University of Maine freshman running back Ryan Callahan gave Towson fans a small glimpse of what to expect in future Atlantic 10 Conference games when he picked up 11 yards on a reverse in thefirst quarter of the Black Bears? 28-7 win Saturday at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
For some Towson players, though, it felt like they were watching the past. Place kicker Chris Desautels, backup quarterback Tony Marino and linebacker Brett Cheplowitz all played together at Broadneck in high school, while Callahan played at Anne Arundel County rival Old Mill.
It was almost two years ago when Desautels kicked a 20-yard field goal in double-overtime of a regional final to propel Broadneck into the Class 4A state semifinals with a win over Callahan?s Old Mill squad. Maine?s rout Saturday served as a little bit of payback for Callahan, a Glen Burnie native who finished his high-school career with 5,266 yards and a state-record 87 touchdowns.
“I could never beat those guys in high school, so it was nice getting a little bit of revenge,” said the 5-foot-6, 160-pound Callahan, who led Old Mill to the Class 4A state semifinals in 2005.
So far in college, Callahan has been more of a role player than the featured back that averaged 8.7 yards a carry in high school. But he has still made the most of his limited touches. After missing the first game with an injury, Callahan has rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries while also coming up with five catches for 22 yards for the Black Bears (3-2), who entered the Division I-AA top-25 rankings with Saturday?s win, at No. 23.
“He?s like lightning in a bottle,” Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said. “Plus, I?ve never seen a player with a smile on his face all the time like Ryan does.”
Callahan said he knows it will not be as easy to dominate at the collegiate level, especially in the highly competitive A-10, where there are currently six teams ranked in the top 25 of the most recent I-AA poll. But he expects to make an impact in the future.
“The game is much faster in college, but I?ll get there soon,” he said.
ANNE ARUNDEL CONNECTION
» Former Old Mill coach Mike Marcus had to be proud Saturday. Along with Callahan, some of his former players roaming the Towson sideline included Demetrius Harrison (WR), Steve Holmes (WR) and Richard Lee (DE).
» Also representing Anne Arundel County Saturday was Towson running back Damien Kinchen, formerly of Annapolis High.
» Current Broadneck coach Jeff Herrick was a halfback at Towson from 1975 to ?76.
