The Final Score - FNP Podcasts

With his team enjoying a winning season, Catoctin High boys lacrosse coach Chris Doll is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Doll chats with host Greg Swatek about what life was like growing up right across the street from Catoctin High and attending school and playing sports there. He talks about how he got into coaching lacrosse and the challenge of taking over a winless program in 2021, as well as all of the progress the program has made over the last four years. And he talks about why this season's team, which features some of the top scorers in Frederick County, has been so successful. Last week, the Cougars earned a momentous overtime win over Walkersville. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Trey Lipscomb's status with the Washington Nationals and how the Urbana High graduate might fit into the team's long-term plans, if at all. The guys also talk about the top teams separating themselves from the pack in the various spring sports across Frederick County.

In his first season of coaching the Oakdale High baseball team, John Schmidt is this week's guest on the Final Score Podcast. Schmidt chats with host Greg Swatek about the recent no-hitter thrown by his senior ace JP Shultz against arguably the top offensive team in Frederick County, Urbana. He talks about what makes Shultz such an effective pitcher despite not having over-powering stuff, what that moment was like for him and the team once the final out of the no-hitter was recorded and what sort of future potential he has as Shultz heads off to play in college next year at the University of Charleston (West Virginia). The coach also discusses how he got the job at Oakdale and why it was such a desirable position for him. And he also talks about his background as a player, donning the uniform for Catholic University, his close relationship with his brother and how and why he got into coaching. Prior to arriving at Oakdale, Schmidt coached for 15 years and established credibility with the program at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about what Frederick County teams are state-title contenders in baseball, softball and boys and girls lacrosse.

With his Frederick Flying Cows team off to another great start in its second season of play in The Basketball League (TBL), coach Ed Corporal is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Corporal shares stories from his incredible life in basketball with host Greg Swatek. His step brother, Otis Birdsong, was the second overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Kings (who now play in Sacramento) and quickly became an All-Star player with the Kings and then later the New Jersey Nets (1984). Corporal served as a teenage ballboy for the Kings and was assigned to making sure the visiting teams had everything they need. So, he shares stories of interacting with Magic Johnson, Pat Riley and Larry Bird and what he learned from them by just watching them work. He talks about how the game has changed and why he isn't so enamored with today's NBA game. He also talks about how his sheer stubbornness, competitiveness and love for the game and helping people pushed him and guided him during his recovery from two massive strokes in 2013. And he talks about his unusual path to becoming the head coach of the Flying Cows and why the team has been so good right from its inception. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the ongoing spring sports season in Frederick County, including remarkable no-hitters in both baseball and softball.

Almost two months into his new job as Catoctin High School's varsity football coach, former Cougar Brady Ridenour is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Ridenour tells host Greg Swatek how he got the job at his alma mater. Why did he want the job? What was the interview process like? Did he think he would get the job? He talks about being a lifelong member of the Thurmont community and what makes that place so special, as well as playing for former Catoctin football coach Doug Williams and the impact he had on his life. Ridenour discusses winning a state title as a player at Catoctin in 2009 and his fondest memories of that experience. And he shares his feelings about the program he would like to build for the school and the style of play he would like to implement. Plus, he discusses what life is like being a new father. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss his weekend in Boston at the world figure skating championships and all of the star power on the Frederick County softball scene.

After making a thrilling run to the NCAA Tournament and winning a First Four game, Mount St. Mary's men's basketball coach Donny Lind and junior guard Arlandus Keyes are this week's guests on The FInal Score podcast. Lind and Keyes reflect on their terrific run to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament championship and through their first two games of the NCAA Tournament, which included a victory over American in the First Four and a loss to top-seeded Duke in first round game last week in Raleigh, North Carolina. They tell host Greg Swatek why the team was able to play its best basketball at the most critical time of the season and what they will remember the most about the journey. They also talk about their futures with the Mount program and where the teams goes from here. Who will be back next season? And who has already decided to enter the transfer portal? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about one of the best times on the sports calendar with March Madness in full swing and opening day for the Major League Basketball season, as well as the start of high spring sports in Frederick County.

After achieving his life-long dream of winning a state title, senior wrestler Josh Arthur of Linganore High School is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Arthur chats with host Greg Swatek about his 9-3 double-overtime victory over Seneca Valley's Isaiah Brewster in the Class 4A-3A state final at 113 pounds. What were his nerves like going into that match? After beating Brewster a week earlier in a regional final, how much did that match help him going into the state final? And what were his emotions like after the final buzzer sounded in double overtime with him ahead by six points? Growing up in a wrestling family, Arthur talks about why he was so instantly drawn to the sport. He discusses Linganore's team season and how close the Lancers came to winning three consecutive 3A duals titles in a row. And he talks about his future and how wrestling might fit into that. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to chat about March Madness and the latest runs to the NCAA Tournament by Mount St. Mary's and Maryland. They also discuss the start of spring sports in Frederick County and some storylines to follow and whether Urbana High graduate Trey Lipscomb will be on the Washington Nationals' Opening Day roster.

