Linganore girls basketball coach Rachael Easterday, plus Tuscarora wrestling and boys basketball

Linganore girls basketball coach Rachael Easterday is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Coach Easterday tells host Greg Swatek what it’s like to now be coaching at the school where she played and won a state championship. She talks about the profound influence the late Brian Matthews had on her life and her career and how the girls basketball landscape in Frederick County has changed since her playing days.

Plus, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro stops in to talk about how the Tuscarora wrestling team is taking aim at a second consecutive regional championship with a lineup that is dramatically different from last season, as well as the highly competitive Class 3A West region in boys basketball, which includes returning state semifinalist Thomas Johnson.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Tuscarora boys basketball coach Darryl Whiten, plus an update on the girls basketball scene

Tuscarora boys basketball coach Darryl Whiten is the guest on the first Final Score podcast of the new year.

Whiten shares insights and expectations with host Greg Swatek about his team this season. He also explains how is background and upbringing shaped him to be the coach that he is today. How close was he to playing tennis in college instead of basketball? And who are some of his high-profile connections in the basketball world?

Plus, FNP sports writer John Cannon stops in to talk about the compelling girls basketball scene in Frederick County.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Oakdale boys track & field coach Dave Lillard

On this week's edition of The Final Score podcast, Oakdale High boys track and field coach Dave Lillard stops in to talk about his talented team.

Lillard chats with host Greg Swatek about the various nuances of the indoor track season, why his team was able to win its first state outdoor championship in the spring, his star 800-meter runner Kyle Lund, who has one of the fastest times in the nation, how he became a track-and-field coach and his expectations going forward.

Plus, Greg swings around the Frederick County sports landscape with FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro with a particular emphasis on boys basketball.

The Final Score is presented by PFP (Players Fitness and Performance).

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Longtime basketball coach Bill Miskell and a breakdown of the basketball scene with Kyle McFadden

Longtime Frederick County basketball coach Bill Miskell is this week’s guest on the Final Score podcast.

After coaching basketball in the county for more 15 years, including stops at his alma mater, Middletown, and Thomas Johnson, where he is currently the head coach of the girls varsity team, Miskell has plenty of stories to share with Greg Swatek about his career. He talks about how his life-long love affair with basketball began and the individuals that helped and influenced him along the way. He also shares some great stories about his time as a college-basketball referee and playing drums as well as being one of the lead singers in his band, The Relics.

Plus, state sports guru Kyle McFadden stops in to take a look at the Frederick County basketball scene.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Oakdale Football, Maryland 2A state champions

Less than a week removed from winning their first state title, Oakdale High School football coach Kurt Stein and senior linebackers Maurio Goings and Ethan Martin reflect on their remarkable season this week on The Final Score podcast.

The trio shares with host Greg Swatek the high points of the season, including momentous victories over Linganore, Damascus and Glenelg in the Class 2A championship game. They talk about how the team came together and what made it so special. Stein talks about the relatively short-but-challenging journey from starting the program from scratch in 2010 to the pinnacle moment less than a decade later. The group also talks about what the team might look like going forward.

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Collin Schlee on his team's success, plus a preview of both FredCo teams at States

With the Oakdale football team closing in on its first state championship, senior quarterback Collin Schlee and his father, Chris, are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

Collin and Chris share with host Greg Swatek the qualities that make this Oakdale football team truly special. The unbeaten Bears will face unbeaten Glenelg in the Class 2A championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The Schlees explain how and why the Bears have gotten this far.

In addition, they talk about Collin’s background as a restless kid who loved sports, the person most responsible for all of the athletic prowess in the Schlee household and Collin’s elite arm strength, which dazzles coaches, teammates, fans and reporters alike. How far can he throw a football? Find out here.

A Division I college prospect in two sports, Collin and Chris talk about the trails and tribulations of the recruiting process, how difficult it was for Collin to choose playing football in college over basketball and why he ultimately decided to play quarterback for Kent State University.

Plus, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro drops by to preview this week’s state football championship games for Linganore and Oakdale and offer some reflections on the fall sports season.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Spotlight on Oakdale as the Bears win state title in boys soccer and regional title in football

With a state boys soccer champion and a football team in the state semifinals, Oakdale High School is in the spotlight on this week’s episode of the Final Score podcast.

First, state football guru Kyle McFadden chats with host Greg Swatek about the Bears’ momentous 24-7 victory at Damascus last week that secured their first regional championship and snapped the Swarmin’ Hornets 53-game winning steak, which was the longest in the nation. McFadden offers his outlook on the rest of the state football playoffs, including Linganore’s chances of winning a second consecutive state title in Class 3A.

