Springbrook: Can team author feel-good sequel?

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007

Springbrook: Can team author feel-good sequel?

by Dan Greenberg | Staff Writer

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Brian Lewis⁄The Gazette

Junior quarterback Phoenix-Butler Poole will lead Springbrook from under center.

Springbrook’s 2006 season played out like a feel-good movie — the Blue Devils looked every bit the underdog when it began, had some zany twists and turns in the middle, and came through in storybook fashion.

Unfortunately, the film ended a minute too early.

After missing the playoffs by virtue of a game played 50 miles away (Parkville of Baltimore County beat Towson for the final spot in the 4A North playoff picture), Springbrook’s preseason quest is to take that one extra step from what was, at times, a magical season last fall.

After getting shellacked by Sherwood to start the year, the Blue Devils came up with several close victories along the way. Then, in what looked like a postseason play-in game, they fell behind Watkins Mill in the final period, but came out on top thanks to a late touchdown run by then-senior Adou Kouadio.

‘‘We were so close last year,” said senior inside linebacker and Towson-commit Darius Hill. ‘‘I think we’ll only get better.”

But it won’t be easy, and a lot of holes will have to be replaced, starting with Kouadio. He not only was their constant offensive threat with 1,270 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns, but he was also their best cornerback, leading the team in interceptions.

It will be a backfield-by-committee in his stead, with three guys having a realistic chance to start. Senior Carlo Galeano, a starting linebacker last year, could see most of the duty, but so could fellow senior Seymour Mainu or junior T.J. Waters.

The offense also has big losses at receiver. Gone are the Devils’ four top receivers: Towson freshman Nick Oates (also a standout corner a year ago), Ben Simmons, Dom Omatade and Jordan Dow. The starting wideouts are also not yet decided, but could be senior Zach Boodie and junior Mitchell Pollard.

While the backs and receivers will look different, Springbrook does get their leader back. Quarterback Phoenix Butler-Poole showed unusual maturity for a sophomore a year ago, leading a spectacular comeback against Paint Branch and throwing a game-winning touchdown pass late in a 6-0 win over Richard Montgomery.

‘‘He’s gotten bigger and stronger, and can throw the ball further,” said head coach Rob Wendel. ‘‘He certainly knows the offense, and now he’s got a year under his belt.”

The Blue Devils also return three starting offensive linemen, who should see time on the defensive side of the ball as well, in center Rashad Smith, guard Chris Husseini and three-year starter John Nwosu.

Hill will anchor the defense, as he has done since his sophomore season. For the last two years he has led the Blue Devils in tackles, and should combine with Galeano to make for a formidable defense.

But a tough schedule will make a postseason run an uphill climb. Springbrook starts with Gaithersburg, and face three other playoff teams from a year ago: Kennedy, Northwest and the Class 4A state runner-up Warriors.

‘‘We have such tough schedule, but we can’t complain,” said Wendel. ‘‘The nice thing about it is we have guys who were competing last year, so they know what it’s about and they’re hungry. The ultimate goal is to beat the best, and you’ve got to play them to do so. But we’ve got monsters this year — we’ve got to slay the dragons.”

Devils Den

Head coach: Rob Wendel, 3rd year (12-8)

League affiliation: Montgomery 4A East

Last year’s record: 7-3

Last playoff appearance: 2003 (11th)

Last state title: 1989 (6th)

Players to watch: QB Phoenix Butler-Poole, LB Darius Hill, RB⁄LB Carlo Galeano

2006 results

Sept. 9 — Sherwood (W), 33-0

Sept. 16 — Blair (W), 28-0

Sept. 21 — Einstein (W), 39-12

Sept. 29 — Paint Branch (W), 34-31