Getting a kick out of football
By Sheldon Shealer
What a day for Z. Ross Fragapane.
The Gilman senior scored the only goal in the school's 1-1 scrimmage draw with Park School on Friday afternoon, then he knocked home two field goals that night as the Greyhounds stunned DeMatha, 12-3.
About a half-hour following the contest, Fragapane came to realization, he had no idea how to remove his football jersey. "Somebody put it on for me in the locker room," he said, while tugging on the straps. "I don't know how to get out of this thing."
Until Friday, Fragapane had never even worn football pads or a jersey, let alone kick in a meaningful situation. He had tried out as Gilman's kicker only 10 days earlier, and his name was not on the pregame roster.
Midway through the first quarter, Fragapane delivered a 38-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. He added a 25-yarder in the closing seconds of the first half, pushing Gilman's lead to 12-0. He had his only extra point attempt blocked.
RECORD SETTERS
The were no records set in the first week.
TOP PERFORMANCES
Victor Abiamiri, Gilman. The much-hyped senior had four sacks and 12 tackles as Gilman defeated DeMatha, 12-3, in the season-opener between highly ranked teams. DeMatha had no answer for the 6-5, 245-pound defensive end.
Nick Tanis, Mount St. Joseph. Get used to seeing this name throughout the season. The state passing leader from last year opened the 2002 campaign with a 20-of-33 performance for 211 yards and two touchdowns in the Gaels' 35-21 loss to Good Counsel
Marques Thompson, Calvert Hall. The senior rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries as Calvert Hall defeated St. John's (D.C.), 42-15.
IN CASE YOU WHERE WONDERING
Week 0 is the WCAC vs. MIAA showcase. Two years ago, MIAA teams won the battle. Last year, the WCAC teams swept the series. This year, the MIAA took a 2-1 lead with wins by Gilman and Calvert Hall. Good Counsel's victory over Mount St. Joseph's was the only win for the WCAC.
STREAK BUSTERS
Gilman could end the state's two longest active win streaks less than a week apart. The Greyhounds defeated DeMatha, 12-3, Friday, ending the Stags' 22-game win streak. Next up is Urbana, owners of a state-record 50-game win streak. The game will be played Thursday at Morgan State University.
LOOKING AHEAD
The first public school game of the season will take place Wednesday night at Watkins Mill, where Seneca Valley while play host to Wheaton. The stands are not ready at Seneca Valley, forcing a change in venue. Since Watkins Mill is at home Thursday, Seneca Valley will use the field Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. start -- 30 minutes before DuVal's kickoff at South Hagerstown.
Urbana vs. Gilman at Morgan State University, Thursday. Urbana has won 50 in a row. Gilman knocked off DeMatha, 12-3, last week. Last year's Gilman vs. Urbana contest went down to the final minute before the Hawks emerged with a 12-7 victory.
Randallstown vs. Eastern Tech, Friday. Randallstown is the favorite in the Baltimore County 4A/3A League, and Eastern Tech is expected to challenge for the Baltimore County 2A/1A League title. Last year, Eastern Tech won this encounter and went on to a 9-1 regular season.
INTERESTING: Century's first varsity contest will be at Liberty on Thursday. ... Wheaton at Seneca Valley on Thursday. ... Magruder at Gaithersburg on Thursday. ... Good Counsel at Dunbar (D.C.) on Friday. ... Georgetown Prep at Westlake on Saturday.