After winning the girls 115-pound weight class last weekend at the state wrestling tournament, Brunswick High freshman Kate Virgilio is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Virgilio chats with host Greg Swatek about her championship victory — she pinned Liberty's Aubrey Ohler in 5 minutes, 55 seconds after being pinned by Ohler earlier in the season — and the road that led up to it. She talks about how she got her start in wrestling and what it's been like wrestling and beating boys for most of her young career to this point. She chats about the difference when it comes to wrestling girls. And she talks about the legacy she'd like the leave and the opportunity she hopes to create for other girls in wrestling across the county. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the end of the winter sports season after the Middletown boys and the Oakdale girls lost in the state basketball semifinals. They talk about the Knights' loss to New Town and the Bears setback against South River and how both teams acquitted themselves well against high-powered opponents.

After accepting his first head coaching job in early February, new Urbana High School varsity football coach Zach Shoemaker is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Shoemaker tells host Greg Swatek why high school football has always been such a big part of his life. He talks about witnessing the birth of the Urbana football dynasty in 1998 at Byrd Stadium. He was 10 years old at the time, alongside his father, Roy, a football coach himself. He talks about why the Urbana program always appealed to him so much. He also chats about playing quarterback and safety for Boonsboro High School and later safety for Shepherd University. He talks about why defense and playing physical football is such a big part of his philosophy. And he discusses being deployed in Afghanistan in 2012 as part of the U.S. Marine Corps and how that shaped him both as a person and a coach. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy stops in to discuss the state basketball quarterfinals, featuring the Frederick and Middletown boys and the Oakdale girls, as well as Oakdale's second straight championship Maryland Student Hockey League championship.

After accepting his first head-coaching job last month, new Brunswick High School football coach Nick Rhodes is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Rhodes, 28, chats with host Greg Swatek about why he wanted the Brunswick job after serving as an assistant for the last five years at his alma mater, Boonsboro High School. He served as the Warriors' defensive coordinator last season. He talks about meeting the players for the first time and laying out his expectations for them and what his first month on the job has been like so far. Rhodes also discusses how he got into coaching, who influenced his coaching style and the type of program he expects to lead at Brunswick. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to chat about the Central Maryland Conference championship games for boys as girls basketball and what's ahead for these teams in the regional playoffs. They also talk about the Maryland Student Hockey League semifinals, which feature three Frederick County teams, Oakdale, Urbana and Middletown Valley.

As he steps back into a head coaching job on familiar terrain, new Thomas Johnson High football coach Vince Ahearn is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Ahearn was hired back in late January to take over the Patriots' program, which has fallen on hard times over the last decade. Previously, he was the longtime football coach at rival Frederick High, but had not had a head-coaching position since he left Smithsburg High School in 2021. He tells host Greg Swatek why he decided to be a head coach again and why the TJ job was such a good fit for him. What are some of the biggest challenges he faces? What is the state of TJ's feeder program, which folded and is in the process of being restored? What is he most excited about? Ahearn answers all of these questions and more over the course of the conversation. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about another buzzer beater, the upcoming high school boys and girls basketball playoffs, the state indoor track meet and the state wrestling duals.

After recently stepping down as Catoctin High's baseball coach, stunning many around the Frederick County sports community, Mike Franklin is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Franklin reflects on his 28 years as a baseball coach at Catoctin, including 25 spent as a head coach, with host Greg Swatek. He talks about why he made his decision, the difficulty that was involved in making it and what reaction he has gotten from others across the county since making it. He also talks about why he loved coaching at Catoctin so much and stayed with the school for so long, even when he had opportunities to go elsewhere. Franklin discusses the impact his family had on his decision and some of his initial plans for the next phase of his life. Can he see himself getting back into coaching one day? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to review the Frederick County Public Schools swimming and diving championships from last weekend and the Monocacy Valley Hockey League championship game between Middletown Valley and Oakdale.

In his first season covering the Frederick High girls basketball team, J.R. Pinnock is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Pinnock chats with host Greg Swatek about his team, the successful season its having, why he wanted the job and his adjustment to coaching girls when his background is working with boys. He also talks about his extensive playing career and how that shaped him as a person and a coach. Pinnock grew up in a military family, played college basketball at George Washington University, where he was the team's leading scorer for the 2006-2006 season and led the team to the NCAA tournament out of the Atlantic 10. Pinnock was drafted into the NBA by the Dallas Mavericks with the 58th overall (second round) selection of the 2006 draft and then later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was very briefly teammates with Kobe Bryant. After his very short NBA stint ended, he went on to have a long and expansive professional playing career internationally. He talks about all of this and more. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about a buzzer beater involving the Mount St. Mary's men and look ahead to the high school basketball playoffs here in Frederick County for boys and girls teams.

Fresh off another win over their chief regional rival, Linganore, longtime Oakdale High girls basketball coach Rob Healy, senior forward Jane Rape and junior forward Layla McFarland are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. The win over Linganore this week improved the Bears record to 15-1 this season. Healy and his players chat with host Greg Swatek, not just about the big win over the Lancers and why they seem to have their number in big games, but why they have played so well this season in general. The Oakdale girls are coming off an appearance in the Class 3A state championship game last March. Healy and his players talked about having that experience and how it could pay dividends for them later this season. Jane Rape talks about her four years at Oakdale and her decision to play for Army, West Point in college as the Bears' first Division I girls basketball player. McFarland talks about her 30 points against Linganore, which matched a single-game school record, and how she has developed as a player over the course of her winding basketball journey. And Healy talks about how he motivates the team, often through the use of impactful quotes, and keeps it sharp and playing well throughout the season. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the high school basketball scene in Frederick County and how the tragic plane crash in Washington hit close to home.

