Winning four state titles in a row

[TDHelmick]

Even the king Dunbar found out today it isn't so easy. The 8-6 loss to Patuxent ended a 50 game win streak and their run for the state record books to win four state titles in a row. The Poets had not lost a single game in four seasons.

There are only two MPSSAA teams that have won four straight state titles. Urbana (1998-2001) and Fort Hill (2013-2016).
Tomorrow FH goes for that number four again for a second time. I don't care if it's Class 1A or Class 1A/2A. It's not as easy as one thinks.

 

[4inarowtopthat]

Even the king Dunbar found out today it isn't so easy. The 8-6 loss to Patuxent ended a 50 game win streak and their run for the state record books to win four state titles in a row. The Poets had not lost a single game in four seasons.

There are only two MPSSAA teams that have won four straight state titles. Urbana (1998-2001) and Fort Hill (2013-2016).
Tomorrow FH goes for that number four again for a second time. I don't care if it's Class 1A or Class 1A/2A. It's not as easy as one thinks.

This has been my point every time somebody says 1a is weak. FH makes it look easy in most years. This year because they had to travel to CSD and P'ville and were trailing in both they looked almost average at times. Playing away from Greenway has always made a huge difference in the playoffs for FH. I've witnessed some heartbreaking losses over the years and it has always appeared FH, as most teams, just doesn't look as comfortable on the road.
Anytime somebody dominates there will always be haters and if it's that 1a is weak and winning a title isn't that hard then why isn't anybody else doing it?
So what are your season ending thoughts and outlook for next year. Is it possible there will be any coaching changes or additions. You have mentioned FH receivers don't know how to run routes and if they are ever going to it would seem like we need a coach who can teach that. I think it was a pretty popular topic this year, more so than most, that the play calling was more than questionable at times. Why have a starting qb that isn't the best thrower so you bring in somebody else on third and long but that backup is by far and away a better runner. So if he's a better passer and he gives you the option of running why is he not starting? You have a kid with rare speed that hardly ever touched the ball. Obviously these things don't really matter in most games but when you play Dunbar and BW they matter. If you are adding Bridgeport to the mix and you expect to win you're going to have to have way more creativity and ingenuity or you aren't winning. I know we were young and inexperienced and we'll be stronger next season but it won't make a difference if the offense is handled the way it was this year.

 

[Waggle Pass]

I thought before the season that Ross would be at or near 1000 yards. Inexcusable for someone with his juice to only get 3-4 touches a game. Hoping to see more RPO with House at QB next season.

 

[ravemwp]

I think it became so much about Jabril, then Younger, that Ross and Bender got lost in the offense the second half of the season. One thing we overlook is that Ross had 7 long touchdowns called back, plus several other 20+ runs called back as well. Maybe 300-400 total yards. I think he and Bender had better years then their numbers would indicate.

 

[TDHelmick]

One thing overlooked (even though most have been aware of since December 2023) is that the entire OL needed replaced. Every hole was filled with sophs and juniors. Too many fans wanting plays called without taking all this into account as if this was the same OL as last year. The entire second half of the season, the OL started 3 sophs/2 juniors and size wasn't top end. This offense was scaled back massively from the season before intentionally. I was told by coaches back in August that FH will work on 5-10 plays and that's it. This new line will learn how to block those 5-10 plays in their sleep and until they can block those plays, that's the playbook. As the season progressed they added more plays, but not a ton. Formations are one thing, but blocking assignments are another.

This is where I think much of the FH faithful was spoiled. When the blocking isn't there not much works at any level. I am a firm believer that it all begins on the OL. That dictates what playbook gets opened. The OL improved but it was still undersized and extremely young/no experience. See the big picture. Ross and Bender are good runners, but being light on the scale they need space that wasn't frequently there against the tougher opponents. They are not power pile pushers. Those type of backs were not a good fit for what the OL was capable of. Read what Phil Carr said after the title game. Jabril was stone cold stopped on many plays, only to break tackles and break their backs.

I have also stated a 100 times through the years, the backs have to be able to block in the Wing-T. And if they don't, it's a problem. I remember the 2022 season. The lack of backs blocking was a major issue.

Next season there will be a deep well of linemen to choose from. Very deep. From tackle to tackle - they all return. It's a way better outlook than when 2024 started. I see Younger as having a massive upcoming season getting a load of handoffs. His holes should be much more plentiful. He is primed for a monster season and currently at 210 pounds (would love to see 220 pounds of added muscle), he should get some college looks. Expect another handful of current frosh (that will be sophs next fall) that just completed an undefeated season to contribute and push at the varsity level. Tons of players coming back everywhere

Not to mention the defense started 4-5 sophs all through the playoffs. Only 3 seniors started on defense this season...one that allowed less than 25 rushing yards per game the last 9 weeks.

 

[Waggle Pass]

Is it August yet? 🤣