The Maryland high school football playoffs are scheduled to start on Nov. 17. With that as motivation, Hereford and Randallstown will meet in a crucial game tonight at 7 p.m. in Parkton. While a defeat does not necessarily knock out either Class 2A school, calling the loss a setback would be like calling Noah?s ark a dingy.
“The next three weeks are going to tell us [where we stand],” Randallstown coach Albert Howard said. “We have Hereford, Eastern [Tech] and then Milford [Mill]. Something is going to shake out.”
In the Baltimore County race, Hereford (6-1 overall, 6-0 county) is first in the 2A/1A standings, but Randallstown (5-2, 5-1) is in hot pursuit. Even more important than the county title chase are the playoff implications associated with this game. Currently, Hereford, Poly (5-2), Overlea (4-3) and Northwestern (4-3) are all in front of the Rams in Maryland?s playoff-points system.
“Regardless of what you do,” Howard said, “to be one of the better teams in Baltimore County, you [have to] go through Hereford.”
The key to the Rams? attack tonight will center on a talented offensive group. Featuring weapons like standout senior wide receiver Darrell Bryant, junior tailback Keith Branche and junior quarterback Myron VanStroy, the Rams will bring plenty of punch into the county throw-down.
“There are going to be some real changes [in the standings], so every game at this point is critical,” Hereford coach Steve Turnbaugh said. “A setback could keep you home. They are all important at this point and time.”
Having lost their last five games en route to 5-5 a season ago, the Bulls have no desire to keep that memory alive. Dropping their opening game this year, 10-7, to Perry Hall, Hereford has rallied for six straight wins. The Bulls have outscored their opponents, 266-59, and have built up a big head of steam as the playoffs approach.
“Last year, 6-4 got you in,” Turnbaugh said. “This year, 8-2 gets you in and 7-3 might not get you in. This is a critical game. They are 5-2. They are doing something right, and it?s always a game. We are going to have to button up all four chin straps.”