With his team bidding to win a third consecutive state duals championship, Linganore High wrestling coach Bill Swaney is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Swaney talks with host Greg Swatek about his long career as a wrestling coach in Frederick County that has almost spanned almost two decades. He discusses taking over the head coaching job at Linganore this season from longtime friend and colleague Ben Arneson and some of the challenges the Lancers have faced as they go after another state title. He also talks about how the sport has changed over the years and the need to evolve with the times and adapt to what's happening now. And he talks about his beloved Washington Commanders and Capitals having terrific seasons and being squarely in a championship chase. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss a Frederick County girls flag football commitment at Mount St. Mary's, a profile he is working on about longtime Tuscarora coach Mike O'Brien and the local high school basketball scene.

A few days after officially stepping down as the varsity football coach at Urbana High School, Dean Swink is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Swink explains in detail his decision to step down to host Greg Swatek. What were the biggest factors that drove it? How long had he been wrestling with it? And why was now the right time? He was the head coach at Urbana for two seasons, going 10-13 overall over that span. Previously, he was the head coach at Tuscorora High School from 2009-11. Is there a future for him coaching football in some capacity, even if he is not the head coach? And what will he miss the most about the job. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the boys and girls basketball pecking order this season in Frederick County.

With her son having another terrific season and set to play in his first playoff game for the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Addison's mother, Keisha Jackson, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Jackson chats with host Greg Swatek about watching her son develop into one of the best young receivers in the NFL in his second season with the Vikings. She talks about how she feels when she watches him play and the reactions she gets from fans who may or may not realize that she is Addison's mother. She also addresses some of the off-the-field challenges her son has faced, including an excessive speeding charge and DUI, how she reacted to those incidents and how Jordan has learned and grown from them. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the local sports scene in a week plagued by weather postponements and how sports are impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the role they play as the city tries to recover.

After taking down reigning Class 4A state champion Clarksburg on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win the holiday tournament at Thomas Johnson High School last week, coach Rachael Easterday, senior forward Kayleigh Lake and senior guard Taylor Moran of the Linganore High girls basketball team are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about the Lancers' 6-1 start to the season despite coming into it with a largely new cast of players. The big win over Clarksburg is discussed at length, and Taylor Moran shares what it was like to make the game-winning 3 to win that game at the buzzer. Did the sequence unfold in slow motion for her and the team, like it was a movie? Meanwhile, Kayleigh Lake talks about being the only returning starter on the team and the challenges and rewards that has presented. The group also talks about why the Lancers have exceeded expectations so far this season and how the fast start might have changed the outlook for the rest of this season. How far do they think the team can go? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about his holiday travel and holiday-tournament basketball. What teams looked the best and have the best outlook going forward?

With his team off to its best start in more than a decade, Walkersville High School wrestling coach Andre Jackson is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. After years of futility, the Lions came into the week with a 14-1 record and thoughts of contending for the Class 2A state duals championship this season. Jackson talks with host Greg Swatek about why his team is wrestling so well, what has fueled the turnaround and realistic expectations for a team and group of wrestlers that seems to improve by the match. He talks about coaching wrestling for almost 40 years in Frederick County after wrestling for Frederick High. How did he come into the job? Why does he enjoy the job so much? What keeps him going? And how much longer might he do it? Jackson discusses what coaching Frederick High to a state team championship in 1996 was like and what this season's Walkersville team must do to achieve it's ultimate goals.

As the Frederick Flying Cows prepare for their second season of professional basketball in The Basketball League (TBL), the team's general manager, Chris Jenkins, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Jenkins, a Frederick native, chats with host Greg Swatek about the remarkable amount of success the Flying Cows experienced in their first season of existence. The team went 20-6, playing before good crowds on the campus of Hood College, and was the top seed in the Atlantic Northeastern conference playoffs. Jenkins tells the story of how the team came to be, the sort of happenstance way of how they landed the winningest coach in TBL history, how they acquire players and the type of living they are able to make, the role it seeks to play in the Frederick County sports community and expectations for Season 2 from an operational and basketball standpoint. For the last seven years, Jenkins has run the largest high school basketball tournament in the country, the Governor's Challenge, at this time of year in Salisbury. He talks about the rewards and logistical challenges of staging such a tournament, which will feature 144 teams this year. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the upcoming holidays and the overall basketball scene in Frederick County, including the Flying Cows and the top boys and girls high school teams.

As a new boys basketball season begins across Frederick County, Thomas Johnson head coach John Manley is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Manley is the longest-tenured boys basketball coach in the county, having been the head coach at TJ for 17 years and on staff there for 22. He chats with host Greg Swatek about his longevity, what keeps him going in the job, how he has evolved and become a better coach over the years and how much longer he might keep doing it. He also talks about his team at TJ this season and whether he feels it can make a run deep into the playoffs. The Patriots share the same region (Class 4A West, Section I) with the reigning state champs in 4A, Frederick High. TJ nearly ended the Cadets' quest for a state title last season. The Patriots led by 14 points early in the fourth quarter before eventually falling in a regional final, 49-45. Plus, with the holidays approaching, how does a veteran coach handle all of interruptions of routine and habits that this time of year typically presents. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Linganore's 35-7 loss to Arundel in the Class 3A football state final last Saturday in Annapolis and offer a bit of a winter sports preview for county teams, particularly when it comes to boys and girls basketball.

