Patterson demonstrated to an East-side rival yesterday just how dominant it could be. Now, the 10th-ranked Clippers just hope they get a chance to show the rest of the state.
On the strength of 376 yards of offense, Patterson rolled to a 44-8 victory over host Lake Clifton that clinched the Baltimore City 4A title.
But the Clippers (8-2 overall, 4-0 league) still find themselves playing a waiting game: Depending on how some other teams do statewide, they are still in jeopardy of missing the Class 4A state playoffs for only the third time in the 10 years since city schools joined the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Association.
"It was paramount that we win the game from every position on the field," said senior lineman Antwan Johnson, whose blocking helped the Clippers rush for 267 yards. "We showed what type of team we can be."
The game figured to be closer: Patterson lost, 14-0, earlier this year to City, which Lake Clifton blanked, 10-0.
"I wish we could have that game back," said running back Raymond Okadigbo. "Winning was all right, but to end the season like this would be messed up."
Patterson surpassed 40 points for the fifth time this fall, scoring on its first six possessions - five in the first half. The Clippers built a 22-0 lead in the first quarter, were ahead 36-0 at the half and 44-0 early in the third period. At that point, coach Roger Wrenn began substituting in his reserves.
Brandon Williams had a game-high 86 rushing yards, including a 53-yard scoring run, and threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Orlando Webb. Thomas Smith scored on two 1-yard runs. Okadigbo rushed for touchdowns of 3 and 6 yards.
Robert Lee and Charlie Caughman recovered fumbles, and Mark Dixon, Eubanks Johnson and Marques Thompson registered sacks as part of a defense that limited the starters for Lake Clifton (6-4, 2-2) to only 66 offensive yards.
The Lakers' only score came against the Clippers' backups with five minutes to play - on an 18-yard run by Deon Platter, followed by Randy Griffth's conversion run.
Using an elaborate point system, the top four regional winners, in addition to four teams chosen at large make up the eight-team 4A state playoff field.
Patterson entered the game in the eighth spot in the overall standings and needed at least two of four teams also competing for a berth to lose. Even if that occurred, the Clippers' chances depended on bonus points awarded for defeated opponents' victories.
"We showed we're a tough team - an awesome team," Smith said. "We wanted it more, and we want to play again next week. I think we have a chance."