Chuck Markiewicz, head coach of the Arundel (Gambrills, Md.) varsity football team, has been named Ravens High School Coach of the Week for the first week of the 2008 season. Presented by Toyota, this is the 12th year of the Ravens' award program.
Arundel traveled to Anne Arundel County foe Broadneck on Friday (9/5), defeating the Bruins 28-13. The Wildcats (1-0) continued their on-field domination from 2007, when they went undefeated in the regular season, losing only to Quince Orchard in the Class 4A state final (36-30).
Junior QB Billy Cosh, making his first varsity start, was 14-of-25 for 169 yards and three TDs. Big plays were the name of the game, and Arundel made the most of the Bruins' miscues. Wildcats WR Greg Korvin blocked a punt, and teammate Chris Rice recovered and took the ball in for the score.
"Broadneck is our rival," Markiewicz acknowledged. "[Bruins' head coach] Jeff Herrick and I have been friends since high school. We were best men in each other's weddings, so it's always a good game. Our kids were ready to play, though. We have a real tough schedule. The opening of our schedule is pretty tough and we'll need to go at least 3-2 to make a playoff run."
Broadneck outgained Arundel 385-297 in total yardage, but could not convert its drives into scores. Bruins QB Kyle Colleran went 6-of-15 for 128 yards and ran for 68 more, while RB Ron VanMeter had 23 carries for 143 yards. Arundel's defense, however, forced three fumbles and had four sacks on the game, which provided a lift that the Wildcats would ride to victory.
This is the first Ravens High School Coach of the Week honor for Markiewicz, who is in his eighth year as head coach at Arundel, and in his 24th year coaching overall. He was incredulous about the honor.
"I was really surprised," Markiewicz said. "Pleasantly surprised, but I thought it was a joke at first. I've been doing this for a long time, and sometimes the recognition that you get doesn't match the work. I'm just really happy about it."
The first-time honoree is an Arundel alum and currently teaches physical education, in addition to his head football coach duties. His wife, Joanne, is the physical education department chair, and daughter Jessica, graduated from the school as well.
Each week during the season, the Ravens honor a high school coach who has made a significant impact on his athletes. Each of the season's weekly winners will be present at the Ravens – Steelers home game on Dec. 14, for the naming of the Ravens' High School Coach of the Year.
A panel of area high school experts selects the coach of the week. The recipients receive:
- A $2,000 donation to the school's football program
- An award certificate signed by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Gene Washington, the NFL's Director of Football Development
- A specially-designed hat