With the Linganore High football team preparing to play in another state final, assistant coaches Scott Willett and Herman King are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. Willett and King chat with host Greg Swatek about their own experiences with Linganore football, but also the remarkable career of head coach Rick Conner, who is wrapping up his 23rd season as the Lancers' head coach with yet another appearance in a state title game, his sixth in the last eight years and 15th overall as a coach. Linganore faces Arundel High School at for the Class 3A state championship at 7 p.m. Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. What makes Conner the coach and the person that he is? How has he been able to have this much success? Willett has been with Conner for more than 20 years at Linganore, while King has coached with him for more than 30, dating back to their time together on the coaching staff at Thomas Johnson High School. Not only did Willett play for Linganore and win a state title in 1989, he and his wife, Susie, have raised three sons who have played football and appeared in a state final for the Lancers. What were the odds? King, meanwhile, shares Conner's passion for football, physicality and weight lifting. Why did he decide to leave TJ to join Conner's staff at Linganore? The Lancers are trying to snap a four-game slide in state championship games. What would it mean to Willett and King if they were able to claim a seventh state championship to extend their Frederick County record? Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to look at the Linganore-Arundel state final and what some of the keys to the game might be.

With his team set to play in a Class 2A-1A state semifinal, Middletown High Football coach Collin Delauter is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Delauter chats with host Greg Swatek about the Knights season so far and the formidable challenge that lies ahead. They are 10-2 and will travel to southern Maryland to unbeaten Patuxent (12-0), which knocked them out in the state quarterfinal round last season, 42-7. How is Middletown approaching this year's game, and what will it need to do to win and advance to its first state final since its 2A championship season in 2019? This is Delauter's eighth season on the job. He previously played for and won a state title at Middletown. How has he grown both as a coach and as a person over that time period? What has he learned? And how much fun is it to still be practicing football on Thanksgiving? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Thanksgiving traditions, favorite foods and, yes, the state football semifinals featuring Linganore and Middletown this week.

As his team prepares to host Bel Air in a Class 3A state quarterfinal, longtime Linganore High football coach is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Conner chats with host Greg Swatek about a season that has exceeded just about everyone's expectations around the program. The Lancers graduated more than 30 seniors from last year's team that faced Oakdale for the Class 3A state championship. The group includes Frederick County's all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, Ethan Arneson, and a Division I college quarterback, Christian Petruzzello (Bucknell). Only six starters returned out of 22 on both sides of the ball. How have the Lancers maintained such a high level with so many new players in key positions? Who or what has been the biggest surprise? What is the team's outlook heading into Friday's state quarterfinal against Bel Air? Conner answers all of those questions and more. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Brunswick's state final in boys soccer last Saturday and to preview the Frederick County state quarterfinal football matchups, which also involve Frederick High, Middletown and Walkersville.

As they prepare for their third state final in four years, Brunswick High boys soccer coach Shawn Baker and two of his top players, Chase Malone and Graham Putnam, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. The Railroaders (14-2-2) will face Liberty (15-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (November 16) at Loyola University in Baltimore for the Class 1A championship. If they win, it will mark their sixth state championship and fifth since 2012. Baker and his players chat with host Greg Swatek about how the program has been able to create such sustained success. Putnam shares his unique perspective, as he was essentially born into the Brunswick soccer program since his father, Kenny, served as the team's coach. Malone, meanwhile, is the leading scorer in the county his season, and his older brother, Logan, scored game-winning goals for the Railroaders in overtime of the 2021 and '22 state-championship games. The guys talk about their season, their overtime win over previously unbeaten Mountain Ridge in the state semifinals and what they expect against Liberty in Saturday's championship game. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to wrap up the end of the girls flag football and cross country seasons, including an excruciatingly close call for Frederick High girls cross country, and look ahead to the second week of the high school football playoffs.

With its team preparing to host its annual tip-off tournament this weekend, Hood College men's basketball coach Chad Dickman is this week's guest on The FInal Score podcast. Dickman chats with host Greg Swatek about the tip-off tournament, which features Randolph-Macon, nationally ranked in Division III, and its coach Josh Merkel, a Frederick County native, as well as Salisbury and Notre Dame of Maryland. What are Dickman's expectations for the coming season? The Blazers are coming off their second NCAA tournament appearance in three seasons and return two of their best players in Garrison Linton and Garrett Cox. Is it good enough just to get back to the tournament this season or do the Blazers need to win a game this time to feel satisfied? Plus, what does Dickman expect from his new players, including freshman like Ivan Quejada and Gage Linton who played their high school basketball in Frederick County? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the fall sports playoffs in Frederick County, including girls flag football championships, state soccer semifinals and the first round of the traditional football playoffs.

With the start of the season about a week away, Mount St. Mary's women's basketball coach Antoine White is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. White chats with host Greg Swatek about his young team. Nine of the Mountaineers 14 players are either freshmen or sophomores, an intentional move during the recruiting process that will allow the team to grow together. He also talks about the shakeup on his coaching staff and the new people advising him as he begins his fourth season as the head coach of the Mountaineers. With so much new swirling around the team, has he had to adjust his expectations for the season? The Mount was recently picked to finish seventh in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in a preseason coaches poll. How does he think his team will fare in its third season of MAAC play? Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the state golf championships and the overall state of the falls sports playoffs for the Frederick County teams that are still alive.

