Whether it?s returning punts, playing safety or starting at quarterback, Hereford?s Jason Fischer rarely leaves the field. But one thing remains uncertain: Where he?ll play tonight.
That?s because the Bulls? do-it-all senior has played a major role in leading his team to its seventh region title in the past 12 years. Now, he?ll be counted on to lead Hereford (12-0) to a victory over visiting Lackey (7-5) at 7 in a 3A semifinal to earn the Parkton school its second trip to the state final in the past four seasons.
“Fischer, over the past few weeks, has done an incredible job for us,” Hereford coach Steve Turnbaugh said. “I pulled him aside after a big game against Catonsville last week and he knew we had [quarterback] Tyler Brown coming back and asked him where he felt comfortable and he said ?I?ll go back to halfback, you need me to play quarterback, I?ll play quarterback.”
Fischer?s game of musical positions began during training camp when he was competing for playing time at running back and safety. But injuries decimated the Bulls, forcing changes at multiple positions, including Fischer taking over for Brown after he broke his right, throwing hand, in early November.
The past three games, Fischer has guided an offense that has scored 161 points, which has boosted the unit?s total to an area-leading 555.
But even with Brown returning and projected to start against the Chargers, Fischer is a vital part of the team?s success.
He has completed 5-of-12 passes for 89 yards and ateam-high 4 touchdowns, rushed for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns on 52 carries and caught 3 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Fischer has three interceptions ?returning one for a touchdown ? and as a punt returner, has returned 22 kicks for an average of 14.4 yards, including 2 touchdowns.
“At quarterback you get to get the ball and with the option, the way we play, you still run the ball,” Fischer said. “I just want to play wherever I could so I am just happy to get onto the field. It?s a good thing that I can move around for us.”
LACKEY (7-5) VS. HEREFORD (12-0)
» Kickoff: Tonight, 7
» Where: Hereford High School (17301 York Road in Parkton).
» To the winner: A berth in the state final against Damascus or
Wilde Lake at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
» Directions: Take I-83 N to Exit 27 MD-137 East toward Hereford. Take slight right onto Mt. Carmel Road. Turn left onto York Road, and school is on right.
» Leading Passers: Hereford: Tyler Brown (8-of-20, 127 yards, 3 TDs). Lackey: Malcolm Willis (42-of-82, 640 yards, 5 TDs).
» Leading Rushers: Hereford: Lonnie Liggins (151 carries, 1,103 yards, 20 TDs); Brown (49 carries, 490 yards, 3 TDs). Lackey: Michael Johnson (225 carries, 1,426 yards, 10 TDs); Lorne Williams (60 carries, 318 yards, 7 TDs).
» Leading Receivers: Hereford: Jason Fischer (3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD); D.J. Wacker (3 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs). Lackey: Gary Fortune (7 catches, 80 yards); Jaron Diggs (6 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD).
» Leading Tacklers: Hereford: LB Josh Asper (96); LB Richie Nodonly (60); DL Gordy Boone (45). Lackey: DL Andrew Horace (80); DL Kendall Vines (42); LB Chris Nutter (42).
? David Duberstein
