For the second year in a row, the Stephen Decatur Seahawks are undefeated and heading towards one last game in Annapolis to decide the Class 2A State Championship. And for the second year in a row, the Huntingtown Hurricanes stand in their way.
After a thrilling 20-point comeback in their semifinal overtime victory over Westlake, Stephen Decatur has the chance to go undefeated for the second straight year and once again lift the Class 2A State Championship at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Things looked bleak last week for most of the first three quarters for Decatur, but the experienced championship team found a way to extend their two-year win streak to 27 games.
Last year’s state title game between these two game down to the wire, and with both teams remaining potent and at the top of their games a year later, it won’t be a surprise if Saturday’s rematch shared it’s competitiveness.
Here is a preview of this Saturday’s State Championship Game between Stephen Decatur and Hungtingtown
MPSSAA Class 2A State Championship: Stephen Decatur (13-0) vs. Huntingtown (10-2)
Dec. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Both teams come into this game experienced and battle-tested, as you would expect from two teams who have made it to the state championship game in back-to-back years. For Decatur, not only do they carry their championship experience from last year with them, but they also have had to fend off unexpected scares during this year’s playoff run in wins against Wicomico and Westlake. On the other side of the field, Huntingtown grabbed a big road win in the semifinals over perennial contender Milford Mill last week, and competed in a very competitive Southern Maryland football schedule throughout the season, earning their impressive 10-2 record.
On defense, Decatur will remember Huntingtown running back Landon Cawley from last year’s game, who scored a touchdown in the title game last year. Cawley, alongside Brody Whittington and Gabriel Copeland, have combined for over 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground, meaning run defense will have to be a priority for Decatur Saturday.
The playoffs have been up and down for Decatur’s offense, as they’ve looked like their usually dominant selves against North Caroline and Walkersville, but struggled against Wi-Hi and Westlake. Big plays from Vanderbilt commit Davin Chandler helped Decatur survive against Wi-Hi, and everyone pitched with big plays during the comeback win over Westlake. The Huntingtown defense is known for forcing mistakes and capitalizing off turnovers, which is what helped power them to victory over Milford Mill. And the Seahawks offense will want to avoid another slow start like last week, where the offensive line struggled, and quarterback Johnny Hobgood and the Decatur receivers couldn’t connect through the air for the first three quarters of the game. One of Decatur’s usual quick starts on offense could go a long way towards them winning.
With two state championship game appearances in back-to-back seasons, the experienced core of this Seahawks team has shown that they know how to step up and handle the big moments in the biggest games. Saturday’s game will be the final test this season, and Decatur will win it, bringing back-to-back state titles to the Eastern Shore.
Pick: Stephen Decatur
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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Playoff Picks: Decatur football battles Huntingtown for 2A State Title
