MIAA Preview: Sept. 25, 2008

By: Jeff Seidel

Bull Run Invitational To Test Local Teams

The Bull Run Invitational, set for Saturday at Hereford, will have several good private school teams in the Small Schools division.

The Gilman boys could have a chance at making some noise in that division. The Greyhounds have gotten off to a good start this fall and will be tested in this meet, one of the state’s best each fall.

McDonogh also could do well while Park, Boys' Latin, Curley and Annapolis Area Christian School will be in that race.

The Loyola boys should be getting a good early-season test in the tougher Medium Schools race. Top runner Joe Orsulak graduated last year, and the Dons are working to get back to their championship form of two years ago.

Mount St. Joseph is facing an even bigger test in the very tough Large Schools division. No private schools will be in the Elite division.

Eight races will be run overall at Hereford, which is considered to be one of the top 10 cross country courses in the United States.

STAYING PERFECT

The Gilman football team had a lot of questions coming into this season. They struggled last year, falling to a 4-5 record after being one of the area’s top teams in recent years.

But the Greyhounds have turned things around this fall, jumping to a quick 3-0 start. They have another tough match-up on Saturday, when they take on Bergen Catholic (NJ) at Johns Hopkins at 7:30 p.m.

Gilman is coming off a strong 21-0 shutout of Georgetown Prep last weekend. Quarterback David Emala carried the day with 163 yards on 33 carries to help the Greyhounds keep the ball for long stretches against the Little Hoyas.

Gilman had beaten DeMatha the previous week and allowed just 14 points in its first three games.

STAYING PERFECT, PART II

The John Carroll boys soccer team remained perfect with a 1-0 victory over Archbishop Curley last week. Now, the Patriots have an even tougher week ahead of them.

John Carroll is tied for second in the MIAA A Conference and meets Mount St. Josepth (the team the Patriots are tied with) and McDonogh, who is sitting alone in first place.

Both games are on the road, which will give the Patriots a good test. John Carroll begins this week with a 5-0 mark overall--3-0 in the conference.

Pat Maher got the game-winning goal against Curley, off a Ryan Cerrato pass, with about 14 minutes left. Goalie Erik Nowicki made some crucial saves to let the Patriots hang on.

Posted September 25, 2008