Football playoffs: NC ready for rematch at Fort Hill
Nov 20, 2014 9:14 PM
Last season, North Carroll went to Fort Hill following the excitement of its first-ever playoff win, owning an 8-3 record, and looking to keep its turnaround season going.
But when the Panthers arrived at Greenway Avenue Stadium in Cumberland, everything changed. The eventual Class 1A state champion Sentinels smothered NC early and rolled to a 49-6 win.
This year, the Panthers have a better idea of what they're getting into.
"It's a great opportunity for us to go back up there in that environment. It was certainly something different from what we were used to," Flowers said. "It gives you a sense of what to expect, all the hype going up there."
The Panthers had a strong year in 2013. This year may have even been better. NC has lost just two games, both close games to Liberty and South Carroll, the other two Carroll teams still in the playoffs.
North Carroll earned big wins over Westminster and rival Manchester Valley, finishing tied for second in the county standings with the Owls and Lions.
"We got some big wins against some bigger schools that last year, not so much," first-year coach Todd Edmondson said after last Friday's playoff win over Allegany. "That confidence just keeps building."
The Panthers struggled to get going on offense last week against the Campers. But in the fourth quarter, Sherman, including a go-ahead 33-yard pass in the final minute that capped a 96-yard drive and sealed a 17-14 win.
However, North Carroll is facing a much tougher opponent this week. Fort Hill (11-0) has won 25 games in a row dating back to last season. The Sentinels have averaged 50.5 points per game the past four weeks and have scored 40 points or more seven times this season. Last week, Fort Hill opened up the playoffs with a 65-16 win over Northern, led by a four-touchdown performance from fullback Raen Smith. He had 130 yards rushing and Ty Johnson added 96 yards and a touchdown.
"We're going to have to obviously play a good game," Flowers said. "They're a good team."
It'll be a big opportunity for the Panthers, Flowers said. But the NC signal-caller knows his team can't stray from what has gotten them to this point.
"I have all the trust in the world in our guys and my coaches and we're just a good football team overall this year. We're able to capitalize on our opportunities, I feel like, and we're able to execute well," Flowers said. "Just get ready to play the game, realize you still have to play the game of football. You're still going to have to execute if you want to get it done."
Nov 20, 2014 9:14 PM
Last season, North Carroll went to Fort Hill following the excitement of its first-ever playoff win, owning an 8-3 record, and looking to keep its turnaround season going.
But when the Panthers arrived at Greenway Avenue Stadium in Cumberland, everything changed. The eventual Class 1A state champion Sentinels smothered NC early and rolled to a 49-6 win.
This year, the Panthers have a better idea of what they're getting into.
"It's a great opportunity for us to go back up there in that environment. It was certainly something different from what we were used to," Flowers said. "It gives you a sense of what to expect, all the hype going up there."
The Panthers had a strong year in 2013. This year may have even been better. NC has lost just two games, both close games to Liberty and South Carroll, the other two Carroll teams still in the playoffs.
North Carroll earned big wins over Westminster and rival Manchester Valley, finishing tied for second in the county standings with the Owls and Lions.
"We got some big wins against some bigger schools that last year, not so much," first-year coach Todd Edmondson said after last Friday's playoff win over Allegany. "That confidence just keeps building."
The Panthers struggled to get going on offense last week against the Campers. But in the fourth quarter, Sherman, including a go-ahead 33-yard pass in the final minute that capped a 96-yard drive and sealed a 17-14 win.
However, North Carroll is facing a much tougher opponent this week. Fort Hill (11-0) has won 25 games in a row dating back to last season. The Sentinels have averaged 50.5 points per game the past four weeks and have scored 40 points or more seven times this season. Last week, Fort Hill opened up the playoffs with a 65-16 win over Northern, led by a four-touchdown performance from fullback Raen Smith. He had 130 yards rushing and Ty Johnson added 96 yards and a touchdown.
"We're going to have to obviously play a good game," Flowers said. "They're a good team."
It'll be a big opportunity for the Panthers, Flowers said. But the NC signal-caller knows his team can't stray from what has gotten them to this point.
"I have all the trust in the world in our guys and my coaches and we're just a good football team overall this year. We're able to capitalize on our opportunities, I feel like, and we're able to execute well," Flowers said. "Just get ready to play the game, realize you still have to play the game of football. You're still going to have to execute if you want to get it done."
