UCBAC – Harford and Cecil counties

Despite having three of the more successful post-season teams in the history of the MPSSAA in its conference – Havre de Grace, Elkton and Joppatowne, the last UCBAC members to win a state title dates back 2003, when both Aberdeen (2A) and Joppatowne (1A) won state crowns.

Havre de Grace has made 23 post-season appearances, which ranks tied for 6th best in MPSSAA history, while the three-time state champ Warriors’ 15 regional titles ranks 7th best all-time. The Warriors 32 post-season wins rank tied for 7th in MPSSAA history.

Two-time state champion Elkton is 1 of 15 MPSSAA teams to make 20 playoff appearances, and is just 1 of 16 to win at least 11 regional titles. Joppa’ is 1 of 20 MPSSAA teams with at least 22 post-season victories, and 1 of 16 with 11 regional championships.

A glance at the UCBAC’s best;

Elkton (10-3, 5-2) >>> The Golden Elks were 2A regional champions last year, knocking off Harford Tech and North Caroline in the regionals, before getting extinguished by eventual state champion Oakdale.

The Golden Elks return their prime-time passer, Nolan Null, who threw for 2,737 yards, which ranked 2nd in the MPSSAA in ‘18, and 34 touchdowns, also 2nd in the state among public school passers last year. Michael Vass, who registered 40 receptions for 746 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, rejoins Null as his top target. Vass tied for fourth most touchdown receptions in the MPSSAA ‘18, and 10th in receiving yards.

Running back Tashawn Watters, who scored 11 touchdowns last season, adds to the Golden Elks firepower. Defensive lineman John Mobley and linebacker Kyree Stephens lead the defense. Kicker Jake Bosler is one of the best in the state.

Harford Tech (9-2, 6-1) >>> The Cobras made their first post-season appearance in school history in 2017, advancing to the state semifinals, and returned to the playoffs last year, before bowing out to Elkton, 21-14, in a regional semifinal. The Cobras and Elks look to be among the top 3 in the 2A East, along with North Caroline.

The Cobras have quarterback Ryan Hunt back, after throwing for 17 touchdowns against 1 interception in last year’s campaign, while adding 10 rushing touchdowns. Joining Hunt are tight end Curtis McKissette and receiver TJ Lowery. Linebacker Khoury Harris will lead the Cobras defense. Kicker Tyler Long is a threat.

Edgewood (9-2, 7-0) >>> The Rams were the top team in the UCBAC last year, but lose cousins Antoine Banks and Diante Banks, who combined for more than 4,000 yards of offense and accounted for 55 touchdowns in ‘18.  Edgewood has Mervo joining themselves, Franklin and Dundalk in the 3A North.

The Rams, who lost to Dundalk, 26-20, in the ‘18 3A regional semifinal, has routed Havre de Grace in each of the last two seasons, 36-7 and 41-14, respectively. The Rams return linebacker Mason Putney and outside skill player Keyon Brown.

Havre de Grace (10-3, 5-2) has many shoes to fill, including those of quarterback Alex Gresock, but they do return playmaker Jaylen Day. The Warriors have posted four straight 10-win seasons and won four straight regional titles. 

Rising Sun (7-3, 5-2) was the only team to give Harford Tech a loss last season, and will battle alongside the likes of the Elks and Cobras in the 2A East.

Games to keep an eye on; WK2 Elkton at Edgewood; WK4 Edgewood at Harford Tech, Havre de Grace at Elkton; WK5 Oakdale at Elkton, Havre de Grace at Edgewood; WK7 New Town at Edgewood, Rising Sun at Bohemia Manor; WK9 Elkton at Harford Tech