Carson Smith, Middletown Football, Army Recruit

After signing his National Letter of Intent this week to make his college commitment to play football at Army official, Middletown running back Carson Smith is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Smith chats with host Greg Swatek about the recruiting process and why he ultimately settled on Army. Did he ever envision himself at a military academy?

The guys also discuss his sensational last two seasons at Middletown, during which he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns and led the Knights to the Class 2A state semifinals in November. They talk about his various interests outside of football and what he sees in the eyes of defenders who attempt to tackle him.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the winter sports scene in Frederick County. What boys and girls basketball teams have separated themselves from the pack so far?

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Travon Neal, Kevin Pirri, Frederick High Football

After making his college decision this week, Frederick High football star Travon Neal is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast, along with his coach, Kevin Pirri.

Neal explains to host Greg Swatek why he chose Monmouth University as his next football destination. He talks about the recruiting process and the things he enjoyed and did not enjoy about it. He also discusses how he has grown as both a person and a player and what playing football at Frederick High over these last four years has meant to him.

Pirri shares his feelings on Neal's decision and the impact he has had on his program. He talks about some of the nuances of the recruiting process that he noticed and the type of person and player that Monmouth is getting in Neal.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss Neal and his college choice, as well as their early impressions of the winter sports season in Frederick County, particularly how it relates to high school basketball and wrestling.

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Darryl Whiten, FCC Men's Basketball Coach

Now in his second season as the men's basketball coach at Frederick Community College, Darryl Whiten is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Whiten chats with host Greg Swatek about taking the job at FCC after serving many years as a high school boys and girls basketball coach in the county. He talks about learning how to recruit and the process of bringing players. He addresses how he and the team have evolved from his first season on the job to now, and he talks about his relationship with well-known college coaches John Calipari and Shaka Smart. 

Plus, Whiten addresses his extensive work with Frederick native Aje Hill and his I Believe in Me foundation.

First, though, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Oakdale's loss to Damascus in the Class 3A football state-championship game and the conclusion on the high school football season in Frederick County in general.

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State Champion Urbana Volleyball

After winning the school's first state championship in volleyball, Urbana High volleyball coach Jerry Burge and two of his daughters who are on the team, Charis and Logan, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The Burges chat with host Greg Swatek about the Hawks' dramatic five-set win over Arundel in the Class 4A championship match. They discuss why their season was so successful and how Urbana managed to knock off a team riding a 30-match winning streak in the state final.

Jerry Burge talks about raising six daughters, who were all volleyball players, and how that sport became such a huge part of their family. Charis and Logan also share their perspective on why they love playing the sport so much and being coached by their father.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy stop by to talk about the state football semifinals and Oakdale's upcoming 3A championship game against Damacus in Annapolis this weekend. What are the Bears' chances of winning their second state title?

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Tony Lombardi, Todd Knepper, Tuscarora Boys Soccer State Champions

Following their 3-0 victory over Centennial in last week's Class 3A championship game to cap a dominant season, Tuscarora boys senior captain Tony Lombardi and coach Todd Knepper are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Lombardi and Knepper chat with host Greg Swatek about why the Titans were so dominant this season and what sort of legacy the team will leave. They talk about the state championship game, the team's first since its breakthrough victory in 2008, and why they weren't that nervous or feeling much pressure. They also discuss the team's dynamic playmakers, such as senior striker Erick Rodriguez, and some of the unsung heroes that made the Titans as good as they were.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss the state playoffs for Frederick County high schools. They talk about Brunswick's dramatic overtime victory over Fallston in the Class 1A championship game for the second straight season in boys soccer. They also talk about the state quarterfinal round in the football playoffs and look ahead to this week's state semifinals.

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Urbana volleyball and Tuscarora boys soccer state titles

After Urbana's volleyball team and Tuscarora's boys soccer team each won state titles this week, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joined host Greg Swatek to discuss that and more on this week's episode of The Final Score podcast.

The guys discuss Urbana's remarkable five-set win over reigning Class 4A state champion Arundel, which was riding a 30-match winning streak heading into the state final. Alexander shares his thoughts on why Urbana was able to win this match to claim their first state title and what players led the way.

The guys also touch on the total dominance of the Tuscarora boys soccer team this season, which was capped by a 3-0 victory over Centennial in the Class 3A championship game. What made the Titans so special and how will they be remembered all-time on the Frederick County boys soccer scene?

The state cross country championships and the ongoing football playoffs are also discussed on this episode.

