Stephen Jenkins is neither Old Mill?s best offensive player nor its best defensive player, but the senior might be the Patriots? best football player.
Jenkins starts at running back, defensive back and special teams for No. 8 Old Mill, which opens its season Friday at Severna Park.
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Jenkins is the only two-way player for the Patriots, who are seeking to qualify for the postseason for the ninth consecutive season ? one of the longest streaks in the state.
“I sometimes forgot about Stephen last year when it came time for award nominations because he did so many things for us,” Old Mill?s second-year coach Damian Ferragamo said. “But none of his stats led the team.”
Jenkins, 16, finished last season with 678 yards rushing and six touchdowns, to go along with two blocked punts and two interceptions. The 5-foot-8, 178-pound Jenkins said he couldn?t imagine not being on the field every play.
“I don?t know how to play any other way,” said Jenkins, who is in his third year on the varsity team. “I?d get really antsy just standing on the sidelines, especially if it?s on special team because I love the hitting that goes on there and the feeling I get when I block a punt.”
Old Mill is going to need Jenkins contributions if it wants to compete in what should be a highly competitive Anne Arundel County league this year. Broadneck (11-2) won the Class 4A East region title last year, defeating Old Mill in the region final, 28-7. Arundel (9-2) and Severna Park (9-3) should also be in the mix for the county title. Arundel, which shared the county title with Broadneck, defeated Old Mill in the regular season, but lost to the Patriots in the regional playoffs, 18-12. Severna Park advanced to 3A East finals, losing to River Hill, 48-10.
Jenkins said just making the playoffs is not acceptable. He wants to play 14 games before graduating, which would mean Old Mill ended its season at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, home of the state finals.
Jenkins expects Old Mill to get off to a better start this season compared to last year, which began with a 42-20 loss to Arundel. That game marked the first for Ferragamo, who replaced long-time coach Mike Marcus. While Marcus? teams focused on the running game, Ferragamo emphasizes the passing game more frequently.
“There was some adjustment periods for us,” Jenkins said. “We were used to running more and we had to get used to a new system. We have the ability to be a great team as long as we trust one another.”
Ferragamo said he probably tried too hard early to blend his system with Marcus?. This year, he plans to be dedicated to the spread offense, as he going to find a way to get the ball to Jenkins in critical situations.
“He can do it all,” said Ferragamo, who thinks Jenkins can play at the Football Championship Subdivision level. “Let?s put it this way: If we need three yards to win the game, I?m going to Stephen.”
