bigsavage said:

This may change the subject a little bit. But what I don't understand is why you would schedule a private school that plays by a different set of rules i.e. Erie Prep, Melbourne, Riverdale. Then complain about it? Then vigorously oppose playing public schools, thar on paper, play by the same set of rules as you. Such as, Martinsburg, Quince Orchard, Wise. Heck I remember the time TdHelmick said they turned down, I believe it was Walkersville? I know this subject has been talked about ad nauseum, but maybe TdHelmick can shed some light behind the thought process of scheduling privates that have the ability to recruit and practice whenever. Yet turn down a historic public rival in lets say Martinsburg?

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Can't say I disagree with anything you just said. Not a FH guy, but paid money to watch FH v Martinsburg many times going back to the 70s. I know FH has problems scheduling games. Maybe it's time for all the past political BS to be forgotten and move on to doing what's best. Meaning maybe it's time to get all the right people in the same room with the same agenda.

ravemwp said:

Down state, especially the privates, there is alot of movement. DC kids playing in Baltimore, Baltimore kids playing in DC. The public school uses the charter schools system to bring in whoever they want without school district issues. In most cases 2-3 transfers will improve a good team. That being said 20 transfers with probably more to come changes a program dramatically. So yes, you know that these privates can bring in transfers. This is more of an outlier, then the norm. So in rethinking it only being a one year contract, no harm, no foul. Most years any of the three Allegany County teams could go winless against high school power teams, and still win the 1A state championship.

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This may change the subject a little bit. But what I don't understand is why you would schedule a private school that plays by a different set of rules i.e. Erie Prep, Melbourne, Riverdale, Friendship Collegiate. Then complain about it and cancel contracts, when the ball doesnt bounce FH's way? Then go on to vigorously oppose playing public schools, that on paper, play by the same set of rules as you. Such as, Martinsburg, Quince Orchard, Wise. Heck I remember the time TdHelmick said they turned down, I believe it was Walkersville? I know this subject has been talked about ad nauseum, but maybe TdHelmick can shed some light behind the thought process of scheduling privates that have the ability to recruit and practice whenever. Yet turn down a historic public rival in lets say Martinsburg?

bigsavage said:

I agree with you that the weekly grind is more of a concern and presents a greater probability of injury than any one game. My question is, were these rules or lack thereof and the ability to "recruit 20 D1 transfers" in place when this team was scheduled? If so, then the parties involved knew what they were getting into. So I really don't understand the problem.. Maybe I'm missing something?

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Down state, especially the privates, there is alot of movement. DC kids playing in Baltimore, Baltimore kids playing in DC. The public school uses the charter schools system to bring in whoever they want without school district issues. In most cases 2-3 transfers will improve a good team. That being said 20 transfers with probably more to come changes a program dramatically. So yes, you know that these privates can bring in transfers. This is more of an outlier, then the norm. So in rethinking it only being a one year contract, no harm, no foul. Most years any of the three Allegany County teams could go winless against high school power teams, and still win the 1A state championship.

TDHelmick said:

Read the list of transfers I just posted and see for yourself. Yes would be my answer. It will be up to the MPSSAA to determine eligibility status with some. Nothing FH would do about it. But you don't want to be told the game is a no go months later.

Why Rock Creek folded is something I only get speculation on right now. They were on the verge of becoming a national team. Issues arose. Some of these players have played for a different school every year.

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Actually I did some research today using your list. Thats when I determined that this is not the same team that was origionally scheduled. Sometimes schools down state will hype up their players, but college offers usually dont lie. I also believe that if the players are what they say on paper, then yes they can compete against St. Frances and Good Counsel as well. I noticed the change in schools as well. High School Transfer Portal. I was living in Baltimore when St. Frances changed its program, I had friends who had children and grand children playing at other MIAA privates. That turned into a real cluster. One thing I give the kids credit for is that I never heard a player say that they didn't want to play St. Frances. Thanks for your insight.

ravemwp said:

Just curious of your opinion. If Riverdale transfers are what they claim to be on paper, do you believe they could complete against the St. Frances and Good Counsels of the world. Something tells me that they aren't finished bringing in more talent for next season yet.