With his first season as the men's basketball coach at Mount St. Mary's about to begin, Donny Lind is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Lind chats with host Greg Swatek about his expectations for the coming season. What have his first six months on the job been like? What style of basketball will the Mountaineers look to play on both ends of the floor? Who will the players to watch be? And how will the team fare in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference? The Mountaineers were recently picked to finish 11th out of 13 teams in the MAAC in a preseason coaches poll. Does Lind put much stock into that? He also discusses the renovations going on at Knott Arena right now and how that might impact the team, particularly when it comes to the new court. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Jerry Smith being removed as Brunswick High's football coach and the impact that might have on the team. They also recap Week 7 of the high school football season, look ahead to Week 8 and set the playoff scene for county teams in the other fall sports.

After recently announcing that he was stepping down following eight years as Urbana's boys track and field coach, Kyle Grimm is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Grimm chats with host Greg Swatek about the difficulty of the decision and why not was the right time to step away from the program. He discusses how he came into the job and why he loved it so much. And he talks about the future of the program under coach Jackie Suarez, a good friend and the Urbana boys cross country head coach who worked closely alongside him during the track and field season. The discussion then turns to Grimm's influences growing up, his musical inclinations and how he met his wife, as they both work as music teachers. Would Grimm ever return to coaching? He entertains that question as he discusses his future. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Brunswick's momentous victory over Walkersville in football, the tenuous status of Railroaders coach Jerry Smith and how that might affect the team and Linganore's talented girls flag football team. The guys review Week 6 of the traditional high school football season and look forward to Week 7.

Coming off a couple of important matches against Linganore and North Hagerstown, Urbana High volleyball coach Emily Sexton is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Sexton chats with host Greg Swatek about her background playing volleyball at Urbana and later coaching there. How did the opportunity come about for her? What has she learned about coaching since she has taken the job? She also discusses her team and how it fits into the great volleyball tradition that Urbana has established. Who are the players that make the team go? What sort of expectations did she have for the team? In the last week, the Hawks have pulled out a close win over Linganore and dropped a tough one to perennial state power North Hagerstown. What does she hope her team took from those experiences? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to share his thoughts, among other things, on the Urbana volleyball team and its match with Linganore and the Hawks' out-of-state victory in girls flag football over a team from Athens, Georgia.

Coming off an important victory over arch rival Frederick High, Thomas Johnson boys soccer coach Jonathan Thayil is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Thayil chats with host Greg Swatek about a momentous week for the Patriots soccer program, during which they honored the man that started it 50 years ago, Fred Dayton, and then went out and pulled out a 3-2 victory over the Cadets on a late goal by junior midfielder Jordan Tema to even their record at 2-2-2 on the season. The coach talked about why his team is so good on set pieces and how they determine playing time for two capable goalies. Thayil also talks about how he got his starts in soccer and coaching, why he was so bad a traditional American football and how that shaped his future and the professional team overseas that he supports. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the Urbana girls flag football team's upcoming game this weekend against a team from Georgia, his thoughts on the week that was in traditional football in Frederick County and this week's county golf championships at Clustered Spires.

Now enjoying retired life after 31 years of coaching in Frederick County, former Walkersville golf and basketball coach Bruce Zimmerman is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Zimmerman chats with host Greg Swatek about his lifelong passion for sports and how he got into coaching. Zimmerman recounts how he didn't play golf and knew very little about the sport when he joined Tom Dickman's basketball staff at Thomas Johnson High School, which was contingent on him being willing to take over the Patriots' golf program. He talks about what it was like coaching those great basketball teams at TJ under Dickman, which won state titles and had some national acclaim, and what the adjustment was like when he took over the boys basketball program at Walkersville. Zimmerman also talks about how he's always stayed true to the local teams, the Baltimore Colts and then the Washington Redskins/Commanders after the Colts left town, the Orioles, the Capitals, the Wizards/Bullets and the University of Maryland, how much he misses coaching, if at all, and the time he spends refereeing local basketball games. Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg for a power-rankings session of the all the fall sports in Frederick County. Who is No. 1 in each sport? Does your team make the cut?

Taking time out of his busy schedule to talk sports, not politics, Michael O'Connor, the Mayor of the City of Frederick, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. O'Connor chats with Greg Swatek about his love of sports, particularly his love for the Baltimore Orioles. He talks about his favorite Orioles and his favorite Orioles teams, as well as his hatred for the New York Yankees. He also recounts his experience attending Cal Ripken's record-breaking game for consecutive games played and getting to shake Cal's hand as he made his way along the outfield wall. The mayor also talks about his background as a radio and television journalist prior to ever getting into politics and his initial desire to be a sports reporter/broadcaster upon realizing that he was never going to be able to play sports on a high level. The discussion then turns to the Frederick Keys and the stadium renovations the city hopes will eventually bring an affiliated minor league team back to Frederick. What will the new stadium look like? When might another affiliated team be here? And how would the mayor react if it was a Yankees affiliate? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the week that was in Frederick County sports, discuss Week 2 of the high school football season and look ahead to Week 3.

