Zach Shoemaker, Urbana High Football Coach

With his team off to a good start following a blowout road win last week, Urbana High football coach Zach Shoemaker is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Shoemaker chats with host Greg Swatek about being a head coach for the first time and what that means to him. His father, Roy, was a high school football coach, and Zach has been dreaming about the job and preparing for it for a long time.

With 19 returning starters, Shoemaker also talks about why the Hawks are further along than some people might think. They opened the season with a blowout road win (42-6) at Owings Mills last week.

What does Shoemaker really like about the team? How has he adjusted to the job? And what will constitute a successful season for the Hawks?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg for a complete review of Week 1 of the high school football season in Frederick County.

High School Football Preview/Thomas Johnson football coach Vince Ahearn

Week 1 of the high school football season across Frederick County is here, and Thomas Johnson High football coach Vince Ahearn is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Prior to that interview, host Greg Swatek and FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy provide a comprehensive, team-by-team breakdown of all 12 Frederick County high school football teams, highlighting the storylines, things to watch and outlook for every team.

Then, Ahearn chats with Swatek about his task at hand in rebuilding the TJ football program. Why did he want the job? What challenges do the Patriots face? What is he the most optimistic about? And what will constitute a successful season for the TJ football program?

The conversation answers all of those questions and covers a lot of other territory about Ahearn's team, his career and his life.

Ryan Hines, Tuscarora High Football Coach

With his third season as the head football coach at Tuscarora High School set to begin, Ryan Hines is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Hines chats with host Greg Swatek about all of the optimism swirling around the Titans' program. The team feels it has the athletes, talent and the culture in place to have a winning season and earn the first playoff win in school history.

The discussion centers on how all of this has come together for Hines and Tuscarora and how far along he is in Year 3 compared to Year 1.

Hines talks about what will constitute a successful season for the Titans and how they go about achieving it.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to outline what would constitute a successful season for all 12 Frederick County football teams this fall.

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Swinging Around Some Frederick County Football Practices

On this week's episode, The Final Score continues its preview of the upcoming high school football season.

Host Greg Swatek and FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy swing around some Frederick County football practices and talk about those team's prospects. Who is looking good so far? What does the overall pecking order in the county look like at this point?

Tuscarora football coach Ryan Hines was scheduled to appear on the podcast this week. But, due to some technical difficulties, that interview will be a part of next week's episode.

Kurt Stein, Longtime Oakdale High Football Coach

As he prepares to begin his 16th season as the only varsity head football coach Oakdale High School has ever known, Kurt Stein is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Stein chats with host Greg Swatek about his longevity with the program and how it has evolved over the years into the perennial power that it is today.

Aided by a talented group of returning players, including quarterback Alex Rodriguez, and a stellar group of newcomers, some of whom transferred in, Oakdale might have one of its most talented teams this season.

Stein explains why Rodriguez is in the rare position of being a second-year starter for the Bears at QB. He also talks about what it will take for Oakdale to maximize its talent and make a run at a second Class 3A state title in three years and third in program history.

He also addresses why so many players have transferred to Oakdale during the offseason.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the start of fall sports practice across Frederick County and preview the upcoming season for girls flag football.

Rick Conner, Longtime Linganore High Football Coach

As he prepares to begin his 40th season of coaching high school football, Rick Conner is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

The longtime coach at Linganore High School chats with host Greg Swatek about the upcoming season and how his team expects to maintain its typically high standard. The Lancers have reached the Class 3A in six of the last eight years.

But with only one championship to show for it during that span in 2017, how tired are Conner and the Lancers of falling short in that game?

Conner talks about what he still enjoys about the job and how much longer he might be doing it. Plus, he discusses what he likes about this particular Linganore team and outlines what it might take to break through for a seventh state title in school history this fall.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about expectations for the Lancers this season, the return of affiliated professional baseball in Frederick with the Keys becoming the Orioles High-A minor league team again and recent summer outings to see Paul Skenes, the young superstar pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Rob Ambrose, Middletown Native, Former Towson Football

As the start of another college football season draws near, Rob Ambrose, a Middletown native who just accepted the offensive coordinator position for the Shepherd University football team, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast, alongside his wife Melissa.

