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Tue, January 6, 2009

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Josh Smith
Ask Josh! An online Q&A with our sports guru

News-Post assistant sports editor Josh Smith likes to express his opinions on sports. Now, he's taking those viewpoints and knowledge to the web.

Ask Josh just about anything on sports and he'll have an answer for you. He has an interesting take on everything, from the local prep scene to the hottest national sports issues.

So send your sports questions to Josh by filling out the form below. His answers will be posted within a day or two.

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(Your stories may be used in an upcoming story and/or listed on our website)

QUESTION (Nov. 12): We have a few Frederick County teams on the road to States (I know we have to get through regionals first, but I would prefer to look further ahead, smile). Do you know if there has ever been a time when more than one Frederick County football team played for the state championship during the same season? (Anonymous, Frederick)

SMITH: Yes, in 1992. Linganore and Walkersville, respectively, played for the Class 3A and 2A crowns. Unfortunately for them, both lost. The Lancers fell to Seneca Valley, 14-0, while the Lions were defeated by Damascus, 12-7.

QUESTION (Oct. 26): I love seeing and reading about the athletes of the week. How are those determined? Is that something the FNP votes on or do coaches have input? (Rick, Frederick)

SMITH: The athletes of the week are picked by The Frederick News-Post sports staff. The decisions are usually very difficult. Each week, there are several legitimate candidates from every sport who are turning in clutch performances.

QUESTION (Sept. 16): The little time that I have lived in Frederick County I have seen so many high schoolers transfer between high schools for sports reasons. In some cases some of the children have played one sport at one high school, left to play another sport at another high school within the same school year. Some of these teenagers have switched schools every year. Some are also being held back to gain another year of high school sports eligibility. Do you think these things should be monitored and why do you think that the schools, athletic directors, parents, etc. are allowing this to happen, particularly when most of them have never "changed" addresses? I know that a lot of these schools have an open enrollment policy but what about integrity? What does it teach them about their professional future? (Metta, Washington, D.C.)

SMITH: I am aware of the open enrollment policy. And, I am aware that some student-athletes have transfered schools, mid year, perhaps for sports reasons. But I wouldn't classify it as an epidemic in Frederick County. Upon reading your question, I struggled to think of a single high-profile athlete who may have used this open enrollment policy for the benefit of joining a stronger sports team. In football this season, for example, the only name we came up with was a fullback who switched from Urbana to Thomas Johnson. But both of those schools boast strong football programs, so that doesn't really qualify. Sure, there are probably a few overzealous parents out there who think that sending their child to a certain school in the county because of its dominant girls soccer program, for instance, will make it easier to land a college scholarship. But, while this county produces a number of fine athletes, it isn't exactly a hotbed for Division I superstars. I hesitate to say that most of the transferring we see occurs because of athletics. There are simply too many other factors to consider, such as academic, social or personal reasons. Parents should be willing to do whatever is necessary to help their child succeed in school. As for what a school change might teach a kid about their professional future, I am not sure. However, no matter what job a person has, he or she always has the right to quit and pursue employment elsewhere. That's the same sort of idea working here.

QUESTION (Aug. 10): What about the "Madden Jinx"? Brett (Favre) is on the cover in his Packer uniform. If Favre thinks that NY will let him off the hook just because of who he is, he will be crucified. (David, Frederick)

SMITH: After playing so many years in Green Bay, where he enjoyed endless praise and accolades as the town's most beloved figure (sports or non), I agree that Favre will experience some culture shock in the Big Apple. I'm sure there are dozens of columnists in NY who won't like the sort of limited access Favre usually affords the media, or the way he has funnled his "information" to the (adoring) public through trusted "journalists" at ESPN and such. So, the first time he throws four picks in an ugly loss ? and it WILL happen ? he'll get skewered like never before in the papers/tabloids. I wouldn't be surprised if it drove him to retirement, which would no doubt set off another eventful un-retirement. Can't wait for that. As for the "Madden Jinx", I don't believe I have ever rooted for a curse ? until now.

