Howard County Football Teams Set for Competitive 2024 Season

As the 2024 high school football season draws near, teams in Howard County are gearing up to battle for the coveted county championship. Fan favorites such as Atholton, Glenelg, Oakland Mills, and Reservoir are among the prime contenders. This year, Guilford Park enters the mix as the county’s 13th varsity program, following a year as a junior varsity team.

Despite the graduation of last year’s Offensive Player of the Year, Coleman Hallums from Mt. Hebron, many talented players are returning. Moses Bailey of Reservoir, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, is back after a brief stint at St. Frances, and he is expected to lead a strong defensive lineup for the upcoming season.

Howard County’s teams have been divided into several competitive regions. The division includes Howard, Long Reach, and Reservoir, who find themselves in Class 4A/3A East. Teams like Atholton, Guilford Park, Marriotts Ridge, Mt. Hebron, Oakland Mills, and River Hill fall into 3A East. Meanwhile, Centennial, Glenelg, Hammond, and Wilde Lake represent the county in 2A West.

The postseason kicks off from November 7-9, culminating in the state championships scheduled for December 5-7 at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. This year, the county will have two six-team divisions, with two division winners meeting to settle the county championship.

Teams are already strategizing for success this season. Coaches like Eric Woodson from Reservoir are optimistic, aiming to regain the county title while pushing deeper into the playoffs after near misses in the past seasons. Other schools, like Glenelg, are excited about their younger roster while trying to blend in capable newcomers to carry the team forward.

This season promises to be both exciting and competitive as the Howard County teams hit the field. School spirit will be high, and fans can expect plenty of thrilling football action as the hunt for the Howard County football championship begins.