The 2022 football season begins Sept. 2 for Catonsville, Lansdowne and Western Tech and expectations are higher after a 2021 season when the Comets were the only of the three to finish the regular season with a record over .500. That season ended with a first-round loss to Kenwood in the regional playoffs.
Western Tech and Lansdowne both had three victories, but the two neighborhood rivals hooked up in a classic double-overtime game last October with the Wolverines winning, 36-28. The two teams meet again Sept. 29.
Here’s a look at area teams this season:
Catonsville
Coach: Jaren Maybin, fifth season
Last season: 5-5
Players to watch: Seniors Javon Cole-White (QB/S), Zayd Favors (LG), Hikeem Ferguson (DL), Dan Heffern (RB/DB), Chris Heffern (WR/RB/DB), Evan Judd (RG), Jaylen Manley (WR/DB), Karon Pearson (MLB/RB, second team All-County), Mason Ritter (LB), Ethan Taylor (WR/DL), Shawn Traynham (RT), Gabe Wallman (LT); juniors Zion Adams (DE), Allen Kohel (C), Max Muemfer (K/P), Michael Owens (WR/DL), William Roberson (WR/DB), sophomores Gunnar Gemmell (QB), Carlito Jones (RB, first team All-County, 600 yards, six touchdowns),
Coach’s outlook: We have a decent outlook as to what we are expecting from these guys. We have a good group of seniors that have been with us for the last four years. They know what we are going to say, they know what we are expecting from them, so hopefully, they can bring the underclassmen up to speed as far as what we expected from them and hopefully we will be a team on the rise. We are young and we’ve got a lot of athleticism in our freshmen and sophomore classes so we might have some surprises in our younger guys.
First game: Sept. 2 vs. Randallstown, 6:30 p.m.
Lansdowne
Coach: Rick Armijo, second season
Last season: 3-6
Players to watch: Seniors Karon Jett (RB), Mike Mullin (DT) and sophomore Sean Lippman (QB)
Coach’s outlook: Lansdowne will look to a young squad to improve on a three-win 2021 season. Depth and lack of varsity experience will be the biggest obstacles this season. Staying healthy will also be a major factor. We could do as well as 6-3, however, going 2-7 could happen just the same. We look to compete every week, regardless.
First game: Sept. 2 vs. Perry Hall, 6:15 p.m.
Western Tech
Coach: Shawn Waller, first season
Last season: 3-6
Players to watch: Senior Prince Akum (WR/DB), Jaelyn Culver (OL/DL), Chris Dancy (QB/FS), Tyreak Henry (OL/DL), Davion Sneed (WR/DB)
Coach’s outlook: Dancy is explosive, athletic with a good arm. Sneed is a speedster with good hands a a fearless player. Culver has great size and length, probably our most dominant defensive player. Henry is super strong with a great feel for the game. Akum has great leadership skills and is mentally tough, our vocal and inspirational leader for sure.
First game: Sept. 2 at Chesapeake, 6 p.m.
