Arundel-Meade Football Preview: Five Things to Watch

The Arundel High Wildcats travel a few miles up Route 175 Friday night for a showdown with the Meade High Mustangs.

The Wildcats are 2-0 after convincing wins over Annapolis and Northeast. Meade, meanwhile, is 1-1 after dropping a close loss to Southern in its opener and winning big over Annapolis last week.

Last year, Arundel beat Meade, 34-6, to retain the Mears Trophy.

Here are five things to watch as the Wildcats look to start 3-0 on the season.

Can Cooper Keep it Up? – Junior quarterback Cooper Hibbs has been strong in his first two games, against Annapolis and was an efficient 14 for 20 with a touchdown against Northeast. Meade did allow three touchdown passes in its last game against Annapolis, suggesting that Hibbs should be able to sling it comfortably.

Watch Out for Calvinaugh – Meade has some weapons on offense, led by running back Calvinaugh Jones, who exploded for 194 yards on 24 carries against Annapolis and 136 yards on 18 carries against Southern.

Can Anyone Stop Cropper? – It seems like all Arundel kick returner Gary Cropper needs is one good block, and he’s off to the races. The speedy senior has two kick returns for touchdowns in two games, and is also a favorite target of Hibbs as a wide receiver.

Go, Go, Romeo – Hibbs can throw to any one of a half-dozen talented wideouts, but Romeo Harris may have the biggest numbers by season’s end. The 6’2” senior hasn’t had a breakout game yet, but has caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in two games.

A Wildcat Running Game? – Arundel Head Coach Chuck Markiewicz , but he may choose to stay on the ground now that he has two talented backs in Matt Davis and Blake Thornton. Davis is one of the fastest players in the entire state, and Thornton reached the end zone twice last week.