Then, Oakdale boys soccer coach Mitch Rubin and senior captain Anthony Kocan stop by to discuss the Bears upsetting nationally ranked River Hill in penalty kicks last Saturday in the Class 2A championship game to win their third state championship. Rubin and Kocan talk about the most satisfying part of the journey to the championship and why the team held up so well under pressure throughout a season full of low-scoring, closely contested games.

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TJ girls soccer coach Adam Weinstein + Kyle McFadden on Regional football finals

With his team set to play for a state title, Thomas Johnson girls soccer coach Adam Weinstein is this week’s guest on the Final Score podcast.

The Patriots will take on Northern of Calvert County in the Class 3A championship game, vying for their third state title and first since 2001. Weinstein tells host Greg Swatek why he felt his team was up for the challenge from the very start of the schedule. He also talks about navigating the highs and lows of a long season, the perils and the benefits of facing a Frederick County schedule and the qualities that make this particular TJ team special, namely its togetherness.

Plus, state football guru Kyle McFadden joins the podcast to discuss the three regional football championship games involving Frederick County schools. Kyle and Greg take a long look at the highly anticipated Class 2A West championship game between Oakdale and Damascus. They also discuss if Catoctin has a shot at upsetting Fort Hill in the 1A West and if Linganore will roll over Westminster in the 3A West final. Plus, Kyle offers his predictions on how the other regions across the state will shake out.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Walkersville girls soccer coach Paul Bryan on his team's first trip to state semis

After a stunning 2-1 overtime victory over Oakdale in the Class 2A West regional championship game, the Walkersville girls soccer team will be making its first appearance in the state semifinals.

On this week’s Final Score podcast, Lions coach Paul Bryan tells host Greg Swatek all about his team’s surprising run and why it is playing its best at the right time of year. After being blown out by Oakdale during the regular season, how was he feeling heading into the regional final. How did he and the team react when Kasi Ogwulu scored the game-winning goal in overtime? What type of game does he expect against Fallston in Saturday’s state semifinal at River Hill? And why does he love coaching so much?

Plus, FNP sports writer John Cannon joins Greg to talk about the Lions’ surprising win, the rest of the state playoff picture for soccer and volleyball and the three regional semifinal matchups in football involving Linganore, Oakdale and Catoctin.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Dan Engelstad, first-year men's basketball coach at Mount St. Mary’s

With the college basketball season about to get underway, Dan Engelstad, the first-year coach at Mount St. Mary’s, is the guest this week on the Final Score podcast.

Engelstad tells host Greg Swatek how he is settling into the job after being hired in May to replace Jamion Christian. He talks about the unique makeup of his team without a junior or true senior on the roster, and he explains why he feels his team has so much potential despite expectations being really low this season. The Mountaineers were picked to finish last in the 10-team Northeast Conference by the league’s coaches.

Plus, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro stops by to offer his thoughts on the boys soccer and football playoffs. He and Greg run down the Frederick County teams that are still in the running for a state title in all of the fall sports.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

Terry Connolly on stepping away after 20 years coaching in Frederick County

After coaching boys basketball in Frederick County for more than 20 years, Terry Connolly recently decided to step away from the game.

On this week’s episode of The Final Score podcast, Connolly explains his decision, which caught many around the county by surprise. He also talks with host Greg Swatek about starting two programs from scratch at Urbana and Oakdale, how his love and passion for the game developed over time and his unique relationship with referees in the county.

Connolly also share great stories about playing for Shepherd and the University of Richmond, where he helped the Spiders spring one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history over Syracuse at Cole Field House in College Park. It marked the first time a No. 15 seed had ever beaten a No. 2 seed.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP). 

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Mitch Rubin, Oakdale boys soccer coach, plus, Joe Ferraro discusses CMC championship weekend

Oakdale boys soccer coach Mitch Rubin, a noted junkie of the sport, is the guest on this week’s episode of the Final Score podcast.

Rubin chats with host Greg Swatek about the success his team has had this season in reaching the Central Maryland Conference championship game, why the Oakdale soccer program has been so wildly successful in its brief history for both the boys and the girls, how he wound up coaching in Frederick County and his approach to coaching both boys and girls teams.

Plus, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro joins Greg to take a look at a Saturday full of CMC championship games and review Week 8 of the high school football season in Frederick County.

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Doug Williams, head coach of the 6-0 Catoctin football team, plus updates with reporter John Canon

With his team off to its best start at 6-0 since its state-championship season in 2009, Catoctin football coach Doug Williams is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

After 40 years of coaching high school football, including the last 28 at Catoctin, Williams chats with host Greg Swatek about his passion for the job and what he enjoys the most about it. He shares the story about how he got into coaching and what brought him to Catoctin. And he explains what he likes about this current team, and why the Cougars have been able to pull out so many close, hard-fought wins so far this season.

