Written By Cy McCall
PERRYVILLE, MD – The much-vaunted Fort Hill Sentinels rolled into Perryville looking for their fourth straight state title game, in as many years, and a chance to make it four championships in a row. The Panthers came out punching, fought the whole way and took the Allegany County gridiron powerhouse down to a final drive in the final minute before succumbing to them 24-21.
Even during the Thanksgiving holiday break, the line to get in was all the way out of the stadium, to the front of Perryville High School; full of Perryville and Fort Hill fans. Coming from a former Perryville player myself, there is a clear rivalry after many years of playing one another. Stretching back to 2011 when Perryville bested the Sentinels in their own stadium. Since then, Fort Hill has had our number every year.
Even before the game started, you could not only feel the tension in the atmosphere but hear it. Both teams made the rivalry clear, and from then on it was set to be a great game. Perryville, being at home was a great feeling. Something I never experienced playing. Seeing our community rally together to support the very talented group of young men was awesome. Fort Hill as well, bringing their own fans on buses, as well as bringing their band and cheerleaders. This all contributed to making it a great atmosphere, wowing to see.
As the game started, Fort Hill came out with a 3 and out. Perryville had all the energy early, at one point having 21-7 lead in the first half. Tayshaun Johnson was leading the defense with multiple tackles for loss. Jayden Byard also snagged himself an interception, with a pair of touchdowns on offense as well. Joe Thomason also having thrown 2 touchdown passes. Both teams going back and forth, no team gaining any real leverage. Jabril Daniels from Fort Hill scored himself a few touchdowns in the game. A kick return by another Fort Hill player earlier helped them seal the win against Perryville. Perryville had a 4th and goal stand at the end of the game. Turning the ball over for Fort Hill, but Perryville’s offense just could not generate enough momentum. When talking with Perryville’s Head Coach and former coach of mine, Coach Sandora, he mentioned how special teams is pivotal.
Saying, “having moments like that in the game can really change the game in one play, shows why all 3 phases of the game are important”. Coach Sandora also talked about how proud he was, speaking on the way his seniors stepped up and became real leaders, setting a standard for younger players was something great to see.
Being here for this game also gave me time to talk one of my former teammates, TJ Johnson, as mentioned before. He spoke on how after my senior class left, he had to step up as a leader, not only as a of the defense but the whole team. Johnson said, “When you guys left, me and the other juniors knew we’d have to step up, continue with the standards set of winning and hard work. And bring the best out of all the guys each practice”. He also talked about his brother Tre, who had a couple sacks in the game as well, developing himself as a visible leader amongst the team. “Playing with my brother and the chemistry we developed was unreal. I loved every second of it and will always have those games and moments to cherish forever” said Johnson. I was also able to talk to some former coaches, mentioning how proud they were of the team, and myself included. These boys played their hearts out on both sides.
Perryville hosting Fort Hill was a great showing of the potential for years to come.