QUESTION (July 26): Have you talked to Linganore football coach Rick Conner lately? If so, how's he feel about the transition to the new high school? (Brandon, Westminster)

SMITH: I sent an e-mail to the always-ready-for-football Conner and he got back to me with the answers to those questions today. Sounds like he's on top of it, as usual, with his Lancers ? no matter how difficult the situation. Here are Conner's e-mailed responses: "It's been a different summer without a school weight room, but we have been managing. We're at the SportsPlex in Frederick lifting there and our Mt. Airy kids use the local Health Unlimited Club. So I think we are lifting as usual, I just don't get to see all of them as regularly as I would like. We are running with Frederick HS at their place twice a week. It's high intensity and we have a strong nucleus there as well. We have also placed more of an emphasis on college camps this summer to work on football skills and I am real pleased with our players participation. They have gone to U of MD, U of Del, Richmond, Bucknell, Towson, Pitt to name a few. As for the transition ? you know me, not there yet so I don't want to get ahead of myself! But, as for moving in to the new school ? It's going to be great. As long as they let us play I'm happy ? turf or grass, or sand-lot, or beach or parking lot ? it doesn't matter. Let's just get to Sept 5 and flip the coin." Thanks, Rick!

QUESTION (July 21): What's your opinion on all the talk about trading Brian Roberts? I feel he's a good player and reorganization is the key here. (Judy, Baltimore)

SMITH: The Orioles are (wisely) committed to rebuilding and Roberts could still be dealt this season. However, talk of that has cooled because the most likely partner in a trade was the Cubs, who seem to have found an answer for their second-base issues. Other suitors are bound to pop up as the division races get hot. Roberts is one of the team's best players, someone the organization developed from its own farm system and one they can be proud of (despite his admission to taking steroids just one time). He's a true leadoff hitter, has some pop and is a fine fielder. Not sure why the Orioles would want to deal a veteran player of his caliber who has developed a large local fan-base and provides key leadership, but the business could win out. His ability and trade-value could translate into another load of prospects, the same way Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard did. Still, the team's other options at his position don't appear overwhelming.

QUESTION (June 30): I am trying to find out when the Barbara Fritchie Classic is this year. It has always been on the Fourth of July, but someone told us they are on Sunday the sixth. Do you know? (Judy, Thurmont)

SMITH: Great question. You have heard correctly. The Barbara Fritchie Classic has been switched and will run on Sunday, July 6 at the Great Frederick Fairgrounds. Practice begins at 11 a.m. Heats will begin at roughly 1 p.m. Check out Tuesday's Frederick News-Post for more details. Sports reporter John Cannon will have a story on the new date of the race.

QUESTION (May 22): Whatever happened to Terence Kerns, the RB for Thomas Johnson? Last we heard was a full ride at WVU. (Tony, Frederick)

SMITH: Terence Kerns, in my opinion, could go on to be one of the most successful athletes ever to come out of this area. After a year at Hargrave Military Academy, he is in line to join the West Virginia University football team for the 2008 season. Don't be surprised if Kerns carves out a significant role in the Mountaineers' offense. That's because standout RB Steve Slaton is no longer there and youngster Noel Devine is a speedster who would be complemented well by a big, powerful runner like Terence ? who also has plenty of home-run potential, as we witnessed at Thomas Johnson.

QUESTION (May 21): Your response to the gutless Anonymous writer about Frederick County umpires, was in good taste. My question is this: Why do so many parents blame the officiating of sports in Frederick County, for the lack of their dream to live their dream through their children? My three sons attended Frederick High and participated in many sports. I have coached and umpired in Frederick youth sports for over 15 years, from Little League to the Frederick Keys and have dealt with all types of parents. If these expert, armchair, wannabe officials think they have the ability to do better and have the thick skin to put up with parents like themselves, please give them my e-mail so they can fill out an application and make the right call. We are always looking for anyone wanting to put up with verbal abuse. I travel and see many organizations and their officials, and in my opinion Frederick County Umpires Association have equal or better officials than most. (Randolph)

SMITH: I think that pretty much says it all on this subject. No need for another response from me. Full disclosure: The writer is the president of the Frederick County Umpires Association.

