Schools
Trojans to Battle Bulldogs in Rematch
They'll face the team that sparked their downward spiral and handed them their first loss of the season.
Gaithersburg began its downward spiral midway through the regular season when the Trojans played at Churchill in Week 5.
Churchill defeated Gaithersburg, 15-13, on September 30, handing the Trojans their first loss of the 2011 campaign after a perfect 4-0 start.
Meanwhile, Churchill was coming off a 32-6 loss to Seneca Valley in Week 4 and used that victory over Gaithersburg as a springboard.
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The Bulldogs (9-1) have won six consecutive games entering Friday night’s playoff contest with the visiting Trojans (5-5).
Following Gaithersburg’s 35-0 loss to Quince Orchard in Week 9, Trojans head coach Kreg Kephart was asked about his team’s playoffs chances after dropping to 4-5.
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“Somebody told me that 5-5 might get somebody in [the playoffs],” said Kephart, “but I don’t know if it will get us in.”
Gaithersburg snapped its five-game losing streak with a 20-14 victory over Wootton in the regular season finale and advanced to the postseason for the second straight year.
Gaithersburg senior quarterback Lincon Reyes has emerged as one of the county’s top signal-callers. He’s passed for nearly 1,700 yards and tossed 16 touchdowns. The Trojans have also been led by senior wide receivers Billy Brown and Simba Gwashavanhu who have combined for 15 touchdowns. Brown has also been a standout at defensive end with numerous sacks.
“He’s the Most Valuable Player in the county,” said Kephart, “I don’t care what anybody says.”
Meanwhile, Churchill counters with a talented backfield that includes senior quarterback Lansana Keita and running back Curtis Kamara.
“We’re trying to go all the way,” said Kamara, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 12 touchdowns this season.
The Bulldogs also boast a pair of talented wide receivers in senior Quan Gill and junior Dominique Williams not to mention standout senior two-way linemen Karou Diakite and Nadim Elhage.
Churchill senior linebacker Bret Sickels along with classmates Vinny Montgillion and Ike Davis help lead the Bulldogs defensive unit.
“We pride ourselves on defense,” said Churchill head coach Joe Allen.