Ambrose chats with host Greg Swatek about how the opportunity at Shepherd suddenly came about within the last month and why it's the right place for him to resume his coaching career on a higher level.

He talks about his deep family and personal connections to the university, including the chance to coach his son, Riley, is will be a senior wide receiver for the Rams this season.

Ambrose also talks about his exit from Towson University after 14 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater in December of 2022 and his major health ordeal that ensued soon thereafter.

He was diagnosed with melanoma, and it was quickly discovered that it had spread to his brain and become a Stage 4 condition. He was given a 50-50 chance to live beyond five years at the time.

Ambrose talks about the proactive and aggressive way he has fought the disease and how his positive mindset and stubborn refusal to let the cancer get the best of him has significantly improved both his health and his outlook.

Recent scans have shown no traces of the cancer, and Ambrose feels as healthy as he has been in a long time.

Tyler Thompson, Walkersville High Football Coach

With the start of fall sports practice on the horizon, The Final Score podcast begins its look at the 2025 high school football season this week with Walkersville High head coach Tyler Thompson.

Entering his second season in charge of the program, Thompson chats with host Greg Swatek about how the Lions have prepared over the course of the summer.

What is new? What is different? Who will have to emerge and play well for Walkersville to have another good season after reaching the Class 2A state quarterfinals last season?

The Lions have moved down to Class 2A-1A this season. How does Thompson feel about that and how might that change life for the Lions?

And who will be the teams to watch across Frederick County?

Thompson answers all of these questions over the course of the discussion.

Plus, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy stops in to discuss his feelings on the upcoming football and girls flag football seasons in Frederick County.

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Will Delawter, New Catoctin High Baseball Coach

After recently being named the new varsity baseball coach at Catoctin High School, Will Delawter, a longtime assistant with the program, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Delawter chats with host Greg Swatek about how he feels about taking over the program at his alma mater. After two unsettling years at Thomas Johnson High School, during which he won a state title on the baseball team, Delawter transferred to Catoctin High, and he said that decision transformed his life.

In two years at Catoctin, he acquired a mentor and life-long best friend in Mike Franklin, the former longtime coach of the Cougars, played well enough on the field to earn a full-scholarship opportunity at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and met his future wife Meaghan, with him he now raises two young boys, Liam, 10, and Max, 5.

Delawter talks in depth about all of these things. He also talks about how he feels about essentially succeeding Franklin in the job and his expectations for the team going forward.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the Major League Baseball Draft, which saw two Frederick County players, Linganore graduate Ben Moore and Tuscarora graduate Ryan DeSanto selected in the 12th round by the Washington Nationals and the Cleveland Guardians, respectively.

What's ahead for those two players? And the guys also explain why recent Brunswick High graduate and highly touted prospect Ty Kaunas was not drafted at all and discuss what's in store for him, as he heads to play shortstop at the University of Maryland.

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Javon Adams, Frederick Flying Cows, Co-MVP of The Basketball League

After helping the Frederick Flying Cows reach the Final Four of The Basketball League and being named its co-Most Valuable Player, 22-years-old forward Javon Adams is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Adams chats with host Greg Swatek about his successful first season with the Flying Cows that saw him average 19 points, 10 rebounds and lead TBL in shooting percentage (70.1 percent). How did he wind up in Frederick? How did the tremendous fan support and unique game-day experience influence his decision to join the Flying Cows? What did it mean to him to be named co-MVP of the League?

Adams also talks about his unique life story. How did he overcome the passing of his mother and his grandmother at a young age? How did he handle losing the opportunity to play college basketball? And what does it mean to him to be a young father of two infant girls?

Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the Major League Baseball draft prospects this weekend for recent Brunswick High graduate and highly regarded shortstop Ty Kaunas.

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Brody Buffington, Former Catoctin High, Current University of Georgia Sprinting Star

After two eventful years at the University of Georgia, former Catoctin High sprinting star Brody Buffington is this week's guest on The FInal Score podcast.

Buffington is coming off his best season at Georgia, during which he set personal-best times in the 100 (10.05 seconds) and 200 (20.2) meter dashes and qualified for NCAA nationals in the 200 in Eugune, Oregon.

