Ferragamo also serves as the offensive coordinator, while Mike Pfisterer comes to Old Mill after serving as the head coach for Arundel’s junior varsity last year. Pfisterer and Chad McCormick take care of the passing game, while Jeff Cave handles the running game and leaves the rest to Ferragamo to sort out.
Ben Thompson returns for his third year as defensive coordinator for an Old Mill team that gave up the fewest points in the county last year. He’ll get help from Jason Dunlap (defensive backs) and Jay Brown (defensive line).
OFFENSE: The Patriots will be a shotgun spread team and will try to run and pass evenly. Ferragamo says the team probably runs the ball more than teams realize, which is a good move with a running back like junior Jason Clements carrying the ball. The first-team All County selection a year ago led the county with 886 yards on 170 carries and scored eight touchdowns.
“I think we have the best back in the county,” Ferragamo said.
Senior quarterback Grant Enders returns as the leader of the offense after starting every game a year ago and throwing for more than 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s drawn some interest from several schools and could be a low Division I or Division II recruit.
“It’s always good to have a returning quarterback, especially in his third year in the system,” Ferragamo said.
“He can make all the throws and right now everything is smooth with him.” Josh Furman returns to the Patriots after a year at Annapolis and will be a threat in the backfield, while DeVonte Sanders heads up a solid receiving corps. John Mckernan, John Quinn and Shawn Zimmerman all saw some starts on the offensive line last year, while Justin Mullins will step in to play center for the graduated Ethan Brown. Ferragamo says the line is not a big one, which is even more of a reason for the Patriots to rely on their speed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Jason Clements, Jr., RB, 5-9, 185
- Grant Enders, Sr., QB/P, 6-3, 205
- Josh Furman, Jr., RB, 6-1, 200
- Duane Goddard, Jr., DB, 5-8, 170
- Joey Hall, Sr., LB, 5-10, 200
- John Mckernan, Sr., OL, 5-11, 255
- Marvin Pinkney, Sr., LB, 6-1, 190
- John Quinn, Sr., OL, 5-10, 250
- DeVonte Sanders, Sr., WR, 5-10, 165
- Shawn Zimmerman, Sr., OL, 6-0, 195
SCHEDULE
- Sept. 5, at Severna Park, 6:30
- Sept. 12, Arundel, 6:30
- Sept. 19, at Meade, 6:45
- Sept. 26, at Glen Burnie, 6:30
- Oct. 3, at Northeast, 6:45
- Oct. 10, Chesapeake, 6:45
- Oct. 17, at North County, 6:30
- Oct. 25, at Broadneck, 1
- Oct. 31, at Annapolis, 6:45
- Nov. 7, South River, 6:30
2007 RESULTS
- Severna Park, W 23-8
- Broadneck, L 31-28
- Meade, W 40-8
- South River, W 41-7
- Northeast, W 33-7
- Chesapeake, W 25-7
- North County, W 14-0
- Arundel, L 24-7
- Annapolis, W 42-14
- Glen Burnie, W 28-8
- Broadneck, L 24-13*
* 4A playoffs
DEFENSE: The Patriots will run an active 3-5 set. Senior Marvin Pinkney had a team-high 87 tackles, including 27 solo, a year ago and leads a strong group of linebackers that also includes Randy Spann, Joey Hall, Justin Mullins and Josh Furman.
Duane Goddard returns at defensive back and Mike Holley, who also plays basketball for the Patriots, will join him. The Patriots gave up eight points or less in seven of their wins last year.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Cislo and Eric Belton have been battling for kicking duties, while Enders handles the punting. It will be a revolving door for punt and kick return duties since the Patriots have what Ferragamo calls “a bunch of little fast guys.”
OUTLOOK: With playmakers on offense and a solid defense, the Patriots figure to be a major threat in the county once again.
The team is trying to develop leadership and good work habits and let everything take care of itself, but a 10th straight playoff berth is certainly within reach.
A pair of losses to Broadneck and another to state-finalist Arundel were the only blemishes on last year’s record. This year, the talent appears to be there on offense, and if the defense plays anywhere near where it played in 2007, the Patriots could find themselves playing into late November or early December.
“We’re trying to keep our goals very broad right now. Once the playoffs start, it’s a bunch of one-week seasons. You can’t have bad weeks,” Ferragamo said.
– Compiled by Bob Hough