After recently taking over the athletic director's job at Urbana High School, Mitch Rubin is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Rubin chats with host Greg Swatek about how he is adjusting to his new job. What has the transition been like from coaching to a more administrative role? He talks about why he wanted to take on this challenge at this advanced stage of his career and why Urbana was the right school for him. He also talks about why he got into education, his passion for coaching and athletics and why he gets so little sleep on a nightly basis. Prior this discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to recap Week 1 of the high school football season and Week 2 of the girl flag football season across Frederick County. They also preview the week ahead in football and other fall sports in the county as well.

As the high school football season gets set to kickoff this week across Frederick County, Pat Cadden, the second-year head football coach at Frederick High, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Cadden chats with host Greg Swatek about his team at Frederick High this season, which is once again brimming with talent at the skill positions. The Cadets added a pair of transfers from Walkersville, running back Jordan Bennett and receiver Darius Eubank, to an already talented cast of players. The coach talks about how far the program has come over the last five to six seasons and what it will take to breakthrough and win a state championship. He said this team is one of the fastest he has ever coached. So, how will the Cadets utilize it during games? And what sort of difference will it make in their overall success? Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg for a thorough team-by-team look at the high school football season in Frederick County. The guys talk about each team's strengths, weaknesses and overall expectations heading into the season. What teams are poised to make a run at a state championship? Plus, Alexander shares his thoughts and observations from the kickoff event at Frederick High School for the second season of girls flag football in the county as a varsity sport. What teams are poised to do well? And how will they adjust to playing teams outside of the county this season?

Fresh off of his wedding weekend and with the start of his team's season looming, Thomas Johnson High football coach Beau Traber is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Traber chats with host Greg Swatek about his wedding in upstate New York. He acknowledges the timing was not ideal with the start of the season so close. But he and his now wife, Kristen, had set the date a few years ago, before he even was a part of the TJ football program. So, they had not originally planned for the schedule to be so compressed. He also chats at length about the ongoing process of rebuilding the TJ football program and establishing a viable feeder program that could one day propel the Patriots back among the county heavyweights. Traber talks about his expectations for the coming season and why he has such a special bond with his senior class. Prior to this discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to continue their preview of the upcoming football and girls flag football seasons in the county. Both begin next week. They focus on the Middletown High football team, in particular, as the Knights prepare to begin their 50th season.

With his first season as the head coach of the Walkersville High football team nearing, Tyler Thompson is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Thompson chats with host Greg Swatek about what he expects for his first season in charge of the program. Walkersville got significantly better over the course of last season and advanced all the way to the Class 2A state semifinals. Thompson takes over after serving as the Lions' defensive coordinator for the last five seasons. What has the transition been like for him? Who will be Walkersville's players to watch this season? What challenges must be overcome? The discussion answers these questions and more. Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to share his impressions from preseason football practices he has visited so far and outline rule changes and expectations for the upcoming girls flag football season.

As he prepares for his second season as the football coach at Tuscarora High School, Ryan Hines is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Hines chats with host Greg Swatek about the challenges facing the program, particularly coming off a 1-9 season. Is the focus still on making incremental progress or has it shifted to winning more games? The coach talks about his first season on the job and how much further along he is as he heads into Year Two. What did he learn from his first season? And what players does he expect to lead the way this season? Plus, it is a bigger challenge to coach boys or girls? Hines would know after coaching the Urbana High girls lacrosse program to within one win of a state championship in the spring. He talks about the memorable run the Hawks made and what he enjoyed the most about the experience. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the first day of high school football practice and the task Frederick County teams face in replacing star players. Plus, the guys talk about the Washington Nationals once again demoting infielder and Urbana graduate Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A and what his future with the team might look like.

With the start of the high school football season looming on the horizon, the Final Score podcast kicks off its preview with Oakdale High coach Kurt Stein. Last season, the Bears finished 14-0 for the first time and captured their second state title with a 42-35 victory over Linganore in the Class 3A championship game. It marked the first state football final contested between Frederick County teams. Stein chats with host Greg Swatek about that epic moment and his team's epic season. They also steer the conversation toward the upcoming season. What does he expect at Oakdale? Who will be the key players on this year's team? How will the team handle a very challenging schedule and the weight of expectations? Is he enjoying the job as much as he ever has heading into his 14th season as the only varsity football coach the school has ever had? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss covering multiple no-hitters in a span of 23 days, including one in the major leagues, and the future of Urbana native Trey Lipscomb with the Washington Nationals.

As she swings and climbs her way through life, superhero style, Urbana High graduate Jessie Graff is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.After making her American Ninja Warrior debut in 2013 (Season 5), Graff talks with host Greg Swatek about what keeps bringing her back to the show more than a decade later. She's participating in the current season on NBC (Season 16) and recently qualified for the semifinal round.Graff also talks about learning to accept less than her best results as she gets older, while still maintaining a strong drive to be better than ever. She discusses swinging through her kitchen on monkey bars to prepare and eat dinner and why she doesn't have a single chair in her house.Plus, she talks about the personal-growth journey her mother, Ginnie, embarked on, from not being able to do a single pullup at age 60, to participating regularly in ninja events and being the oldest competitor ever to clear an obstacle on American Ninja Warrior.Jessie will appear in the semifinal round of American Ninja Warrior on NBC on Aug. 12, following Olympic coverage.The podcast is available at http://www.fnppodcasts.com and via iTunes, Google Play and other podcast apps.

