Edmondson?s chances of qualifying for the 2A North Region playoffs looked bleak following a 38-14 loss to Poly last week, but then the Red Storm received some unexpected help.
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association ruled Friendly High School in Prince George?s County ? the defending 3A state champion who defeated Edmondson, 50-12, on Sept. 8 ? used an ineligible player earlier this season and must forfeit three games, including its victory over the defending 2A state champions.
The ruling improved Edmondson?s record from 6-3 to 7-2 and with a win at Lake Clifton (2-7) Friday afternoon at 2:30, the Red Storm should earn a spot in the 2A North Region playoffs. But given a choice, Edmondson coach Dante Jones would have rather let what happened on the field stand on its own.
“You take it, but me personally, what happens on the field happens on the field,” Edmondson coach Dante Jones said. “If it was a choice I would probably choose not to take the points because it?s about what you do on the field.”
However, that?s not to say he isn?t proud of his team this year, which is trying to make its own legacy after last year?s squad made a remarkable run and won the school?s first 2A state title.
“Last year?s team was last year?s team,” Jones said. “It?s a different group who is still looking to make their own mark. Last year set the bar real high.”
This year?s team has been inconsistent, but it has coupled two, three-game winning streak to position itself to defend its state title in a field that includes top-ranked River Hill. The Red Storm is led by junior running back Terrance Wilson, who has rushed for a team-high 814 yards and 7 touchdowns on 107 carries, and junior linebacker David Mackall, Jr., who has made a team-high 101 tackles.
“Our goal coming into the season was to make the playoffs and win our last game,” Jones said. “Right now we are in a place to accomplish that goal.”