QUESTION (May 9): Why are Frederick County umpires so terrible? They have extremely OLD people who do not get out of the way of the players and are not paying attention to making correct calls. Can something be done about this before the playoffs start? (Anonymous)

SMITH: Normally, I wouldn't respond to such a complaint (which, by the way, is largely the type of question I receive), but this one sort of got me. When I used to cover prep sports, or even youth sports, I often got a kick out of those spectators who implored umpires/refs/officials to "Come on, call them both ways!" ?? as if the official had a stake in a high school game or purposefully favored one team over another. Please. As a 16-year-old, I was an (inexperienced, naive) umpire for youth baseball games and endured my share of rants from venom-spewing coaches and parents? some of which came during PARENT-PITCH baseball that involved 9 year olds. I did the job for minimal pay so I could fill up my gas-hog. I did the job for about a year because the abuse wasn't worth it. Meanwhile, the officials who are out there on the high school diamonds are little more than volunteers who love the game, want to contribute in some way and certainly aren't in it for selfish reasons. I have no idea what kind of call or incident led to this question, but blaming prep sports officials for anything other than human error is crossing the line. Mistakes happen at every level of officiating. Umpires aren't perfect. Neither are players. Neither are coaches. They all try darn hard to be, though, that's for sure in all three instances. So, the next time you'd like to give an umpire a piece of your mind about what you deem an incorrect call, think about how much you'd like it if, every single time you made the slightest mistake at your job, your phone rang and someone was on the other end, telling you in a nasty tone how much you screwed up. If you believe you can do a better job than some of the officials you've seen at prep events, think about signing up to give it a go. They're always looking for more help.

QUESTION (April 27): Has any other player in Maryland high school baseball hit three home runs in one game like the freshman (R.J. Smith) at Catoctin High School did? (Gene, Thurmont)

SMITH: The state record is four home runs in one game, hit by South Hagerstown's Brad Taylor in 1996. As for Frederick County, we can't seem to recall anyone hitting three home runs ? at least in the past 15 years. Smith blasted his trio of shots on April 18 in a 12-7 win over South Carroll. There might be someone we have overlooked, but Smith seems to be the county record-holder. The only other name that came to us in our quick research was not a county player, but one who dominated the old Central Maryland Conference as a South Carroll outfielder/pitcher ? Jason Tourangeau. He hit three homers in a 1999 playoff win over Linganore.

QUESTION (April 17): Walkersville's boys tennis team just ended a 63-game winning streak that starting in May 2004. Is this the longest winning streak in the history of all Frederick County high school teams? (Geoff, Walkersville)

SMITH: As impressive as the Lions' streak was, I don't believe it's the county's longest. Frederick's girls swim team won 137 straight dual meets from 1983-1997, setting a national record at the time.

QUESTION (April 14): I was just curious about two things: Who do you believe is the best softball player in our area? And two: What team do you believe has the best chance to win States this year in our area? (Ryan Frederick)

SMITH: It may be a little early in the season to determine the area's best player, but I can provide a few thoughts about the top teams. Last season, Linganore reached the state tournament and has several key players back, so based on those facts it has a legit shot at a strong postseason run. Meanwhile, Thomas Johnson has been playing well to start the season; Urbana seems like a quality team with Shannon Strube doing the pitching; and Catoctin, based on tradition, might be able to contend in the 1A. Certainly, there might be a few darkhorses out there as well.

