Prep football: Falcons aiming to contain Rock

Veteran Winters Mill football coach Ken Johnson is no stranger to prolific running backs and tonight he will become familiar with the county's leading rusher Tyrice Rock.

The Century senior has put up 814 yards in just four games, passing the 200-yard mark in three of the Knights' four contests. Rock has also scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and leads the county with 74 points.

The Falcons punished South Carroll last week in a 28-14 victory to even their record at 2-2. WM's defense forced six turnovers, three of which were interceptions by Wes Cook.

"We have definitely been working on our defense this week," Cook said. "We feel if we can stop him then as a defense we can be fine."

In the Knights Week 3 loss to Urbana, it was clear the Hawks' game plan was devised specifically to contain Rock and they allowed Knights quarterback Brad MacFee to take some shots down the field.

Don't expect Johnson to do quite as much altering as the Hawks did when the Knights (2-2, 1-0 county) march in to Winters Mill tonight.

"You've got to really watch yourself. You always modify a game plan somewhat depending on who you play but it's usually less on personnel and more on scheme," Johnson said. "The thing with him is we aren't going to change things just to do something radically different.

"I think the key is keeping the integrity of the defense intact. You don't want to have any one player overreacting."

Tonight's game marks the halfway point of the season and it is one of Johnson's old players who Rock will be chasing for the all-time single season rushing record if he keeps performing at this pace.

Back in 1998, Liberty's Calvin Stacey rushed for 1,819 yards to establish a county record that still stands. Rock boasts a little more speed and lateral quickness than Stacey, but catching the mark won't be easy.

Johnson has noticed some of Rock's strengths when he watches the speedy Century back on tape.

"He is going to get his yards," Johnson said. "The big thing is to contain those long runs. He's a very patient runner with good vision. Once he makes a decision he goes with it and he's got that extra gear.

"All of those are key elements for an exceptional running back. You've got to have them all, you can't just have one and he's definitely got them all."

Although it is only Week 5, the game has some big playoff implications for both teams. Winters Mill is fourth in the Class 2A West region with 15 points.The top four teams in each region at the end of the season make the playoffs.

Century is a mere two points away from the Falcons and the winner of tonight's game will be in good position to make a run at the playoffs. Cook said the Falcons are feeling confident after going to Parker Field and beating the Cavs last week.

"It's good to start the county season fresh and we got our first win and he don't want to lose any more," Cook said. "Those first two losses don't matter anymore, now it's all county games."

In other action, Westminster will travel to Eldersburg to take on the Lions and try to preserve its undefeated record. Owls quarterback Deryk Kern has tossed for 12 touchdowns over the past two games and the Lions are coming off a tough 20-16 loss to Manchester Valley.

The Mavericks will look to pick up their fourth win against Francis Scott Key. Mavs quarterback Dom Frank has rushed for 100 or more yards in all three games he's played.

Fresh off its first win of the season over Silver Oak, the North Carroll Panthers will head to Parker field to take on a Cavaliers team that is in need of a victory to stay close in the playoff hunt.