Middletown Girls Basketball Coach Amy Poffenbarger and star player Saylor Poffenbarger

As they prepare to lead the Middletown girls basketball team into its first state semifinal since 2013, Knights coach Amy Poffenbarger and her daughter, Saylor, are the guests on The Final Score podcast this week.

Why are the Middletown girls playing their best basketball at the right time of the season? How do Amy and Saylor balance their relationship as both a mother and daughter and coach and player? How is Saylor managing the process as a highly regarded Division I recruit? Amy and Saylor chat with host Greg Swatek about these topics. Plus, learn more about some of the other players that make Middletown’s team so successful.

Also, with four state semifinals on tap involving Frederick County teams, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro stops by to preview the games. Can the Frederick High girls become the first county team to win three state titles in a row in basketball? What sort of chances do the Oakdale boys, the Thomas Johnson boys and the Middletown girls have of claiming championships?

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State wrestling champions Earl Blake, Michael Bromley and Kevin Makosy

After delivering on expectations over the weekend, state wrestling champions Earl Blake and Michael Bromley of Linganore and Kevin Makosy of Urbana are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

Blake won the Class 4A-3A 132-pound weight class for his third state title, becoming just the fourth Frederick County wrestler to win that many. Makosy, meanwhile, won his second consecutive state title at 195 pounds in 4A-3A, while Bromley broke through and won his first state title at 170.

All three wrestlers share their experiences with host Greg Swatek and talk about what the championships meant to them. They also discuss their distinguished high school careers, what meant the most to them and why Frederick County wrestling has improved so much.

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Oakdale boys basketball coach Brandon Long and sports reporter Kyle McFadden

With the high-basketball playoffs set to begin early next week, Oakdale boys basketball coach Brandon Long is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Coach Long chats with host Greg Swatek about taking over a very successful program from a legendary coaching figure in the county, Terry Connolly, and how he goes about establishing a legacy of his own. Long talks about growing up in Brunswick, why he was initially hesitant to play basketball and what he has learned about himself as a coach. He also discusses his talented team, which enters the playoffs with an overall record of 20-3, and what it will take for the Bears to return to the state semifinals in College Park this season.

Plus, sports reporter Kyle McFadden joins the podcast to discuss his own foray into coaching basketball as well as the upcoming high-school playoffs.

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Coaches of the state champion Linganore Boys and Urbana Girls Indoor Track teams

After leading their teams to state indoor track and field championships earlier this week, Oakdale boys coach Dave Lillard, Linganore boys coach Bill Eckard and Urbana girls coach CJ Ecalono are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

The Bears won a state team title for the second consecutive season — they also won the state outdoor title last spring — while the Lancers took the team title at the state indoor meet for the second year in a row. The Urbana girls, meanwhile, broke through and claimed their first overall championship at the state indoor meet.

The coaches share with host Greg Swatek what made those victories possible and all of the ties that bind Frederick County as an outstanding community for track and field.

Plus, on the heels of the Central Maryland Conference championship games for boys and girls basketball, FNP sports writer Joe Ferraro drops by to discuss the county sports scene as the playoffs draw nearer.

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County swimming & diving championships, plus Scott Mogar, longtime wrestling referee

For almost two decades, Scott Mogar ran the Frederick County Public Schools wrestling tournament that is scheduled to take place this weekend at Walkersville High School.

On this week's episode of The Final Score podcast, Mogar chats with host Greg Swatek about his passion for wrestling, the thankless job of being a referee, how he's maintained such a strong relationship with all of the coaches in the county while being a longtime referee and why and how he keeps all of the postseason records as the unofficial historian of Frederick County wrestling.

Plus, News-Post sports writer John Cannon drops by to talk about the recently completed Frederick County Public Schools swimming championships. How were the Linganore girls able to break through for their first team championship? Why were the Oakdale boys able to maintain their dominance? What is the outlook for the regional and state meets? John explains.

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Thomas Johnson boys basketball coach John Manley

With the start of the high school basketball playoffs quickly approaching, Thomas Johnson boys basketball coach John Manley is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

The Patriots are looking to return to the state semifinals this season on the strength of their three senior leaders, Bennett Commander, JR Powe and Richard Rivas. Coach Manley chats with host Greg Swatek about what they learned from last year’s experience and what it will take to get back to states this season. 

Plus, FNP sports reporter Joe Ferraro weighs in on the rugged Class 3A West region that TJ plays in and helps to set the table for the upcoming boys basketball playoffs in Frederick County.

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Oakdale girls basketball coach Rob Healy, plus the FredCo girls basketball scene with reporter John Canon

With the end of the regular season approaching, the Oakdale girls basketball team remains undefeated at 15-0 and 13-0 in the Central Maryland Conference. The Bears’ coach, Rob Healy, is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Will defense help the Oakdale girls win a championship this season? Coach Healy explains to host Greg Swatek why the Bears are so good on that end of the floor, holding the majority of their opponents to 42 points or less. He also shares how he got into coaching, what it was like starting the Oakdale girls basketball program from scratch and why he has never been issued a technical foul.

Plus, sports writer John Cannon stops in to share his observations about the Oakdale girls and the overall girls basketball scene in Frederick County. He also offers his thoughts on Linganore graduate Rob Havenstein playing in the Super Bowl for the Rams, becoming the first Frederick County player to play in the big game since 1977.

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Super Bowl bound Rob Havenstein calls in, plus two-time state wrestling champ Earl Blake

On a star-studded edition of The Final Score podcast, Linganore graduate Rob Havenstein of the Super Bowl bound Los Angeles Rams and the Lancers’ two-time state wrestling champion Earl Blake are the guests.

First, Big Rob shares with host Greg Swatek what it was like to be on the field for the game-winning field goal in Sunday’s NFC Championship game, a 26-23 overtime win for the Rams over the host New Orleans Saints. Has it sunk in yet that he will be playing in a Super Bowl? What is he looking forward to the most?

Then, Earl Blake talks about the fuel that drives him as a state-champion wrestler and why he loves the sport so much. How does he keep himself motivated when there aren’t a lot of wrestlers that can push him on the mat? What are his goals for the season? How are the Lancers able to pull out so many heart-stopping wins?

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Chris Lewis, longtime track & field and cross country coach

With the county indoor meet on tap for today, Chris Lewis, a longtime track and field and cross county coach in the Frederick area, is this week’s guest on The Final Score podcast.

Lewis tells host Greg Swatek what his life is like since giving up responsibilities as the head coach for Oakdale girls track and field and staying with the program on a part-time basis. He shares why he is so passionate about the sport and running in general and why he is so pleased the team has transitioned to one of his former athletes, Adell Remsburg, as coach. He also provides his insights and outlook on the county indoor meet.

Plus, Duncan Slade offers his perspective on the Frederick County sports scene as a student photographer and videographer for the News-Post.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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