QUESTION (March 12): Why promote senseless violence? (Dixie)

SMITH: I am going to assume this question is in reference to a column I did on mixed martial arts and the possibility that Maryland could sanction the sport. MMA is a violent sport, yes. How can it not be? It pits one fighter against another. The participants, however, aren't forced into the octagon. Their training is serious and intense. They do it because they love it and hope to make a living at it, just like boxers and football players ? two other sports that can be deemed violent. As I mentioned in the column, MMA is highly strategic and far from a flat-out brawl. It is laden with rules and the fighters must know much more than just how to knock out opponents with their fists. If you think it's just plain violence, then don't pay to watch it. And if you think your children might be influenced to fight by seeing MMA events (as a reader suggested recently in a letter to the editor), prevent them from seeing it, just like you would an inappropriate movie or TV show. Or, maybe you could teach them about the sport, instead of condemning it as brutality without truly learning its essence.

QUESTION (Feb. 28): I was wondering about Urbana lacrosse. Is it true that teams in Urbana's conference won't let them play many out of conference teams, and are forcing them to play other regional teams instead of scheduling teams like Georgetown Prep, Loyola, and Boys Latin? And if this is tre why would they force them to do this? Every year i follow lacrosse, and it seems Urbana tends to domanate the region it is in. (Carl, Damascus)

SMITH: No truth to those rumors. The MVAL has no say in which opponents the Hawks pursue to fill their non-conference slate. According to Urbana athletic director Kevin Kendro, "The only games that we are forced to play are those teams that are in the MVAL Chesapeake Conference." This spring, in fact, both Hawks squads will play many non-conference games against non-region foes. For instance, the Urbana girls will play St. Stephens/St. Agnes of Virginia (a national power), North Harford (a state power), Archbishop Spalding (a state power), Annapolis, Walkersville, Century (defending state champion), Liberty and Middletown. The boys, meanwhile, will face Georgetown Prep (a national power), Unionville of Pa., North Harford, Leonardtown, Dulaney, Walkersville, Century, Liberty and Middletown.

QUESTION (Feb. 5): Do you think Walkerville's varsity basketball team will make it to Comcast? (John, Walkersville)

SMITH:Again, I'll defer to our primary prep sports reporter, Greg Swatek. Greg says: The Lions have a chance, but they play in a pretty tough region. Middletown already has a win over Walkersville this season and would present a pretty formidable obstacle to overcome in the playoffs. The Lions have a lot of talent on their roster, however. If everyone can get hot at the same time, it would be hard to keep them away from College Park.

QUESTION (Feb. 4): I read your commentary on Sunday regarding Tom Brady. I agree that he is an outstanding athlete, and yes "Role Model." Although I am not anywhere near being a sports fanatic, I do enjoy rooting for the home teams for the Baltimore area. Steve Bisciotti sent his staff on a quest for a future Hall of Fame coach. Don't you think he should have spent the same effort and money on finding a future HOF QB and kept Brian Billick? (Vernon, Westminster)

SMITH: The Ravens needed a "cultural" change after nine years under Billick, who never lived up to his previous reputation as an offensive mastermind (which was created largely by one terrific season with a loaded unit in Minnesota). A solid overall coach? Yes. But his time in Baltimore was up, even if his contract wasn't. Going with a young, up-and-coming coach is a new trend in the NFL (think about New Orleans' Sean Payton or Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin), and John Harbaugh fits the description. He is highly regarded. As for the QB portion of your question, the options on the market are below-average, at best. We're talking about guys who aren't even strong backups. Drafting a QB would set the team back three or four years, (the normal time it takes to develop a player at that position, in general). If the three guys on Baltimore's roster (McNair, Boller and Smith) aren't good enough for the Ravens, the only other possibility appears to be trying to make another trade for a veteran signal-caller, such as Donovan McNabb. But, he's not likely to be dealt from Philadelphia. If McNair doesn't retire, look for him to be the starter again.