After winning the 103rd Maryland Open golf tournament on July 10 in Easton, former two-time state champion from Middletown High, Alex Hoffman, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Hoffman, now 32 and an assistant pro at Columbia Country Club, talks with host Greg Swatek about winning the prestigious tournament and how he has benefitted as a result, including getting a shout out on ESPN's "Pardon The Interruption" He talks about managing the extreme heat and humidity at Talbot Country Club in Easton and pulling through a five-man playoff that extended to the sixth extra hole. The conversation draws parallels between his Maryland Open title and state-championship wins, particularly his first at Middletown, and Hoffman talks about his background in golf and why he fell in love with the sport. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about his upcoming interview with Trey Lipscomb and the Urbana grad's future with the Washington Nationals, as well as Brunswick's Little League Softball team in the regional championships and the new EA Sports NCAA football game, which includes five Frederick County players. How do they feel about playing with a video game version of themselves, and are they happy with all of their ratings?

As his soccer club enjoys a momentous summer, FC Frederick Executive Director and Director of Coaching Bo Eskay is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Eskay chats with host Greg Swatek about a variety of happenings at the club, including the 16U girls team playing in a national-championship tournament next week in Orlando, Florida, its men's semi-pro team reaching the National Premiere Soccer League Mid-Atlantic Conference playoffs and playing before 8,000 fans in Annapolis and the new soccer facility it is building in the south-eastern part of Frederick County. He also talks about how much FC Frederick has grown since its inception in 1989 and the achievements he is most proud of. Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to preview the second half of the Frederick Keys' season in the MLB Draft League and discuss Brunswick's Little League's run to the Mid-Atlantic region tournament for softball in Bristol, Connecticut. The next stop could be the Little League World Series for softball in Greenville, North Carolina in early August.

As he prepares for his first season with the stories University of Miami football program, quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, a Middletown High School graduate, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Poffenbarger speaks with host Greg Swatek about what his life has been like since transferring to Miami in January from the University of Albany, where he led the Great Danes to the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) national title game last season. He talks about meeting and building relationships with some of the legendary players that have played at Miami, including Michael Irvin, Jim Kelly and former Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta. And he talks about his relationship and what he has learned from presumptive starter Cam Ward, as well as how he envisions his role in the program going forward. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about coaching changes around Frederick County, the local baseball scene and Urbana High graduate Trey Lipscomb's future with the Washington Nationals.

As he settles into his new job and begins preparations for his first season as Catoctin's boys basketball coach later this year, Mike Wagner is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Wagner chats with host Greg Swatek and FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy about his interesting life and career, which has taken him to coaching stops in China, Cambodia, Ethiopia, West Hollywood, California and now Thurmont, Maryland and Catoctin. He talks about how and why he became interested in the Catoctin job and explains why he is so optimistic about the future of the program. Wagner also shares some of his interesting life stories, such as eloping with his wife, Ann, the head of The Banner School in Frederick, in Prague and selling their home, cars and most of their possessions in California to pick up and move to China in pursuit of careers in education. Prior to that conversation, Greg and Alexander discuss the summer sports scene in Frederick County, including the Frederick Tennis Series at Baker Park, as well as the major league debut of James Wood, a top prospect for the Washington Nationals.

As he helps mold the next wave of talented offensive lineman in Frederick County, former Linganore High offensive lineman Shannon Breen in this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Breen chats with host Greg Swatek about how his consulting business for high school age kids who want to become better offensive lineman, Hawg Performance, came about. The program has helped hundreds of lineman across the region earn a chance to play college football. The business became much bigger than Breen ever imagined. So, he talks about how he manages it, along with the rest of his day-to-day life as a father and fulltime employee elsewhere. Breen also discusses his own playing career, which took him to the Arena Football League, for which he was named the top offensive lineman in 2015. He also talks about how his best chance to hook on in the NFL was negated by high blood pressure, a condition that caught him by surprise, and all of the heartbreak that came along with it. Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the summer sports landscape, which largely consists of baseball on various levels, in Frederick County.

For the final installment of a state-championship series on The FInal Score podcast, Brunswick baseball coach Roger Dawson, senior pitcher Tyler Lowery and senior right fielder Payden McDonald are this week's guests. They guys discuss the Railroaders' 22-2-1 state championship season with host Greg Swatek. They talk about the team's 4-1 victory over Patterson Mill in the Class 1A championship game and everything that led up to it. Lowery talks about being the starting pitcher in the state final and how he felt coming out of the game with one out to go because he hit the designated pitch count of 105. McDonald talks about the bad rap that right fielders get defensively and how he was able to contribute so much to the Railroaders this season. And Dawson explains why he felt they were the best 1A team in the state at the start of the season and some of the memorable moments along the way, including picking up his 400th career win in his 32 seasons at Brunswick's coach. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss developments on the county baseball scene, including the opportunity he had to cover Japanese top prospect Rintaro Sasaki of the Trenton Thunder recently at the Frederick Keys' home opener.

On the heels of a Frederick County Board of Education vote that will nearly double athletic participation fees for Frederick County Public Schools, Kevin Kendro, the head of school system's sports program, makes his annual appearance this week on The Final Score podcast. Kendro answers questions from host Greg Swatek about the fee increase. After numerous motions and amendments, why did it ultimately go up from $95 to $185 per student, per sport? What sort of impact does he think it will have on FCPS athletics, which have been steadily growing over the past five years? Does he feel fewer kids will play high school sports in the county? Does he appreciate the financial hardship the fee represents for families of FCPS athletes? The guys move on to other topics over the course of the podcast, which is informally dubbed every year as The State of FCPS Athletics address. They talk about the overall success of the county sports teams, which included another boys state lacrosse title, more state track and field dominance, and baseball state titles in two of the four classifications. They also talk about the inaugural season of girls flag football as a varsity sport in the county last fall and how that sport could continue to grow and evolve going forward.