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Chad Dickman, Hood College Men's Basketball Coach

With Hood men's basketball set to tip off another season as the reigning Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth champions, the team's coach, Chad Dickman, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

The Blazers will host the annual MMI Tip-Off Tournament at BB&T Arena this weekend, a four-team event that includes defending NCAA Division III national champion and No. 1 ranked Randolph Macon, coached by Walkersville native Josh Merkel.

Dickman chats with host Greg Swatek about his longtime relationship with Merkel and hosting the top-ranked team in the country in a season-opening event.

He also talks about how his team will transition away from two of its greatest players ever in Mason and Evan Wang, now that they have graduated, and why mid-range jump shots are considered bad shots.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the fall sports playoffs in Frederick County for high school sports. They discuss the upcoming state semifinals for boys and girls soccer, as well as the regional semifinals for football, the state-championship meet for cross country and the regional finals for volleyball.

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Antoine White, Mount St. Mary's Women's Basketball Coach

With the women's basketball team at Mount St. Mary's set to begin another season, coming off back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament, the team's coach, Antoine White, is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

White chats with host Greg Swatek about the trip to the Big Dance last March and what the team can take from it. He also talks extensively about playing in a new league this season, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and the impact it will have on his program.

Who are the players to watch this season for the Mountaineers? What are their expectations for the coming season? Those questions are addressed over the course of the conversation.

Plus, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about fall sports in Frederick County, as the high school playoffs head toward regional finals and state quarterfinals. The guys discuss the remaining county playoff teams in field hockey and soccer and look ahead to the upcoming playoffs for football and volleyball.

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Dan Engelstad, Mount St. Mary's Men's Basketball Coach

With Mount St. Mary's set to begin its first season of men's basketball in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, coach Dan Engelstad is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

Engelstad chats with host Greg Swatek about the MAAC and how the Mountaineers figure to fit into their new league in their first season of play. He talks about how the Mount can benefit from the raised profile the league offers and the impact it could have on recruiting. He also talks about this season's roster, which features several returning players, and what he is looking forward to the most heading into the Nov. 7 season opener at West Virginia.

Prior to that, FNP sports writer John Cannon joins Greg to discuss fall sports in Frederick County. John and Greg touch on the state golf tournament, the Central Maryland Conference championship games for soccer and field hockey and the final week of the regular season for high school football.

Reese Poffenbarger, Middletown graduate, University of Albany Quarterback

After collecting a string of individual honors in his first season as the starting quarterback at the University of Albany, Middletown High graduate Reese Poffenbarger is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Poffenbarger was named this week as the Stats Perform FedEx Ground National Freshman Player of the Week. That follows four consecutive weeks of being named the Rookie of the Week in the Colonial Athletic Association.

He chats with host Greg Swatek about squaring these individual honors with the Albany's struggles this season, as the Great Danes are 1-5 overall after a series of very-close, high-scoring games.

He also talks about the process of becoming the starting quarterback at Albany after transferring over the summer from Old Dominion University, facing a nationally prominent program like Baylor in his first game as a starter and what his daily routine is like as a Division I college football player.

Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss fall sports in Frederick County, as they near the end of the regular season. They look back on Week 7 of the high school football season and look ahead to Week 8.

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Jerry Smith, Brunswick High football coach

With his team riding a five-game winning streak, Brunswick High football coach Jerry Smith is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

Smith chats with host Greg Swatek about the dramatic goal-line stand the Railroaders made last week to preserve a 21-17 victory at Liberty and improve to 5-1 overall. He talks about how the team has grown since a choatic Week 1 loss and why the team has thrived with a simplified playbook.

He also talks about upcoming matchups with Middletown, Walkersville and Catoctin, and he and Greg share their feelings on analytics infiltrating football in a major way.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to discuss fall sports in Frederick County. They touch on Week 6 of the high school football season, look ahead to Week 7 and touch on a big win for the Walkersville field hockey team.

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Frederick County Sports at Midseason

As fall sports in Frederick County reach the midpoint of their seasons, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join host Greg Swatek to discuss the latest developments and look forward to what's ahead on this week's episode of the Final Score podcast.

The guys take a look back at Week 5 of the high school football season and chat about the significance of some eye-opening results. They also discuss some of the key matchups ahead in Week 6.

In addition, they discuss the success of the Frederick High girls cross country team, which has already won five meets this season and has one of the top runners in the state in junior Caroline Gregory.

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Kirk Meehan, Linganore Boys Soccer Coach

With his team authoring a remarkable turnaround season, Linganore boys soccer coach Kirk Meehan is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Meehan chats with host Greg Swatek about why is team is playing so well and how its been able to pull out five one-goal wins so far. He talks about the difficulties of going through a winless season in 2021 and how he kept his players interested and motivated to contribute to the program despite not being rewarded for their time and efforts with victories.