He chats with host Greg Swatek and about why he ran so well for the Bulldogs this spring and the ordeals he's been through at Georgia in getting to this point.

Buffington talks about the hamstring, abdominal and hip injuries that hampered his first year with the team and completely wiped out his outdoor season last spring. What was the recovery process like?

And he talks about a bizarre incident at a crosswalk with a police officer last September that led to him spending 10 hours in a holding cell before all charges were promptly tossed out in court. What sort of impact did that incident have on him?

Buffington also talks about his future with the Georgia program. What are his goals? How much faster can he get?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the news of the day with Frederick County sports, including a pair of Division I college signings and the Frederick Flying Cows surprising dismissal of coach Ed Corporal after two very successful seasons in The Basketball League.

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Preston Wilson, Frederick Keys Manager, Former Major League All-Star, World Series Champion

In his first season as the manager of the Frederick Keys in the Major League Baseball Draft League, former Major League All-Star and World Series champion Preston Wilson is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Wilson chats with host Greg Swatek about his 10-year career in the Big Leagues, which included stops with the Mets, Marlins, Rockies, Nationals, Astros and Cardinals, with whom he won a World Series in 2006.

He also talks about being drafted out of high school in the top 10 (No. 9 overall) of the 1992 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, three spots behind Derek Jeter.

What was his best season? What was his favorite stop in his career? How did he wind up managing the Keys? And what is the one thing he would most like to impart on his players?

All of those things are discussed and more.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about news and recent developments on the Frederick County sports scene.

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Kevin Kendro, FCPS Supervisor of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

With another school year in the books, the Final Score podcasts reviews the year that was in Frederick County sports with Kevin Kendro, the Supervisor of Athletics and Extra Curricular Activities for Frederick County Public Schools.

In his annual appearance on the podcast, Kendro addresses the participating fee increase for athletics the school system implemented at the start of the school year and what sort of impact it had on overall participation.

Kendro also talks with host Greg Swatek about some small changes that might be on tap for girls flag football on the field and a bigger one that may happen with the sport continuing to expand across Maryland and possibly being sanctioned as a varsity sport with the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association.

Will the Central Maryland Conference expand? Is FCPS looking to add any new sports? If so, what?

Kendro addresses all of these topics and more, including some highlights and favorite memories from the past school year in Frederick County sports.

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State Champion Urbana High Girls Track and Field

After the Urbana High girls track and field team extended its reign of dominance with a 10th straight county title, an 11th straight regional title and a fifth state outdoor title in the last 10 years, coach C.J. Ecalono, senior sprinter/hurdler Divine Bamgboye and multi-event star Felicia Siewe are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Though they often make it look like a formality, Ecalono and the athletes tell host GregSwatek about the real adversity the Hawks had to overcome in the Class 4A state outdoor meet this spring, and how coming away with another championship was no guarantee. 

Ecalono talks about the team culture he and his assistants have established over the last decade and a half, making attracting top athletes and winning much easier. Siewe talks about her versatility and how she developed in skills in so many different events. And Bamgboye discusses why she like very challenging events, like the 300-meter hurdles, and how she learned to embrace them and become so good at them.

The girls also talk about their futures. Both will compete in track and field and Ivy League colleges, Siewe at Harvard and Bamgboye at Cornell.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the latest happenings on the Frederick County sports scene. They discuss the remarkable game experience and success of the Frederick Flying Cows professional basketball team, as well as a unique game experience for the Frederick Keys.

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State Champion Middletown High Boys Lacrosse

After the Middletown High boys lacrosse teams authored one of the most improbable comebacks in state finals history to claim its first championship, coach Dominic Ceresini, junior midfielder Ryan McLister and sophomore goalie Calvin Smith are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The guys chat with host Greg Swatek about their improbable 9-8 victory over Fallston High School in the Class 1A championship game at Stevenson University, during which they overcame a 7-0 halftime deficit and 8-1 deficit with about 15 minutes to play. 

Had they given up hope? When did they think a comeback was even possible? What were they thinking once the game ended and they had actually won?

The guys also talk about what made the team so resilient. After starting the season 0-4, the Knights didn't lose again. They won 15 straight on the way to the state championship. What turned the season around? Where did the team's resolve and never-give-up attitude come from?