Continuing a state-championship series on The Final Score podcast, coach Andy Baker, senior pitcher/third baseman Hunter Barnes and senior first baseman Brett Lucas from the Middletown High baseball team are this week's guests. The Knights won the Class 2A baseball championship on May 25 with a 6-5 victory over Glenelg. It was their second state title in baseball and their first since 2017. Host Greg Swatek talks to the guys about what made this team so close knit and why they were able to pull through in so many close games. Prior to their one-run victory in the state final, they beat Patuxent 2-1 on a suicide squeeze in a 13-inning state semifinal that ended close to midnight at McCurdy Field. The guys talk about those memorable moments and the future of the program going forward with so many players graduating. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the baseball state titles won by Middletown and Brunswick, Frederick County players currently playing and thriving in minor league baseball and a dramatic increase to athletic fees for Frederick County Public Schools.

After dethroning nemesis Broadneck to win the Class 4A state championship in boys lacrosse for the second time, Urbana coach Gavin Donahue, leading scorer TJ Harne and standout goalie Zach Thayer are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. Appearing for the second time in a month, Donahue once again addresses the question from host Greg Swatek of whether this Urbana lacrosse team was the best ever from Frederick County. The Hawks finished 20-0, averaged roughly 14 goals per game and overcame the Broadneck hurdle after the Bruins had knocked them out in the state semifinals the previous two seasons. Harne, the leading scorer in Frederick County this season by a huge margin, discusses how he developed such a pinpoint shot. And Thayer, a sophomore, talks about playing such a big role as one of the youngest players on the team and how he was able to stand so tall in such a pressure-packed moment, such as a state final. With 28 players returning next season, the guys also talk about Urbana's chances of becoming the first lacrosse team from Frederick County to win back-to-back state titles. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer John Cannon joins Greg to talk about Middletown's state championship in baseball and near misses by the Linganore softball and Urbana girls lacrosse teams in state finals, among other topics. The podcast is available at http://www.fnppodcasts.com and via iTunes, Google Play and other podcast apps.

After winning the Class 4A team championship for the second consecutive year at the state outdoor meet, coach Bobby Humphries, senior sprinter Christopher Hall and junior pole vaulter Gilberto Ramos of the Thomas Johnson High boys track and field team are this week's guests on the Final Score podcast. The Patriots scored 92 points, 24 more than second place Paint Branch, at the state meet, winning five of the 18 events, placing in the top three in nine and scoring points in 13 overall. Humphries, Hall and Ramos talk about what made this TJ team so special, the strong bond that all of the athletes on the team share and the legacy this senior-laden team will leave behind after winning the state team title in back-to-back seasons (three straight counting their team title during the indoor state meet in February). Hall, a Wagner college recruit, talks about how much better the sprinting scene has gotten in Frederick County over the last four years, and Ramos discusses the always deep and tight-knit vaulting scene in the county. Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss a wild and event-filled championship week on the county sport scene that included the Urbana boys lacrosse team winning its second state title, the Urbana girls lacrosse team falling just short against a juggernaut program in a state final and the Middletown and Brunswick baseball teams reaching the state championship game in their respective classifications in very unique fashion.

After winning the Class 2A West Region I baseball championship on Wednesday with a 4-1 victory over Century, Middletown baseball coach Andy Baker and senior outfield and leadoff hitter Joey Nicholson are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. Baker and Nicholson chat with host Greg Swatek about the bond, camaraderie and depth of talent on this senior-laden Middletown team and how that has carried the Knights to a 16-5 record and a trip to the Class 2A state quarterfinals. Nicholson talks about how his love for the sport was born out of hitting crabapples in his grandmother's yard with a stick. He discusses how he gradually got better and stepping into the leadoff role for Middletown at the start of this season. Meanwhile, Baker talks about challenging this team to help it reach its potential and what winning another state title, the school's first in baseball since 2017, would mean to him and his players. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the state of the spring playoffs for Frederick County teams in baseball, softball and boys and girls lacrosse.

Is this Urbana boys lacrosse team the best ever from Frederick County? Coach Gavin Donahue and senior long-stick midfielder Aidan Casey are posed that question by host Greg Swatek this week on The Final Score podcast. Donahue talks about why this Urbana team has been such a powerhouse this season, rolling over a formidable schedule of teams on its way to a 15-0 record and Central Maryland Conference championship so far, and how it compares to some previous great teams, including the 2021 state championship team from Urbana that had five Division I college players on it. Plus, what makes junior TJ Harne such a prolific goal scorer? How much pressure are the unbeaten Hawks feeling to finish the job and cap an unbeaten season with another state title? Casey touches on those question, as well as his own career at Urbana and why these Hawks are such a hard-working, close-knit bunch. Prior to this conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg for their usual discussion of the week that was in Frederick County sports. The guys discuss the CMC title games that were played over the course of the last week, including two more baseball games that ended in a tie as a result of coaching decisions. Are the CMC baseball games even necessary going forward?