Delaney led county defenders in points this fall (19), registering eight goals and five assists. Among the big offensive games for the senior was two goals in the state championship against Queen Anne's. Defensively, he was part of a Marriotts Ridge unit that had 11 shutouts.

Jack Jacobs, Atholton. Named a captain this year as a junior on what was a very young Raiders' team, Jacobs was responsible for anchoring the defense. He spent time at sweeper, stopper and center midfield. "We asked him to do a little of everything for us … I definitely put a lot on him because I knew he could handle it," coach Roch DeFrances said. "He's one of those kids that came in as a really good physical player and has added a great amount of skill to go along with it."

In addition to being a defensive stopper, Jacobs also was Atholton's main guy on long throws and direct kicks. He finished with four goals and two assists when he pushed up to help the offense.

Danny Mooney, Centennial. A junior, Mooney has continually progressed since his freshman year into one of the best two-way threats in the county. He normally lined up at right back, but as Centennial transitioned up field he was often operating as another midfielder. "He's relentless … he's constantly putting pressure on the other team to account for him," coach Jim Zehe said. "We would get him out wide and he'd make those combination plays all the way into the attacking third. But what makes him so good is, when we need him defensively, he's really strong there as well."

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His versatility resulted in him accounting for four goals and five assists this fall, ranking him third on the team in total points, to go along with helping the defense allow just seven goals in 15 games.

Zach Smythe, Wilde Lake. A three-year starter that made second-team all-county last season, Smythe was given a lot of freedom by first-year Wilde Lake coach Jonathan Robinson. "He was the quarterback of our defense, using his instincts and experience to run everything back there," Robinson said. "We let him roam a lot, which freed him to make plays all over the field."

Not the biggest defender, Smythe makes up for it with his ability to read plays and consistently get himself in the right spots. "He makes not routine things, look routine," Robinson said.

Goalie

Hassan Mostafa, Oakland Mills. A fixture in net since his freshman year and two-year captain for the Scorpions, Mostafa was the face of an Oakland Mills defense that developed into one of the county's best units. His durability, having never missed a high school game, and athleticism were unparalleled. "He's the fastest kid on our team and that includes the strikers. Throw in his great feet and good hands and he was able to do a lot of different things for us," coach Don Shea said.

As a senior this fall, Mostafa surrended only 10 goals in 17 games. Along the way there were seven shutouts, including one stretch of three straight in October. He has decided to attend Slippery Rock University (Division II) next fall.