He also discusses his own playing career at Tuscarora High School and how he got into coaching and teaching special education at Linganore.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to talk about fall sports for Frederick County high schools. Among other topics, they review Week 4 of the high school football season and look ahead to Week 5.

Collin Schlee, Kent State Quarterback, Oakdale Graduate

As his team prepares to face the No. 1 team in college football on Saturday, former Oakdale quarterback Collin Schlee is the guest this week on The Final Score podcast.

Schlee is now the starting quarterback at Kent State University after a terrific career at Oakdale High School, where he led the Bears to an unbeaten season and the Class 2A state championship in 2018. At noon Saturday, the Golden Flashes will face top-ranked and defending national champion Georgia on ESPN-plus, following matchups with Power 5 teams Washington and Oklahoma earlier in the season.

Schlee chats with host Greg Swatek about his career at Kent thus far and preparing for a high-powered team like Georgia. He talks about learning the ropes as a backup in his first three years in the program prior to taking over the starting job and the value of having two more years of eligibility beyond this one since he was red-shirted and received two extra years from the NCAA due to the pandemic. He also discusses the nuances of his daily life as a Division I quarterback, balancing his football responsibilities with his school work and outside life.

Prior to this discussion, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to talk about high school sports in Frederick County. They discuss Week 3 of the football season and look ahead to Week 4.

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Jeff Colsh, Middletown Boys Soccer Coach

Longtime Middletown High School boys soccer coach Jeff Colsh is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Colsh chats with host Greg Swatek about how he got into coaching at his alma mater, his own playing career at Middletown and why he is still so passionate about living and working there.

He also talks about the team he has this season at Middletown, why his players work so well together and facing a challenging schedule that doesn't provide many breaks.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss Week 2 of the high school football season, look ahead to Week 3 and share other observations about fall sports in Frederick County.

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Fall Sports Review

On this week's episode of The Final Score podcast, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join host Greg Swatek to discuss the first week of the fall sports season in Frederick County. 

The guys discuss the first week of the high school football season and look ahead to Week 2. They also share their early thoughts and impressions on the other fall high school sports, including boys and girls soccer, volleyball, golf and field hockey.

The podcast is available at http://www.fnppodcasts.com and via iTunes, Google Play and other podcast apps.

Kurt Stein, Oakdale High School Football Coach

With the high school football season set to kick off in Frederick County this week, Oakdale High School football coach Kurt Stein is the guest on the Final Score podcast.

Stein chats with host Greg Swatek about his team this season, which he feels is as talented as any he has coached in his 13 years at Oakdale, including the 2018 state-championship team.

He shares his feeling on why so many kids are playing football in Frederick County, including a record number at Oakdale High School, and what it will take for the Bears to be left standing as not just one of the best teams in the county, but one of the best teams in the state prior to the end of the season.

First, though, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy stop in to offer a comprehensive, team-by-team breakdown of the 10 public schools and two private schools that play football in Frederick County. Which teams will rise to the top? The guys share their thoughts and insights.

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Mike Rich, Catoctin High football coach

The Final Score podcast continues it look at the upcoming high school football season in Frederick County with Catoctin High School football coach Mike Rich.

Coach Rich chats with Greg Swatek about the huge challenges he has faced in his three years on the job, including replacing a legend in Doug Williams and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

They also talk about the team the Cougars have this season with nine starters returning on each side of the ball and the expectations for the program this season.

Plus, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy stops in to discuss the upcoming season with Greg, including the FNP's preseason top 5 for high school football.

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Kevin Pirri, Frederick High Football Coach

The Final Score podcast continues to preview the upcoming Frederick County high school football season with Frederick High coach Kevin Pirri.

Pirri chats with host Greg Swatek about how the Cadets are managing high expectations for the first time in nearly two decades. He also talks about some of the lean years after taking over the program in 2015 compared to now when more than 100 kids are registered in the program a season after Frederick reached the state semifinals for the first time since their only previous appearance in 1985.

What will it take for the Cadets to advance another step or two father this season and claim their first state championship? Pirri responds.

Plus, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy drops by to share some of his early observations from various Frederick County football practices.

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Rick Conner, Linganore Football Coach

As he prepares for his 37th season of coaching football and 21st at Linganore High School, Rick Conner is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Conner chats with host Greg Swatek about the start of the new season and his love of practice. He reflects on the last four full seasons that have seen his Linganore team reach the state-championship game in Class 3A and the team he expects to have this season.

He also talks about if he'll ever stop coaching and how the game has changed during his time on the sideline.

Plus, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy weighs in on the start of fall sports practice in Frederick County and a good week for minor league baseball players from Frederick County.

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