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Read the list of transfers I just posted and see for yourself. Yes would be my answer. It will be up to the MPSSAA to determine eligibility status with some. Nothing FH would do about it. But you don't want to be told the game is a no go months later.

Why Rock Creek folded is something I only get speculation on right now. They were on the verge of becoming a national team. Issues arose. Some of these players have played for a different school every year.

TDHelmick said:

There are other issues at stake that go beyond a sudden dramatic talent influx that I cannot get into at this point. Let's just say when Rock Creek Christian closed it opened up a whole new can of worms.

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Just curious of your opinion. If Riverdale transfers are what they claim to be on paper, do you believe they could complete against the St. Frances and Good Counsels of the world. Something tells me that they aren't finished bringing in more talent for next season yet.

There are other issues at stake that go beyond a sudden dramatic talent influx that I cannot get into at this point. Let's just say when Rock Creek Christian closed it opened up a whole new can of worms.

TDHelmick said:

The concern over safety issues is not part of the equation for any one game. However, the weekly grindstone can be a health concern when you only have 26 juniors and seniors with a loaded schedule. FH dealt with it last year too and stayed very lucky on the injury front.

I was more put off by the fact another opponent is in a month of spring ball. In other words, the rules are far apart. It's a major uneven field advantage. On top of that, I'm not a fan of any private school with an enrollment of 137 students grades 9-12 who brings in 20 D1 offered football transfers from a DMV metro center in one off-season strictly just to play one sport. All while having their yearly tuition waived. Much like BW basketball was doing. Actually, I will rephrase that...I have no problem they do this, but I'm not interested in seeing teams who don't operate under those rules play against them. Martinsburg doesn't play these type of private schools either for a reason.

I'm not sure why Washington and Frederick County won't play FH. I guess they have nothing to gain.

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I guess my real question is, I know you work with the FH schedule. Would have considered scheduling Riverdale under the current construction of their roster and program, or have looked elsewhere for a game. My opinion is that when you scheduled them it was a good fit for the FH.

TDHelmick said:

The concern over safety issues is not part of the equation for any one game. However, the weekly grindstone can be a health concern when you only have 26 juniors and seniors with a loaded schedule. FH dealt with it last year too and stayed very lucky on the injury front.

I was more put off by the fact another opponent is in a month of spring ball. In other words, the rules are far apart. It's a major uneven field advantage. On top of that, I'm not a fan of any private school with an enrollment of 137 students grades 9-12 who brings in 20 D1 offered football transfers from a DMV metro center in one off-season strictly just to play one sport. All while having their yearly tuition waived. Much like BW basketball was doing. Actually, I will rephrase that...I have no problem they do this, but I'm not interested in seeing teams who don't operate under those rules play against them. Martinsburg doesn't play these type of private schools either for a reason.

I'm not sure why Washington and Frederick County won't play FH. I guess they have nothing to gain.

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I agree with you that the weekly grind is more of a concern and presents a greater probability of injury than any one game. My question is, were these rules or lack thereof and the ability to "recruit 20 D1 transfers" in place when this team was scheduled? If so, then the parties involved knew what they were getting into. So I really don't understand the problem.. Maybe I'm missing something?

ravemwp said:

So then you would be in agreement that all of the area schools should have kept the Bishop Walsh Elite basketball program on their schedules. At least we agree on something. I must disagree until I see them play, if Riverdale transfers are what they claim to be. The returning players that they have coming back, I believe they can compete against the St. Francis and Good Counsels of the world. We will find out Riverdale v OLOGC on 9/13. BTW we probably are not as different as you think we are. I don't necessarily think FH shouldn't play this game, my argument is that this is not the same team that FH signed up to play, so limit expectations. Again not a FH grad or fan, they don't back down from anyone. Also I am not about the sissification of sports, but at this level tremendous size differences in multiples does become a safety issue. In general I don't necessarily disagree with your comments, but you seem very bitter and angry about it. Then again maybe I'm just misreading it, and its just your passion coming out.

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The concern over safety issues is not part of the equation for any one game. However, the weekly grindstone can be a health concern when you only have 26 juniors and seniors with a loaded schedule. FH dealt with it last year too and stayed very lucky on the injury front.

