This season’s football team has risen from the ashes after last year’s disappointing loss in the Maryland 3A State Championship to Franklin High. The team is 9-0 as of Nov. 5 and has continually dominated their competition with a score differential of +274.

Assistant Coach Mike Rich said this success is due to the team’s commitment. “If we continue to work hard at something every day then we are putting ourselves in a position to be successful.”

Although the team has been so dominant, Rich believes there is still room to improve. “We aren’t exactly where we want to be yet, but I think we are getting warmer.”

As for a state championship, Coach Rich is staying grounded. “Every week is the biggest game of the season,” said Rich. “Winning a state championship is unbelievably hard… We can’t look forward to a state championship just yet.”

Head Coach Rick Conner was in agreement with Rich on the fact that a state championship is a long way away. “We have to deal with Middletown and Urbana before we need to concentrate on regionals.”

Both Middletown and Urbana definitely have posed a threat as the season comes to a close. Middletown handed the Lancers their only regular season loss with a 42-7 blowout last year. Middletown is having a down year this season, though. They are only 4-4 so far compared to an undefeated season and 2A State Championship last year. This seems to be due, in part, to a loss of 25 seniors from last year’s team. The Lancers were able to take advantage of this in a convincing 35-11 win.

Urbana always seems to make it interesting, and with a record of 9-1 they will certainly put up a fight in this year’s I-70 game.

Rich recognizes all the contributions that the team is getting from the players. “The great thing about this team is that every person on the field is contributing positively to our success.” Coach Rich mentioned senior Vinny D’Amore as a key part of the team. “He is invaluable to our team. His hard work and leadership ability gives us so much energy Friday night and every day in practice.”

The team has returned with 22 seniors on this year’s squad. Coach Conner said that this makes the team a lot similar to last season’s state finals’ team.

Senior Kyle Ridgely has been a big contributor to the team’s performance this year and believes the off-field factors have really helped the team. “Our team chemistry and hard work have been two strengths this year.”

Ridgely said, “There will be a lot of good teams heading into playoffs, but that’s how playoffs are.” Ridgely said the team’s, “preparation and coaching,” will give the team its best chance to make it back to Baltimore for the State Championship.

Conner believes the players have really taken advantage of the opportunities they are getting. “We have a lot of kids contributing right now; when they get their chance, they are making the most of it.”

Conner believes the team is at a high when it comes to confidence. “These kids believe they can play at a championship level,” but he still thinks there is work to be done, “we have to keep working like a championship team to be one.”