For Severna Park?s footballteam, it?s simple: a win on Saturday guarantees a spot in the 4A East Region Tournament. But a loss to defending-Anne Arundel County champion Broadneck, and there?s a good chance it will be the last game the Falcons play this season.
“If you want to keep playing, yeah, we don?t have a choice we have to win,” Severna Park coach J.P. Hines said. “We slipped a little in the beginning of the year and it cost us, unfortunately, but our kids, we are running like a fine machine right now.”
Severna Park (6-3) has played well since losing its first two games, but will need a complete team effort when it travels to take on Broadneck (7-2) Saturday at 1 if they are to enter the playoffs having won seven of its past eight games.
The Bruins have qualified for the playoffs 10 times in the last 11 years, after locking up a spot in the 4A East Region playoffs. But Severna Park has been on the rise, going 9-3 last year and advancing to the 3A East Region Final where the Falcons fell, 48-10, to River Hill. Severna Park moved up to the 4A classification this season.
“They?re good, but we are good, too,” Hines said. “It is going to be a good challenge, and I hope our kids show up to play. I think our teams are going to come ready to play there is a lot of animosity with players for the individuals on each team. It?s going to be fun, it?s what it?s all about.”
But just as important to the players as a playoff berth is a game against their most bitter rival. The Bruins buried the Falcons, 41-0, last year and have won five of the past eight games against Severna Park.
The Falcons, who have outscored opponents, 199-108, this season, are led by senior quarterback Pat Morrison. Morrison has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,034 yards with 10 touchdowns, and rushed for 603 yards and 8 touchdowns on 83 carries.
“Pat is by far one of the best leaders I have ever had,” Hines said. “We will see what happens. The bottom line, is it?s gonna be a heck of a football game. You are going to get your money?s worth.”
