As the MPSSAA boys soccer playoffs kick off this week, River Hill High School coach Matt Shagogue emphasizes the importance of balance and urgency during this critical time of year. The playoffs, which begin with regional matches on Wednesday, mark the culmination of a season that includes preseason, regular season, and now the decisive playoff phase.
“You kind of have to reset and restart because it’s basically the third part of a season,” Shagogue explained. “It’s so definitive because you can be playing today and then ‘Boom!’ it’s gone tomorrow.” Last year, Shagogue led the Hawks to secure the Class 3A title, but this season, the team has dropped to Class 2A, opening the door for new champions to emerge.
In the previous year, River Hill was joined by two other area teams in claiming state titles: C. Milton Wright in Class 2A and Liberty in Class 1A. With River Hill’s transition, the postseason landscape is set for changes and surprises.
Class 4A: Aiming for Breakthrough
The Class 4A division presents a unique challenge as local teams seek to break a decade-long title drought. The last area team to win the 4A title was Perry Hall in 2015. This year, Montgomery Blair enters as the defending champion, while the East region looks promising for local hopefuls. Notably, Broadneck, currently standing at 13-1, has won 12 consecutive matches, including a recent victory over Severna Park (2-1) in the Anne Arundel County championship.
As the second seed in East Region II, Broadneck will face Leonardtown, the top seed, in the upcoming matches. Crofton, another contender seeded fourth with a record of 10-1-1, will also be a key player in this competitive bracket.
Class 3A: Finding the Next Champion
With River Hill’s departure to Class 2A, the question arises: which team is best poised to claim the Class 3A crown? Despite losing two top contenders, area teams remain strong. Notably, Centennial (10-1-1) and Catonsville, both positioned in North Region II, are equipped for a successful run. Meanwhile, Reservoir (9-3-1), seeded first in South Region I, is also a team to watch, despite Towson having a less-than-stellar regular season record of 7-5.
Class 2A: Glenelg’s Quest for Perfection
In Class 2A, the undefeated Glenelg Gladiators aim to cap off their perfect season. Their impeccable record is a testament to their formidable performance in the challenging Howard County regular season. However, they may face stiff competition from Century (8-4-1) in the West Region I, as well as defending champion C. Milton Wright (10-3), which holds the top seed in East Region I.
The rivalry between the Mustangs and Bel Air, the second seed, also adds an exciting dimension to the playoffs.
Class 1A: Harford County’s Strong Contenders
In Class 1A, the focus shifts to Harford County, where the quest for a new champion unfolds. While defending champion Liberty comes in with a less-than-ideal record of 4-5-2, they cannot be discounted. The North Region I features strong contenders like Patterson Mill (10-1-1) and Harford Tech (10-2-1), both of which hold the top two seeds in the bracket.
As the playoffs progress, South Carroll (8-5-1) leads the West Region II, while last year’s runner-up, Brunswick, is positioned as the second seed.
With the playoffs underway, the excitement builds for both players and fans alike as teams vie for the prestigious state titles. Each match promises to deliver high-stakes drama and showcase the talent within the region.
