The Old Mill High football team appeared to be in rebuilding mode after opening the season with a 42-20 loss to Arundel. Two months later, though, the Patriots are now one win away from repeating as Class 4A East Region champions after defeating the Wildcats, 18-12, Friday in a semifinal contest.
Arundel looked bound for the regional final when, with Old Mill facing a 12-3 deficit with 4:27 remaining in the game, the Patriots? starting quarterback, Kelian Stevens, went down with a knee injury, forcing backup Grant Enders onto the field. Enders, though, led Old Mill on two late touchdown drives to secure the win.
“We?ve been fortunate because we haven?t played well in about a month, but we?ve always found a way to win,” Old Mill coach Damian Ferragamo said.
Old Mill (9-2) must now travel to Broadneck (10-1) for Friday?s regional final at 6:30 p.m. The Bruins, who went a disappointing 4-6 last year, are attempting to reach the state semifinals for the third time in four years after rolling past South River, 36-13. Ferragamo said that he expects Stevens to be under center against Broadneck.
Friday?s game represents the second time in three years Old Mill and Broadneck have met in the regional final. Historically, Broadneck has been the better postseason team, but Old Mill has enjoyed more success lately. The Patriots have beaten the Bruins in their last two meetings, including a 16-3 victory this year.
“This year?s team is not as experienced as some of our other playoff teams,” Broadneck coach Jeff Herrick said. “We are going to have to work hard to make sure we are mentally prepared to face Old Mill.”
Ferragamo said all of the previous meetings between Broadneck and Old Mill are in the past and he expects another close game between these two Anne Arundel County powers.
“Broadneck is probably glad to see us since we are the only blemish on their record,” Ferragamo said. “But all of that revenge stuff is only good to help get a team ready for practice. Everything changes once the game gets underway.”
In other area 4A action, Jason Mattison rushed for two touchdowns to help Perry Hall get by Parkville, 14-10. The Gators now host Montgomery County?s Sherwood, last year?s 4A state finalist, Friday at 7 p.m. in a rematch of last year?s 4A North Region final.
