To say the Franklin High football team?s defense has a tough test Friday night at River Hill would be a gross understatement.
Imagine lining up against a powerful offensive line that protects three Division I college talents in the backfield, with another lined up at tight end. The Hawks (12-0), needless to say, boast one of the most balanced offenses in the Baltimore area as they head into Friday?s home game against Franklin (10-2) in the Class 3A state semifinals.
“With the running game, we try to balance the inside with the outside game,” River Hill coach Brian Van Deusen said. “We try not to give it to one kid.”
The theory has worked. Junior Zach Martin, the team?s workhorse and inside runner ? has rushed for 1,414 yards and 21 touchdowns. He?s also the team?s defensive heart at linebacker, leading the team with 136 tackles and four sacks.
“Zach is interesting because he?s getting a lot of press for his offensive talents ? but he?s more of a defensive guy,” Van Deusen said.
Sophomore Michael Campanaro ? used both in the backfield and as a slot receiver ? has rushed for 826 yards and five scores while amassing 525 yards and six scores as a receiver.
“After the first few games, we realized he was going to be a playmaker,” Van Deusen said. “We?ve had to move him around a little bit to find ways to get him the ball. He?s just a playmaker.”
On defense, Campanaro has three interceptions ? two of which he returned for touchdowns. He has also returned a pair of punts for scores.
Then there is senior quarterback Dan Hostetler, who has thrown for 1,012 yards and 14 touchdowns. He?s also the team?s ball-hawk in the secondary, snagging a whopping nine interceptions.
The offensive line is led by Zach Robinson, an Ivy League prospect, and Chris Rhodes, who could be headed to a Division I-AA program. Tight end Greg Nowak, a likely Atlantic 10 Conference recruit, is battling some nagging injuries but could return for Friday?s game.
With all that talent, the Hawks might have something extra in store for the Indians.
“They have some great athletes in the backfield,” Franklin coach Anthony Burgos said. “They have more weapons for us to prepare for.”
