It was evident driving into Cumberland, Maryland that the entire town was waiting in anticipation for the “biggest game of the season”. Every where one looked they could see “Go Fort Hill” or “Go Allegany” flags flying high. Everyone looks forward to this game, the Fort Hill Sentinel team was coming into the game with an undefeated season and the Allegany Campers were hoping for a win that would put them safely in the playoffs. This historic gridiron battle is one of the biggest rivalries in the state of Maryland. Until this game is over the sentiment for both teams and fans is “who cares about the playoffs let’s just beat them”.

MVP

Sam Walker

Fort Hill

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Dakota Welsh

Fort Hill

Fort Hill’s recipient is senior full-back/linebacker Dakota Welsh, son of Ronald and Debra Welsh. Dakota has a 3.66 GPA.

Dustin Wharton

Allegany

Allegany’s scholarship recipient is senior running back/inside linebacker Dustin Wharton, son of Timothy and Tracey Wharton. Dustin is a three-year letterman on the varsity football and basketball teams. He was one of 22 pre-season “Players to Watch” and is a two-year Honorable Mention All-State player. He has a 3.64 GPA and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rotary Club, and National Honor Society.

GAME SUMMARY

Allegany was all over the ball in the first half, but a strong Sentinel defense kept the Campers from putting many points on the board. Allegany had the opening kickoff but after a fumble on their 36 yard line the Sentinels recovered the ball and with a 24 yard field goal went up 3-0. Moments before halftime scholar athlete recipient Dustin Wharton had a 5-yard run the made the score 10-7. This was going to be a low scoring game, and from the look of the defenses, whatever team had the ball last would probably go on to win the Great American Rivalry Trophy. . It wasn't until the second half that Fort Hill opened up their run game to take the lead and never look back. The Scholar-athlete, Dakota Welsh, was outstanding for his team, although his teammate Sam walker took home the MVP. Sam obtains the MVP hardware after his 52 yard run in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Dakota may have come in a close second for the most valuable player award. The final score of the game was 17-7 with the number one ranked team Fort Hill High School on top. Maybe there will be a rematch in the play-offs.