It’s week eight in Maryland, which means the football season is winding down, but only for some. Others hope their seasons are just half over. That would mean they are bound for a state championship game. With that in mind, The Examiner presents its half-season awards.
Most Valuable Player
Melvin Harris » Kennedy
Where would Kennedy (5-2) be without its spectacular runner, passer, return man and safety? Harris has completed 61 of 118 passes for 1,151 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed 80 times for 715 yards and 11 scores, drawing comparison to former Eleanor Roosevelt QB Derrick Williams, now a star WR at Penn State.
Honorable Mention » Kenny Tate (DeMatha), Lamar Thomas (Friendly), James Proctor (Suitland), Josh Haden (Friendly), Jelani Jenkins (Good Counsel).
Offensive Player
Davin Meggett » Surrattsville
The son of former N.Y. Giants RB Dave Meggett has carried 96 times for 1,023 yards (10.7 per carry) for 18 touchdowns. The Maryland-commit also has turned his five receptions into 226 yards and four scores. The 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior has Surrattsville (6-1) on the verge of its first playoff berth in school history.
Honorable Mention » Thomas Addison (Quince Orchard), Kay Kromah (Parkdale), Josh Haden (Friendly), Dan Atwood (Gaithersburg).
Defensive Player
Brendan Ray » Wootton
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker is not a big-time college recruit, but has had a huge impact for a Wootton (4-3) squad that is pursuing its first playoff berth and first winning season since 1991. Relentless pass rusher and run stuffer.
Honorable Mention » Eteyen Edet (Friendly), Anthony Listorti (DeMatha), Robert Osborne (Clarksburg), Victor Gray (Paint Branch), Chris Townsend (McNamara).
All-Around Player
Delano Ferguson » Kennedy
Speedy LB had seven sacks against Watkins Mill. Physically dominating possession receiver as a 6-2, 210 wideout. Handles the Cavaliers’ punting and kicking duties. Doing all the things Chimso Okoji did last season for the Cavaliers.
Honorable Mention » Dominique Budd (Sherwood), Brian Lucas (Sherwood), J.R. Scott (Bullis), Victor Gray (Paint Branch).
Coach
Larry Hurd » Clarksburg
In a season devoid of a true, up-from-the bootstraps story, the nod goes to Hurd, who has guided his Coyotes (7-0) to perfection in their second season of varsity football. The only rap against Clarksburg is its schedule. Nine of the 10 teams on the slate have losing records. Clarksburg will get a chance to prove itself in the 2A West Region tournament, where it is assured of the top seed.
Honorable Mention » Al Thomas (Sherwood), Greg Malling (Wootton), Kevin Wolfolk (Oxon Hill), Mike Nesmith (Paint Branch).
