On Monday Night, the 2nd Annual Crab Bowl took place on a frosty cold night at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium. Once again it was a great display of the best football players in the state of Maryland, with the squad from DC holding to a 24-21 victory over Baltimore, taking a 2-0 series lead. After watching the game and evaluating the tape, I am going to take a look at some of the players that turned in impressive performances.

Most Outstanding Player

It has been 3 years since Glenelg has scored a single point against Howard County rival River Hill but early in the 3rd quarter it looked as though that streak was about to come to an end. The Gladiators, trailing 14-0, took the opening possession of the second half down to the Hawks 2 yard line and faced a 2nd and goal. That was as close as they would get. On the second down play the Gladiators fumbled a pitch which left them with a 3rd and goal from the 5.

Game of the Week

River Hill (5-0) at Glenelg (5-0) 7:00pm Friday

River Hill vs Glenelg was a huge rivalry earlier this century, but with River Hill's dominance recently it has kinda gone away. However, this year with both team stingy defenses it's up to Glenelg's D to try to slow down the high power River Hill offense. This would be a huge upset for Glenelg if they win, whereas for River Hill it's just another game in their way as they march for their 3rd straight championship.

Other games this weekend

Long Reach (4-1) at Reservoir (1-4) 7:00pm Friday

Game of the Week

Atholton (3-0) at Wilde Lake (2-1) 2:00pm Saturday

Game of the Week

River Hill (2-0) at Long Reach (2-0) 3:00pm Friday

Game of the Week

River Hill (1-0) at Wilde Lake (1-0) 7:00pm Friday

Last year's game of the year in the county was won by River Hill in a pouring down rain 12-0. This year, with 1st year head coach Mike Harrison, Wilde Lake looks to do something only one team has down in county in the past 5 years: beat River Hill. River Hill has it's win streak (both county and overall) in tact and Kevin Johnson looks to make sure it stays that way.

Other games this weekend

Howard (1-0) at Atholton (1-0) 7:00pm Friday

Game of the Week

Wilde Lake at Marriotts Ridge 7:00pm Friday

The first game for coach Mike Harrison as he tries to continue the football legacy left by former coach Doug Duvall. These teams finished 2nd and 3rd in the county last year. The game last year was a mud bowl slug fest in the pouring rain that saw Wilde Lake hang on for victory 7-6 to give Coach Duvall his 300th win.

Other games this weekend

Atholton at Reservior 7:00pm Friday
Both teams start fresh with new coaches Kyle Schmitt(Atholton) and Bryan Cole (Reservior)

Week 1 Games to Watch

The Heavyweight Battle:

Arundel at Old Mill, Friday 630 PM

This very well could be one of the best games of the year, and the most important Anne Arundel and 4A East matchup of the Year. Arundel, led by Quarterback Billy Cosh, features the best passing attack in the state, and Old Mill has the most high powered backfield led by Josh Furman and Jason Clements. Last year Old Mill won the regular season matchup 34-19, but Arundel came away with the 4A East title.

The 2009 High School Football Preview

Many wonder if there will be a hangover from the 2008 football season? Area greats Tavon Austin, Michael Campanaro, and Leon Kinnard have moved on to College, and area powerhouses Loyola, River Hill and Dunbar have graduated some of the future stars of college football. But I'm here to tell you, there is no need to worry.

Mike Campanaro. The name that has dominated Howard County football for the past 3 years is now gone on to college. One team wishes he was still their while 11 others are very happy that he has moved on. However, don't feel bad for that one team because they feel even without Mike they aren't ready to rebuild they are ready to reload. Here are my 3 things to watch in Howard County Football this year.

1) River Hill's Streak