Oakland Mills football knew it had a tough challenge Friday night, traveling to take on top seed Linganore in the Class 3A state semifinals.
In a hostile environment, No. 4 seed Oakland Mills started out fast. However, they were unable to sustain it for all four quarters in a 35-21 defeat, closing their season at 11-2
After the loss, Oakland Mills coach Thomas Browne gathered his players and delivered an uplifting message. He said he couldn’t be prouder of them, thanking the seniors for giving it everything they had. The veteran coach also encouraged the returning underclassmen to remember the feeling after the loss and flip it for the future.
“Just everything, our team coming together and creating a deep bond between everybody,” quarterback Issac Ramsey said of what he’s most proud of. “There was no separation on the team. Everybody was together and we just believed that was a recipe for a great season. Everybody had a common goal. Everybody tried their hardest at practice and enjoyed all of it.”
Those deep connections developed through multiple years of starting experience. Last year, the Scorpions were a young group and started the season with six consecutive losses. They responded by rattling off five straight wins before losing to eventual 3A state champion Oakdale in the state quarterfinals.
The core of that team returned for 2024, including Ramsey and senior linebacker Kaiden Lee. Both players helped to set the tone for a resurgent season. The leadership and experience of the upperclassmen meshed perfectly with the newcomers.
That garnered great results as the Scorpions were Howard County co-champions with an explosive offense and stifling defense, averaging 35.5 points per game and allowing 8.3 entering Friday night. While the season ended sooner then they’d hoped, the Scorpions are holding their heads high and believe they’ve set a foundation for the future.
“I feel like we built something very special here,” Ramsey said. “Just the culture, TPW [tough people win] mentality in everything we do, all aspects of life. I feel like we set the standard here for generations to come. We have a very good junior varsity squad coming up. We still have good players coming back.”
Oakland Mills started the game strong defensively, forcing Linganore in three-and-outs on its first two possession. In the middle, the Scorpions’ offense thrived outside the numbers. Taamir Oliver capped off the drive with a 14-yard score.
However, Oakland Mills’ next drive near midfield with a fumble, which proved to be the spark the Lancers needed. They executed consecutive touchdown drives before halftime to take a 14-7 lead.
Dynamic running back Bradly Matthews scored Linganore’s first touchdown, while quarterback Shawn Pelovitz connected with Gavin Patterson for a 30-yard strike to take the lead shortly before the break.
Coming out of halftime, Oakland Mills’ offense regained the momentum from its first two drives. Ramsey sparked a seven-play, 90-yard series with a 45-yard scamper down the Lancers’ sideline. One play later, Kasen Bien-Aime punched it in from 5 yards out to even the score at 14.
Linagnore’s offense, though, had an answer. On the ensuing drive, the Lancers faced a crucial fourth-and-8 from the Scorpions’ 34-yard line. Pelovitz escaped the pocket and ran 10 yards for the first down to keep the drive alive. Matthews then scored his second touchdown of the game to put the Lancers back on top.
The Lancers offensive line continued to wear out the Scorpions defense as the game wore on. Matthews, who set Linganore’s school rushing record Friday night, added two more touchdowns in the fourth to build a commanding three-touchdown lead.
Oakland Mills scored a late touchdown on a 45-yard pass from Ramsey to Kristin Rogers and recovered the ensuing onside kick. However, one play later, the Scorpions threw an interception, their third turnover of the game to seal it.
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