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Sports

Friday Night Lights: High School Football Back on the Field

Century, Liberty and South Carroll return to the gridiron.

The high school football season in southern Carroll County gets underway Friday night.

Last year, South Carroll was the third undefeated regular season team in the history of Carroll County football. Going into Friday night Century, Liberty and South Carroll are undefeated for this season.

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The Knights finished the 2010 season at 6-4 overall and 5-2 in the county. Coach Jim Holzman is starting his third year at the helm.

"We had a great off season and look for improvement in our record from last year," said Holzman.

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The top returning Knights are Jeff Kimble, Don Knox, Kent Kruger, Nick Schaffer, Chris Boyer, Zachary Green, C.J. O’Brien and Logan Ryder. Coach Holzman mentioned Mike Ashwell, Ryder Cavey and  Matt Hunter has the top newcomers to the team.

"Led up front by a solid offensive line anchored by Don Knox a three-year starter at guard, the Knights look to run ball with a multitude of running backs, Brad MacFee will be stepping into the quarterback position and his main target will be Jeff Kimble who had six receiving touchdowns last year and nearly 500 yards receiving as well," said Holzman.

"Defensively the Knights will be calling on returning all county linebacker Kent Kruger to shore up the middle of the defense and rely on a strong defensive line."

Viewed as the starters on the offensive line are tackles Chris Boyer and Don Knox, guards Dean Harmon and Kyle Brandt, center Ryder Cavey and CJ O‘Brien at tight end.

In the backfield will be junior quarterback MacFee with Zachary Green at fullback and Nick Schaffer and Dylan Lope at running back.

On the defensive side of the ball will be Joe Nelson,  Knox and  Cavey on the line with  Green and  Kruger as inside linebackers and O’Brien and Harmon at outside. In the secondary are Mike Ashwell and Jeff Kimble at the corners and Logan Ryder and Shane Wiedel at safety.

Holzman feels South Carroll and Westminster will be the teams to beat in the county and one of the goals for the team is to, "start out strong against Frederick County opponents."

Century’s first three games are against Frederick, Oakdale and Urbana.

"The young men on this team made a commitment in the off-season to become a better football team. I am very fortunate to work with a talented coaching staff and dedicated student athletes," said Holzman.

Coach Jeff Kent starts his sixth year guiding the Lions. Liberty was 5-5 overall and 3-4 in the county.

Liberty rebuilt the offensive line and are looking for senior running back Bobby Conlan to do damage with his legs.  He rushed for 813 yards last year. He will also play linebacker on defense.

Kevin Price will lead the team from the quarterback position.

Lining up on the defensive line will be Tyler Pangborn, Tony Basani and Ben Cohen. Junior Casey Shea will patrol in the secondary. Shea picked off five interceptions last year.

Liberty opens the season Friday night hosting Williamsport at 7 pm.

The Cavaliers start their third season under Steve Luette. They made the state playoffs in his first two years, including the best season in school history last year. They are 20-4 in his first two seasons.

Last year the Cavaliers were 11-1 overall and 7-0 in the county. They lost in the Class 2A West regional final to Middletown. The Knights visit Winfield on Sept. 22 for the third game of the season.

Dan Mullen will lead the Cavaliers this year and he hardly leaves the field. He plays on offense, defense and special teams. He is a four-year starter as a running back and safety. Last year he ran for 519 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Lining up as quarterback is senior Alex Brendo. His receivers Liam Bates, Danny Cole and Ian Maynes are also seniors.

One of the strengths for the Cavaliers on defense is their linebackers. Jay Leitzel, Ryan Patrick and Breno will be lining up behind the defensive line.

South Carroll opens the season Friday night on the road at Linganore at 7 p.m.

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