For three years, Damascus coach Dan Makosy has extolled the virtues of quarterback Kyle Frazier. But when it came time to use him, he often demurred, employing the Hornets’ longtime staple — tailback off tackle.
But Thursday night in the Maryland 3A state championship game, Makosyturned Frazier loose. Well, sort of. Completing 10 of 13 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown and running for four additional scores, Frazier had the best game of his career, leading Damascus to a 40-20 victory.
“We wanted to come out throwing more than we have in the past,” said Makosy. “But it’s tough. We go back to our roots and start handing the ball to Zedler. He’s getting four to five yards a carry, it’s tough getting away from it.”
With a back such as Evan Zedler, who finished the season with 2,244 yards and 34 touchdowns, Damascus’ running game is a sure thing. But for three years, Frazier has been the next best thing. Last year, he didn’t throw an interception in the regular season. This year, he threw only two.
In four playoff games, Frazier completed 30 of 42 for 673 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. His passing efficiency was an astronomical 153.3 (NFL formula).
Even when Hereford knew what was coming Thursday night, they were powerless to stop it as the 6-2, 210-pound Frazier zipped lasers to his receivers. In the final minute of the first half, Frazier completed 4 of 4 passes for 91 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Lee Hertel with 9 seconds left, which gave Damascus a 27-7 lead.
“With a back like Evan Zedler, teams started stuffing the box,” said Hertel (seven receptions, 166 yards). “We had to pass the ball. With a quarterback like Kyle Frazier, he can do it all. It really opens up the offense with teams having to stop the play action. They have to stop the run. They have to stop the pass.”
Frazier’s only offer is from Monmouth (N.J.). But with his playoff performance, the interest has increased. On Monday, scouts from William & Mary, Sacred Heart and Stony Brook worked him out.
Frazier is one of three boys. His older brother Gregg, a wide receiver/defensive back, started for the Hornets in 2001-02, and has been an assistant at Damascus for the last three years. Younger brother Connor, a freshman quarterback this fall for the junior varsity, is the heir apparent.
BY THE NUMBERS
» Damascus established a Maryland 3A state record with 172 points in four postseason games. The previous high was set by Friendly (157) last year.
» In the four postseason games, RB Evan Zedler carried 97 times for 771 yards and nine touchdowns.
» In four playoff games, WR Lee Hertel caught 15 passes for 379 yards and four scores.