QUESTION (Jan. 18): What do you think of Tuscarora's basketball team. Do we have the potential to go deep into the play off's this year? (Luie, Frederick)

SMITH: Since I have never seen Tuscarora play (I stopped covering high school basketball about four years ago), I forwarded your querie to prep reporter Greg Swatek. His response: Tuscarora might be the most complete public school team in Frederick County. With a nice combination of shooters and slashers, they will be a tough out for any team in postseason.

QUESTION (Jan. 13): Rumor is that St. John has at least five Division I players on their team, so how come they have a losing record when I see the articles in the newspaper? My dad said they were real good in the mid 80s and 90s. Will they ever be willing to play a public school team? (Mannie, Frederick)

SMITH: St. John's-Catholic Prep plays a challenging league schedule of tough competitors and top-notch, college-bound players. Despite their own collection of talent (and I can't say how many potential D-I athletes they have on their roster), the Vikings' record is below-.500 because of the difficult foes in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association. While it's true St. John's won a mythical national title in the 1990s under Stu Vetter, returning to that level is a lot to ask. However, coach Silas Cheung seems to have the Vikings at least headed in a similar direction.

QUESTION (Jan. 3): To your knowledge, has there ever been an undefeated state wrestling champion in frederick county history? (Brian, Walkersville)

SMITH: To our knowledge, there have been two: Thomas Johnson's Charles Klein in 1972 and Frederick's Akil Patterson in 2001. Both were heavyweights. As you mentioned in a previous message, Brian, Walkersville's Jordan Walsh, a state champion last year at 171 pounds, is undefeated so far this season at 189. According to a story we ran earlier this week, Walsh pays no mind to trivial matters like rankings and such, but it sure would be neat to see him complete a perfect season. Best of luck to him.

QUESTION (Jan. 3): Why don't they widen the scope of performance enhancing drugs to include vioxx, celebrex, bextra, cortisone and other pain killers both local and oral. Remember, how Roger Clemens and other pitchers said without those drugs they would have been done years ago. They enhanced their performance, especially since they were taking eight times more then prescribed. I could go on and on about this. Like when a football player can barely walk off the field in the first quarter but rushes for 85 yards the third quarter no problem. We all know what they did to enhance his performance. (Billy, Montgomery Village)

SMITH: I'm no doctor or pharmacist, Billy, but my guess is those drugs won't be banned because they're legal to use for pain reduction. Can you abuse those drugs? Sure, to an extent. But athletes aren't breaking the law by taking legal pain killers, even in abundance (if, indeed, the drugs you listed are legal to use without prescription). It's up to the individual athlete to decide if he/she wants to load up on pain killers to continue competing and risk further injury. Stupid? Yes. Illegal? Not to my knowledge. Plus, imagine how difficult it would be to police the use of pain killers. Impossible. It could also be argued that such drugs don't actually "enhance" performance. "Performance maintainers" would perhaps be a better description. Good topic for discussion.

QUESTION (Dec. 17): I was reading the paper this weekend when I saw the areas top Field Hockey players. I noticed that about half were from Poolesville High but Poolesville is a Montgomery County school. Why are their players listed with the Frederick County players? (Angela, Frederick)

SMITH: Poolesville is in our coverage area and the coach has been very good over the years about contacting us with information on her team, which was one the strongest in the area this season. The Falcons made it to the Class 1A state final and lost, so it's no surprise that our team would include a number of their players. Our all-star teams are not merely a reflection of talent within Frederick County, they also can include players from teams in our coverage area outside of the county.

QUESTION (Nov. 30): Do you know what high school basketball teams will participate in this year's FCC Christmas Tournament? (Herman, Frederick)

SMITH: Sure do. On the boys side, Thomas Johnson, Frederick, Linganore and River Hill (Howard County) will be there, while Catoctin, Brunswick, Tuscarora and St. John's-Catholic Prep will compete for the girls title.

