For the second week in a row, Glenelg has had a team come to its football field undefeated and leave with a loss. The Gladiators knocked off Howard (4-1) Friday night, 35-20, leaving defending state champion River Hill as the last undefeated team in Howard County.
River Hill, which defeated Glenelg, 7-3, in Week 1, improved to 5-0 with a 42-8 win over Mt. Hebron on Friday.
"This was our first real challenge besides River Hill up front, and I think our boys did a hell of a job," said Glenelg senior David Brookhart, who scored on a 50-yard interception return, a 5-yard run and a 41-yard reception from Jack Hogan. "The holes were huge and it was easy to break runs … David Robbins, Craig Burris, Pat LaPort. "
Jared Jacoby rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries for Glenelg.
Brookhart's interception return came early in the second quarter when neither team could get much going on offense.
"The game was real even until that point, and I'm hoping that gave our team a spark and helped bust it open," Brookhart said. "We've got to finish the year strong and hopefully go 9-1 into the playoffs."
The loss spoiled a breakout performance by Howard senior Terrell Charles, who rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries.
"He's a beast, he runs hard all the time," Howard coach Bruce Strunk said.
The Lions had allowed only 49 points in their first four games this season.
"I think they beat us up front, that's what we were worried about. I think their line is very good and so is ours, but I think they won in the trenches and ultimately that was the deciding factor," Strunk said. "The last couple of games, from what I've seen on film they might be the best team (in Howard County). They're rolling."
Matt Baxter rushed for 48 yards on two carries for Glenelg, including a 35-yard touchdown run in the second half.
Glenelg's first five opponents this season are a combined 18-7.
"Our league is unbelievable. It's brutal each and every week, and we're just fortunate to be where we are right now," Glenelg coach Butch Schaffer said. "We've just got to go do the same things week in and week out because there is no easy one in Howard County."
Ho(4-1) 0 0 14 6 - 20
G (4-1) 0 14 7 14 - 35
Second quarter
G: Brookhart 50 interception return (Paul kick), 9:54.
G: Brookhart 5 run (Paul kick), :45.
Third quarter
Ho: Charles 44 run (Travisano kick), 8:40.
G: Baxter 35 run (Paul kick), 6:09.
Ho: Charles 57 run (Travisano kick), 4:35.
Fourth quarter
G: Jacoby 7 run (Paul kick), 10:00.
G: Brookhart 42 pass from Hogan (Paul kick), 5:26.
Ho: Charles 5 run (pass failed), 2:57.