Lastly, what does the team's future look like? Will they be in position to win another championship next spring?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Middletown's amazing comeback, which he covered for the paper, his recent vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and the start of the Frederick Keys season.

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State Champion Urbana High Boys Lacrosse

After winning the Class 4A state title for the second straight season, becoming the first Frederick County lacrosse program to win back to back state titles, coach Gavin Donahue, senior defender JP McEvoy and junior midfielder Jayden Sharper are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about the challenge of defending a state title. Is it harder to win the first one or to do it again? They discuss the 5-2 victory over longtime nemesis Broadneck in the state final, why the game was so low scoring and how they were able to prevail.

They guys also talked about how a pair of midseason losses and a players-only meeting completely changed the team's focus and the direction of its season. 

Lastly, they talk about the future of the program and how it plans to maintain this high level of success.

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Urbana High Girls Lacrosse

After reaching the Class 4A girls lacrosse state final for the second consecutive season, head coach Ryan Hines, senior midfielder Cora Betten and senior defender Helaina Cullum are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The Hawks are bidding to become the first state girls lacrosse champions from Frederick County. To do it, they must beat four-time reigning champion Broadneck, the team they narrowly lost to in last year's state final.

Hines, Betten and Cullum chat with host Greg Swatek about what it will take to knock off Broadneck and what it would mean to them to make history as Frederick County's first girls lacrosse state champs. They also talk about the journey back to another state final and the things that make this particular team unique.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about all of the action in the state playoffs, including Middletown's improbable comeback to win the Class 1A boys lacrosse state championship, Urbana baseball's wild 13-inning win in the state semifinals and Catoctin softball trying to send star pitcher Taylor Smith out with a state title. 

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Slater Fuchs, Frederick Keys General Manager

With the Frederick Keys' season approaching and the $39 million stadium renovation project designed to attract an affiliated team underway, the team's general manager, Slater Fuchs, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Fuchs talks with host Greg Swatek about where the process stands with bringing an affiliated minor league team back to Frederick. How far along is the process? Have any candidates been identified? How soon might an affiliated team be playing again in Frederick?

There is also a lengthy discussion about the stadium renovation project. What is happening? What will it look like? Will it interfere with the Keys' home schedule in 2025?

Plus, Fuchs talks about his background and growing up as the God son of George Steinbrenner and the front row seat that provided him growing up with the New York Yankees.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the spring sports playoffs involving Frederick County teams. How will all of the bad weather impact teams that are still playing?

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Muhammad Halim, Assistant Coach, Urbana High Girls Track and Field

As the Urbana High girls track and field team prepared to extend its dominance at this week's county meet, the team's sprints and jumps coach Muhammad Halim is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Halim chats with host Greg Swatek about how he became involved with the program and what makes it so successful. The Hawks were bidding for their 10th consecutive team championship in the girls county meet.

The two discuss what makes Urbana seniors Divine Bamgboye and Felicia Siewe so remarkable as athletes and people. Both rank among the top athletes in the county in multiple events and both will compete in college at Ivy League Schools, Bamgboye at Cornell and Siewe at Harvard.

And Halim talks about his own remarkable background as a track athlete, which includes competing in the triple jump for his native Virgin Islands at the 2012 Olympics in London and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. What was it like competing on the Olympic stage? What was it like staying in the Olympic Village? Who did he see?

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to preview the spring playoffs for high school sports, as they get underway across Frederick County.

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Collin Schlee, Oakdale High grad, NFL Prospect

As he prepares to participate in rookie minicamps with both the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders over the two weekends, former Oakdale High quarterback Collin Schlee is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Schlee chats with host Greg Swatek about his unique opportunity. Most undrafted prospects don't get the chance to participate in multiple minicamps with multiple teams. Schlee talks about how these opportunities came about and what he expects going forward.

He also talks extensively about the road that led him to this point, playing for three different colleges (Kent State, UCLA and Virginia Tech) over a six-year period and how that experience shaped him both as a player and a person. 

Prior that that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg for some Frederick County spring sports power rankings for baseball, softball and boys and girls lacrosse and to set the stage for the upcoming playoffs, including the Central Maryland Conference championship games for those sports.

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