QUESTION (Nov. 27): Who do you believe will come out on top with a victory this Friday ... TJ or power house QO? (Ashley)

SMITH: Since I haven't covered a prep football game in more than three seasons, I passed this question off to our main prep reporter, Greg Swatek. His response:

Quince Orchard has sat a top the Washington Post's top 20 rankings all season long. The Cougars' (12-0) average margin of victory this season is 24.9 points and that includes a 35-0 win over Class 3A semifinalist Damascus (11-1). They have to be considered the favorites.

TJ, however, is probably playing its best football of the season now. It was hard for the Patriots to be any more dominant in a 35-3 rout of 4A North top-seed Perry Hall last week. The return of Corey Hunt at running back from an ankle injury has made a huge difference on offense. Few people gave TJ a chance to advance this far in the playoffs. The Patriots have to be taken seriously.

QUESTION (Nov. 12): Do you think Maryland School for the Deaf have a good football team? (Micah Traurig, Frederick)

SMITH: I don't know how anyone can say they don't. Under coach Andy Bonheyo, the Orioles have won one national title after another. The next should be announced soon, after MSD completed its perfect season with a rout of Poolesville last week. Bonheyo clearly is devoted to winning, and his system is machine-like as the Orioles collect big wins regularly. It would be neat to see them face a Frederick County public school, such as Catoctin.

QUESTION (Nov. 12): This isn't a question by any stretch of the imagination, I just wanted to comment on TJ's homecoming victory over FHS on Saturday. The loss evoked painful memories from the last time a TJ team kept the Cadets out of the playoffs. The year was 1990 and I was a tight end/d-end on the heavily favored Cadets. Powered by the RBT express (the running back trio of Richard Snowden, Bobby Ambush and Trenton Ambush) we thoroughly dominated our opponents racking up an average of 300 rushing yards per game. A win against our cross-town rivals would ensure a 8-2 record, a 4A playoff birth and more importantly year-long bragging rights. Keying on Bobby Ambush, the Patriots came out and stuffed our potent running game, rendering Richard Snowden powerless in the first half. Behind the remarkable running of Phil Flannery, TJ dominated us and we were never able to regroup and put together a formidable come back, leaving our playoff dreams shattered amidst a 22-8 heart-breaking loss on a blistery cold and soggy field at Cadet Stadium. Being a former FHS player and coach, I just wanted to share with you the emotions that were once again brought to the surface by a TJ homecoming victory over the Cadets. My heart goes out to Coach Ahearn, his players and the rest of the Frederick High Football Network. (Bill Long, Frederick)

SMITH:Bill, thanks for sharing your intracity memories. I'm sure many readers will appreciate your thoughts.

QUESTION (Nov. 10):How come your sports page doesn't cover Damascus sports like it used to? (Tom Jackson, Damascus)

SMITH:We would certainly be willing to cover more Damascus events, but we receive little to no feedback or information from the athletic director and coaches at the high school. In the fall, we regularly hear from the prep soccer teams, but rarely hear from any of the other Damascus sports.

QUESTION (Nov. 7): I had a high school football question. I noticed that C J Thomas of Linganore has 17 touchdown receptions this year. I was told that 15 receptions is a Maryland State record. Is that true? If so then why has there not been any press on this kid breaking the state record. Just wanted to check. Thanks (Ted Onley, Frederick)

SMITH:Ted, you heard correct. We will have a story in tomorrow's paper on Thomas' accomplishment. Kind of neat, too, how one of the players who previously owned the mark at 15 was Urbana great Billy Gaines. Says a lot about the caliber of offensive talent that has been produced in the Linganore-Urbana area over the past decade. Thomas will have more opportunities to pad his record before the end of the 2007 season as well.