I was more put off by the fact another opponent is in a month of spring ball. In other words, the rules are far apart. It's a major uneven field advantage. On top of that, I'm not a fan of any private school with an enrollment of 137 students grades 9-12 who brings in 20 D1 offered football transfers from a DMV metro center in one off-season strictly just to play one sport. All while having their yearly tuition waived. Much like BW basketball was doing. Actually, I will rephrase that...I have no problem they do this, but I'm not interested in seeing teams who don't operate under those rules play against them. Martinsburg doesn't play these type of private schools either for a reason.

I'm not sure why Washington and Frederick County won't play FH. I guess they have nothing to gain.

bigsavage said:

Once again Riverdale Baptist is nowhere near the St Francis team you speak of.. Fort Hill played DeMatha in 96. It was a pretty competitive game with NO injuries, and Riverdale Baptist as a program is nowhere near DeMatha. If you're going to schedule the team nut up, shut up, put up and play the game like warrior poets. Don't come on here and try and create cover or excuses for a potential loss. Or act like some weak tea sipping soy boy looking for ways to get out playing the game


"what does my team gain in playing a game like this"

You gain legendary status. No one remembers a green street academy victory but everyone remembers the time David conquered Goliath.

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So then you would be in agreement that all of the area schools should have kept the Bishop Walsh Elite basketball program on their schedules. At least we agree on something. I must disagree until I see them play, if Riverdale transfers are what they claim to be. The returning players that they have coming back, I believe they can compete against the St. Francis and Good Counsels of the world. We will find out Riverdale v OLOGC on 9/13. BTW we probably are not as different as you think we are. I don't necessarily think FH shouldn't play this game, my argument is that this is not the same team that FH signed up to play, so limit expectations. Again not a FH grad or fan, they don't back down from anyone. Also I am not about the sissification of sports, but at this level tremendous size differences in multiples does become a safety issue. In general I don't necessarily disagree with your comments, but you seem very bitter and angry about it. Then again maybe I'm just misreading it, and its just your passion coming out.

ravemwp said:

Firstly not trying to appeal to anything. This is not the same Riverdale team that FH scheduled. Secondly I'm not even a FH graduate, but do know that these kids are not afraid of anyone. Third I was living in Baltimore when St. Francis converted their program. I saw the devastation live and in person. They just beat the brakes off of the other private schools in the Baltimore/ DC area. Again its not about being afraid, its about what does my team gain in playing a game like this. No problem playing a pretty good Riverdale team that they scheduled. This is not the same team they scheduled. My guess is that FH wouldn't have scheduled this Riverdale team as its currently constructed. Maybe Todd Helmick has the real answer. Again think what you will.

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Once again Riverdale Baptist is nowhere near the St Francis team you speak of.. Fort Hill played DeMatha in 96. It was a pretty competitive game with NO injuries, and Riverdale Baptist as a program is nowhere near DeMatha. If you're going to schedule the team nut up, shut up, put up and play the game like warrior poets. Don't come on here and try and create cover or excuses for a potential loss. Or act like some weak tea sipping soy boy looking for ways to get out playing the game


"what does my team gain in playing a game like this"

You gain legendary status. No one remembers a green street academy victory but everyone remembers the time David conquered Goliath.

Firstly not trying to appeal to anything. This is not the same Riverdale team that FH scheduled. Secondly I'm not even a FH graduate, but do know that these kids are not afraid of anyone. Third I was living in Baltimore when St. Francis converted their program. I saw the devastation live and in person. They just beat the brakes off of the other private schools in the Baltimore/ DC area. Again its not about being afraid, its about what does my team gain in playing a game like this. No problem playing a pretty good Riverdale team that they scheduled. This is not the same team they scheduled. My guess is that FH wouldn't have scheduled this Riverdale team as its currently constructed. Maybe Todd Helmick has the real answer. Again think what you will.

ravemwp said:

Sometimes its not about being afraid. St. Francis in Baltimore had the same problem with the MIAA. It becomes a safety issue, 180-220 pound OL/DL getting pounded for 48 minutes by 280-340 OL/DL. Not safe for the players. Im sure the players will want to play, but sometimes its the coaching staff, and the administrations responsability to protect the kids from themselves. Just my opinion. BTW when St. Francis first changed their program, regular high schools that did play them, gained nothing and had their season ruined by losing multiple players to season ending injuries. The MIAA determined that most of the injuries were just size related. Think what you will.