Plus, FNP sports writer shares his thoughts on the Catoctin football team, the shockingly lopsided result between Oakdale and Linganore last week and the revival of Maryland School for the Deaf’s cross country program.

The Finals Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Previewing this week's Oakdale-Linganore football game

To breakdown the big showdown between Linganore and Oakdale, state football insider Kyle McFadden joins host Greg Swatek on this week’s episode of The Final Score podcast.

What are Kyle’s impressions of Linganore and Oakdale? Who do the guys think will win and by how much? And who are some of the other contenders around the state?

Plus, FNP sports writer John Cannon stops by to share his thoughts on the Linganore-Oakdale game, as well as the Bears’ impressive win over Middletown last week and the Frederick County volleyball and field hockey scenes. 

The Final Score is presented by PFP (Players Fitness and Performance).

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Aric Canonico, Oakdale girls soccer coach + reporter Joe Ferraro joins with updates

With his team off to a blazing start this season, Oakdale girls soccer coach Aric Canonico is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

The Bears look like a team that can win a state title. At 8-0, they have outscored the opposition 29-2 so far. Canonico talks to host Greg Swatek about the team’s potential and what it will take to maximize it. He also talks about his passion for coaching and just how dedicated he is to the job and helping other people.

Plus, FNP sports reporter Joe Ferraro drops in to talk about the fall sports season in Frederick County. What are his impressions of the football season as it reaches its midpoint? Who are the teams to beat in boys soccer, girls soccer and volleyball?

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Howie Putterman, acting athletic director at Tuscarora HS, update on fall season

Howie Putterman, the acting athletic director at Tuscarora High School, is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Putterman talks with host Greg Swatek about the sudden nature of his appointment to his position, the extreme challenges he faced during his first week on the job and the difficulties of leaving his longtime post as the girls soccer coach at Linganore High School.

Plus, FNP sports writer John Cannon stops by to share his impressions on the high school football and volleyball seasons in Frederick County.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Tuscarora volleyball coach Ricardo Vera and then an update on football and soccer scene with Joe Ferraro

With his team off to another good start this season, Tuscarora volleyball coach Ricardo Vera is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Vera chats with host Greg Swatek about the depth and talent of his team and why it has a shot to make a run at a state championship this season. He also talks about his background in the sport as a coach and a referee, immigrating to the United States after spending his early years bouncing around South America with his family and why volleyball is such a vastly improved sport in Frederick County.

Plus, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro stops by to talk about the high school football season and the tremendous impact the weather has already had on it, as wells as the boys soccer scene in Frederick County and how the season might shake out.

The Final Score is presented by PFP (Players Fitness and Performance).

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Walkersville football coach Joe Polce and the challenges presented by storms and heat

After an opening week dominated by weather interruptions, Walkersville High football coach Joe Polce is the guest this week on The Final Score Podcast.

Polce chats with host Greg Swatek about the major challenges the weather has presented already this season, whether it be storms delaying games or the heat limiting what can be done in practice. Walkersville won its season opener over visiting New Era Academy 46-0. But, like many Frederick County teams, the Lions were forced to come back a day later to finish the victory by storms that rolled through the area. Polce said this has been one of the worst weather years that he can remember when it comes to the rain and the heat.

He also talks about what he likes the most about his team, which is comprised mostly of players who are new to varsity football, and the challenges of replacing 26 seniors, who, over a three-year period, won 36 of 40 games and a state championship.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Preview of the Frederick County high school football season

With the start of the high school football season upon us, The Final Score podcast takes an in-depth look at the coming season this week.

FNP sports writers Joe Ferraro and John Cannon and Kyle McFadden, a statewide football reporter, join host Greg Swatek to take a team-by-team look at the 10 public schools and two private schools that play football in Frederick County.

Insight and analysis is offered for every team. Plus, the guys run down who they believe will be the top five teams in Frederick County and who will be left standing at the end of the season across the state.

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP).

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Vince Ahearn, Tuscarora High School football head coach

Just over a week away from the start of the high school football season, Tuscarora coach Vince Ahearn is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Ahearn chats with host Greg Swatek about how his coach style has evolved since the end of last season, a wild 4-6 campaign for the Titans that featured impressive wins and head-scratching losses.

In light of recent allegations and problems on the college level, Ahearn addresses the culture of football and treating players the right way.

Tuscarora will open the season amid high exceptions. The Titans have playmakers in the running and passing game and should be solid along the offensive and defensive lines. What does Ahearn expect from his team? What does he enjoy the most about his job and the start of a new season?

The Final Score is presented by Players Fitness and Performance (PFP). 

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