QUESTION (Oct. 16): Why did the Cowboys lose last Sunday? I'm trying to make sense of it all. (Andrea, Frederick)

SMITH: Wow, a Cowboys fan in Redskins country, eh? Simply put, the Dallas Cowboys lost Sunday because they aren't as good as the New England Patriots. In fact, only one other team in the NFL (Indianapolis) can equal the Pats' wide-ranging ability. New England's handy whipping of Dallas magnifided the gulf between the AFC's top teams and those of the NFC. The Cowboys seem to be the only team near elite status in the wide-open NFC, and that may get them deep into the playoffs. But, that's nowhere near good enough to beat Tom Brady's bunch ? which could set several league records before it's said and done this season.

QUESTION (Sept. 12): Why no MLS coverage? DC United just won at home and are on top of the division but I see nothing. (Onawa Cutshall, Frederick)

SMITH: We usually try to get the MLS standings on our scorecard page, but sometimes we run out of space and, unfortunately, that's one of the first things cut. Also, many other events end late at night (local, Orioles, Nationals, etc.) that take precendence over MLS. With apologies to professional soccer fans in this area, MLS coverage isn't one of our top priorities. However, we'll make note of this request.

QUESTION (Sept. 10): What's the inside scoop on the MSM women's basketball coach vacancy? First a press conference and then canceled? (Chris, Jefferson)

SMITH: Clearly, someone accepted the position, then decided not to. The Mount's media relations representative would not comment on who the hire was. We should learn more soon.

QUESTION (Sept. 7): Just a quick question ... The Brunswick-Poolesville rivalry seems to have become a little more interesting after the Railroaders' win last year. Who do you think will win this time and by how much? (Jon, Germantown)

SMITH: This matchup has been a friendly rivalry and a good 1A game to start the season for several years. Our football expert, Nick Knowsitall, will reveal his picks for the week 1 games on Friday.

But, here's a sneak peek at his selection for the Roaders-Falcons meeting: Brunswick 27, Poolesville 14.

QUESTION (Aug. 21): As a HUGE Pittsburgh Steeler fan living in Western Maryland, I am constantly bombarded with coverage of the likes of the Steelers arch rival Baltimore Ravens. I think the AFC North will be one of the most competitive conferences (minus the Browns) this year in the NFL. Obviously in my own scenario, I have the Steelers coming out on top. What is your prediciton for this difficult conference in the highly competitive AFC?(Michael, Frederick)

SMITH: Hi Michael. This question brings up an interesting topic for this area. There seems to be a huge contingent of Steelers fans in Frederick County. That's in addition to the many folks who root for the Ravens and Redskins. It likely speaks to the overall popularity of PIttsburgh's team, which likely gained its giant following during those Super Bowl wins in the 1970s. If you ask me, the Steelers are more "America's Team" than the Dallas Cowboys.

Anyway, to answer your question, I have to give the Ravens the nod to win the AFC North in 2007. First, though, understand I'm NOT a Ravens fan by any stretch. Never have been. However, judging by the typically dominant defense and the arsenal of offensive weapons GM Ozzie Newsome has collected over the years, I think Baltimore will take the division title.

When I watch the Ravens, I see a team unlike any other in the NFL -- one that practically dictates the pace of games with its defense. Ray Lewis may be getting older, but I don't see him getting worse. Plus, many of the studs on their defense are young, such as Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, Bart Scott and Haloti Ngata.

So, when I hear people say "the window is closing" for Baltimore to win another crown, I have to disagree. Lewis and McNair are getting older, but their ability hasn't faltered in my eyes. If Brian Billick can finally get his long-underperforming offense to reach expectations, this team could go much farther than a division championship. If not, it might finally signal the end of Billick's run in Baltimore.

Yes, the Steelers boast a great defense and an offense with some terrific talent (Roethlisberger, Parker, Ward, Miller), but they have a very young (albeit promising) head coach in Mike Tomlin. Baltimore, meanwhile, pretty much has top-to-bottom experience. And, I get the feeling those Ravens' veterans believe they have another Super Bowl victory in them. That's why I give Baltimore the nod.



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