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Nice attempt to appeal to the extreme.. But Riverdale Baptist is no St Frances. If you're scared get a dog or stay home. Since when has it become fashionable to shy away from a challenge and never test yourself or your program??? People today are always looking for the easy out. It's crazy to schedule a game then have the parents, coaches, staff and even fans exude fear. Players feed off of positive and negative energy. What if the players read this board and they see all comments where the posters are pissing down their leg? I would hate to have any of yall lead me into battle. You've done psyched yourself out and put yourself in a loser mindset before the blow of the whistle. Tell the kids that Riverdale Baptist puts their pants on just like them and bleeds red just like them. Strap it up, leave it on the field and your confident they'll come home with a victory!! Second guessing yourselves is not helpful..

bigsavage said:

Man y'all sound like a bunch of 😺's...

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Sometimes its not about being afraid. St. Francis in Baltimore had the same problem with the MIAA. It becomes a safety issue, 180-220 pound OL/DL getting pounded for 48 minutes by 280-340 OL/DL. Not safe for the players. Im sure the players will want to play, but sometimes its the coaching staff, and the administrations responsability to protect the kids from themselves. Just my opinion. BTW when St. Francis first changed their program, regular high schools that did play them, gained nothing and had their season ruined by losing multiple players to season ending injuries. The MIAA determined that most of the injuries were just size related. Think what you will.

Man y'all sound like a bunch of 😺's...

To me ... this match up is not worth the downsides. What are we trying to prove?

2024 RIVERDALE BAPTIST TRANSFER LIST (16 new players)
Only 3 were on the team last year after transferring in from DeMatha, St. John's and Wise.
There are other transfers I have missed as well in addition to what was already on the roster.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WR/CB Giyahni Kontosis - Sr (6'1, 194) *** --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: Michigan State, Oregon, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, West Virginia, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, (more)

WR Jayden Kitchens - Jr (6'3, 191) --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: South Carolina, Wisconsin, Boston College, Tennessee, Oregon, Pitt, Syracuse, Maryland, Minnesota, (more)

DE Ezekiel Kavege - Sr (6'3, 235) --- 2023 Team = Quince Orchard
COLLEGE OFFERS: Marshall

LB Christian Idoma - Sr (6'1, 225) --- 2023 Team = Northwest
COLLEGE OFFERS: Morehead State

WR Emmanuel Dyson - Sr (6'2, 197) **** --- 2023 Team = DeMatha
COLLEGE OFFERS: Maryland (COMMITTED), UCF, California, Virginia Tech

CB Jackson Small - Sr (6'0, 185) --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: East Carolina, Temple, Memphis, Boston College

DT Nahsir Taylor - Sr (6'3, 272) *** --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, (more)

DE Marcus Ogbogu - Jr (6'3, 220) --- 2023 Team = St. John's-DC
COLLEGE OFFERS: Maryland, Charlotte, Toledo

DE Cortez Harris - Sr (6'4, 230) **** --- 2023 Team = Riverdale Baptist / DeMatha (2022)
COLLEGE OFFERS: Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, (more)

OL/DL Jayvon McFadden - Sr (6'5, 315) **** --- 2023 Team = Riverdale Baptist / St. John's-DC (2022)
COLLEGE OFFERS: Colorado, Florida, Georgia Tech, Maryland, MIami, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas A&M, (more)

DT Jacari Gatling - Sr (6'4, 292) --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: Memphis, Marshall, West Virginia

DT Aiden Burgess - Sr (6'3, 285) --- 2023 Team = Quince Orchard
COLLEGE OFFERS: Memphis, Marshall, Temple

DE Richard-Jahzyne Denny - Sr (6'4, 230) --- 2023 Team = Einstein
COLLEGE OFFERS: Army (COMMITTED)

TE/DE DJ McWilliams - Sr (6'3, 245) --- 2023 Team = Riverdale Baptist / Wise (2022)
COLLEGE OFFERS: ???

DT Elijah Botchway - Sr (6'1, 277) --- 2023 Team = C.H. Flowers
COLLEGE OFFERS: ???

DT Xavier Kennedy - Sr (6'1, 320) --- 2023 Team = Rock Creek Christian
COLLEGE OFFERS: ???

