Tuesday, August 29, 2006

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

It's that time of year again everybody. Football season. American's passion returns to bring joy to our weekends and ruin plans for girlfriends and wives all over the country. Today I'll start with my High School preview for the Washington, DC metropolitan area (excluding Virginia).

DCIAA
Per Capita, the DC public schools can compete with any jurisdiction in the country in terms of talent the season. This year's crop is lead by Arrelious Benn of Dunbar and Marvin Austin, formerly of Coolidge, and now at Ballou. While Dunbar is a school you expect to see in the Turkey Bowl every year, Ballou may not be. Expect it this year because along with Austin comes two other top prospecs in Lamar Milstead and Romale Tucker to Ballou. Who wins you ask? With Nathan Bussey at qb and one of the most dynamic athletes in the country in Benn, Dunbar will repeat.Arrelious Benn pictured

Maryland 1A
Reclassification in PG County has the folks in the mountains and on the shore running and hiding (we'll expound on this more in the 2A preview as well). Forestville takes its place back in the ranks of 1A. Led by Devonte Campbell, Forestville will be hell to deal with. Expect a strong challenge from Alleghany and Fort Hill from the mountains, but the Knights will be on top of the 1A heap.Devonte Campbell pictured


Maryland 2A
Here's the real reason why our folks in mountains on on the shore are conceding the season over reclassification in PG county. FREDERICK DOUGLASS. The Eagles, who were a 4A semifinalist have been pushed down to 2A because the opening of a new school. Douglass will be tough, but, they lost damn near anybody worth their weight in gold at every skill position. The state is worried about the wrong school from PG. Potomac repeats and is feeling disrespected because Douglass is now 2A. You shouldn't anger a Wolverine. 3-peat for Potomac. Challenge from Douglass and Hereford.

Maryland 3A
Last year when I did the preview I wrote about how Gwynn Park may have been the most talented public school team I'd ever seen in Maryland. Although, I don't think they played to their potential, they still won the State Championship. This year we have the Friendly Patriots which has even more talent. The Haden Brothers, Joe and Josh, lead a talented group of skilled players, which will be hell for any team to defend. Look for Friendly to put up big numbers on their way to the title. Do not forget about Gwynn Park and the 3A West (Urbana, Linganore, Seneca Valley). Joe Haden pictured

Maryland 4A
I saw it with my own eyes. The only offense in the State last season that was better than Douglass' defense resides in Montgomery County. Senior QB Deontay Twyman and the Sherwood Warriors brings their high octane attack back to terrorize MoCo 4A league for another year. Defending champ, Damascus, will give them a serious challenge, but I don't expect the Hornets to repeat. CH Flowers in PG will be a tough state semifinal opponent for either team.

WCAC
Good Counsel is there and St. Johns is much-improved, but don't bet against DeMatha. That would be silly. There aren't many schools around the country that can boast about the talent that DeMatha produces. The Stags dominance over the WCAC continues.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Mid-Terms

I know a lot of you college students are reading this and saying "Oh he's about to give us tips on how to get through our mid-term exams." WRONG. I'm talking about elections. I may have missed some of you in certain states, but our primary here in Maryland is September 12.

I'm not about to sit here and tell people who to vote for or who I'm voting for because frankly I just haven't made up my mind. What I am here to say is be informed before you go out there and vote.

Don't be fooled by the coke and a smile. Yeah the new craze here in the DC area is for the candidates to actually hit the pavement and shake hands. That's fine that you gave me flier telling me what college you went to and what church you're a member of, but pardon me if I'm not impressed. What's your plan for getting more qualified teachers in Baltimore City and Prince George's County? Can you tell me that?

Don't let groupthink cause you to vote for the wrong guy. What if you're right and everyone else is wrong. It happens all the time...just look at who the Democrats nominated to run against Bush in '04. You KNOW you have to be seriously flawed to lose to the WORST President in history.

Incumbents should not be given free passes. Hold elected officials accountable. They work for YOU. If the job they're doing is unsatisfactory than do what any boss does to employee who doesn't produce...FIRE THEM. Let it be known that they have four years and if they can't get it done in four years, than time to find another job. Too many career politicians out here getting paid handsomely while you watch crime in your neighborhood go up and schools decline. Shouldn't that be the other way around?

Just take heed to my words whether you're Democrat, Republican, Independent, right, left or whatever. Make your voice heard.