Contact Jerold at staffwriter@thebaynet.com.