Since it's just a one year deal go ahead and play them. But maybe be careful about how long starters play.

TDHelmick said:

Spring practice has been underway at Riverdale Baptist. Not sure if playing this team is the right decision as they have drifted miles from public school regulation.

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Any options contractually, seems the school has changed it's program some since the agreed contract.

Spring practice has been underway at Riverdale Baptist. Not sure if playing this team is the right decision as they have drifted miles from public school regulation.

Bleedred4life said:

I like your guess there bigsavage but in this case you're wrong. I go back to the days of Lag, Conster, and jailer. For years I was simply bleedred. Then my computer went sideways and I couldn't recover my old name. I wound up using bleedred2 on the WV board and Bleedred4life here. The truth is that I'm just an old fat guy who is not very computer literate. I was not upset when I made the first response to this thread, I certainly didn't intend to upset anyone. But I do feel very strongly about allowing parents and children the freedom to choose what they want to do as far as Highschool activities go. Too many times on this board, the Trolls would come out to feast upon upon these kids and anything that they preceive as bad news. Does that strike a cord, Onering and Savage? You both have been on this Board long enough to see this. There's enough negative out there, let's not drag our local kids into rumors that we don't know about. Looking back at the first post, I see that the post first was in fact a harmless question.

Now with that said, I did talk to someone close to this young man today and he gave me permission to say that the young man mentioned has already qualified for the regionals in track. There is no need for him to throw in every meet. He is now preparing for the Big33 game, and for the start of his career in college football. He has represented this area well and, I'm happy to say that he is not finished with track yet.

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Ohh, "bleedred", I remember the screen name... I had a similar situation happen to me. I originally posted under redstorm. Back when the board was first created.
I understand your point. Just thought the original post was a simple question that didn't warrant that type of response. No harm no foul..

Bleedred4life said:

I like your guess there bigsavage but in this case you're wrong. I go back to the days of Lag, Conster, and jailer. For years I was simply bleedred. Then my computer went sideways and I couldn't recover my old name. I wound up using bleedred2 on the WV board and Bleedred4life here. The truth is that I'm just an old fat guy who is not very computer literate. I was not upset when I made the first response to this thread, I certainly didn't intend to upset anyone. But I do feel very strongly about allowing parents and children the freedom to choose what they want to do as far as Highschool activities go. Too many times on this board, the Trolls would come out to feast upon upon these kids and anything that they preceive as bad news. Does that strike a cord, Onering and Savage? You both have been on this Board long enough to see this. There's enough negative out there, let's not drag our local kids into rumors that we don't know about. Looking back at the first post, I see that the post first was in fact a harmless question.

Now with that said, I did talk to someone close to this young man today and he gave me permission to say that the young man mentioned has already qualified for the regionals in track. There is no need for him to throw in every meet. He is now preparing for the Big33 game, and for the start of his career in college football. He has represented this area well and, I'm happy to say that he is not finished with track yet.

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I've been around for a long time, too. Back to the days of BigAlco70, snakeskin cowboy, and I'm sure others I can't recall at the time. It's been quite some time. I, too, am on old, fat guy with low level computer skills.

I like your guess there bigsavage but in this case you're wrong. I go back to the days of Lag, Conster, and jailer. For years I was simply bleedred. Then my computer went sideways and I couldn't recover my old name. I wound up using bleedred2 on the WV board and Bleedred4life here. The truth is that I'm just an old fat guy who is not very computer literate. I was not upset when I made the first response to this thread, I certainly didn't intend to upset anyone. But I do feel very strongly about allowing parents and children the freedom to choose what they want to do as far as Highschool activities go. Too many times on this board, the Trolls would come out to feast upon upon these kids and anything that they preceive as bad news. Does that strike a cord, Onering and Savage? You both have been on this Board long enough to see this. There's enough negative out there, let's not drag our local kids into rumors that we don't know about. Looking back at the first post, I see that the post first was in fact a harmless question.

Now with that said, I did talk to someone close to this young man today and he gave me permission to say that the young man mentioned has already qualified for the regionals in track. There is no need for him to throw in every meet. He is now preparing for the Big33 game, and for the start of his career in college football. He has represented this area well and, I'm happy to say that he is not finished with track yet.