Both programs know one another, but when the Towson and Morgan State football teams step onto the turf at Johnny Unitas Stadium Saturday, all guarantees are off. As the week progresses, both coaches are trying to temper the emotions of excited locker rooms that are familiar with one another.
“It?s a hometown brawl.These guys, they don?t go away,” said Bears coach Donald Hill-Eley. “You can lose to a team out of town, and you don?t have to see them in the mall. … It?s for bragging rights.”
Towson coach Gordy Combs, whose Tigers hold a 13-5 advantage over the Bears, said his players “always look forward to that first game. Especially anytime they?re your cross-town rivals.”
Combs said the key to keeping his squad?s focus is to “temper their enthusiasm,” adding that the start of classes this week has forced them to prioritize and key-in.
Coach Hill-Eley sees this contest as a great showcase for Baltimore in general, particularly the up-and-coming high school athletes.
“I think it?s a good rivalry for the community, the state,” he said. “Two of the only I-AA teams in the state ? get to go out on Labor Day weekend and give a chance to the kids to come out and see some football.”
While this contest could prove vital as a local recruiting tool, it will also be an important game in getting the season off to a solid start. Both teams have strong, young quarterbacks, but Combs said don?t expect any fireworks when the whistle blows.
“From an offensive standpoint, it?s going to be ? an interesting process of the first two series on both sides of the ball,” said Combs, who holds a 2-1 coaching advantage over Hill-Eley.
That feeling-out process will be key for the Bears, as coach Hill-Eley will tailor his offense to the athletic and versatile Towson defense. In particular, he evaluates the Towson team based on Combs? tendencies. Combs has been at the helm of the Towson program since 1992.
“If you like your socks in the top drawer, they?ll be in the top drawer no matter what house you?re in,” Hill-Eley said. “So I don?t see him changing that much.”
LOW-DOWN ON THE SHOWDOWN
» Tickets are still available for Saturday?s game at Towson?s Johnny Unitas Stadium. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for alumni, senior citizens and Morgan State students with an ID.
» The game can be heard on Towson?s flagship station, WTMD 89.7 FM.
