By Jason Benedek, Sports Editor
After plowing through Mount Hebron with a score of 42-6, River Hill football is off to an astonishing start to the season with a 4-0 record. The team is looking unstoppable so far. They have won every game by at least double digits, and haven’t allowed more than 14 points in a game yet.
With a brand new quarterback, Omar Hassan, one would think the offense would start the season a little bit slower and reserved. But that is not the case at all. The offense is having one of its most explosive starts to a season the team has ever had. Defenses should be scared of the dominant 4 year varsity Wide Receiver, Matt Behrmann, receiving passes from Omar. The offense has been making huge plays in the passing game and running game as well. The small-sized yet aggressive offensive line is complemented by two of the fastest running backs in the league, Nico Lancashire and Eje Okojie, and the most physical, Ethan Burnett. The River Hill backfield is a real difference maker in Howard County this year.
Regarding the productivity of the offense so far, Eje Okojie explained, “Offense is rolling right now. We just need to make sure we can keep this momentum going so we’re ready for Atholton. That game should be insane.”
The River Hill offense should be able to take a huge step forward in being one of the best, if not the best, offenses in the league.
The defense has played a gigantic role in the team’s success too. Opposing teams are struggling to get past the line of scrimmage against the quick, hard-hitting River Hill defense. At the linebacker position, senior Dylan McCullough has been very efficient, averaging 8 tackles a game. MBJ Motoni and Ethan Abban have done a great job in pass coverage, and in making huge tackles in the back field. Tyler Windsor and Everett Birdin have been leading the way for the defensive line in racking up quarterback pressures and sacks every game.
“We’re off to a great start,” stated Dylan, “we’ve been really confident with our calls, and have perfectly executed every single strategy we have had so far. This defense could definitely take us to a state championship this year.”
If the defense stays as solid as it has been so far, the possibilities are endless for the potential of this team.
Finally, the special teams unit has been doing an amazing job so far as well. Vishaal Gudapati hasn’t missed an extra point or field goal since missing the first kick of the season, which got blocked. Since then, he has been perfect.
“I feel really good about the way I’ve been kicking. Shoutout to Bergen Remick, my long snapper, and Ethan Burnett, my holder. They make my job so much easier,” says Gudapati.
River Hill football should surprise and impress everyone in the state this year. With amazing depth on all sides of the ball, no one should be able to stop them this year on paper.
Senior Bob Lovell explains, “I go to the games because they’re extremely exciting, and I know that the boys put everything they’ve got into every single play. I love supporting this team. This is the year of the hawk.”