Tony Shermeyer, head coach of the Century (Sykesville, Md.) varsity football team, has been named Ravens High School Coach of the Week for the third week of the 2008 season. Presented by Toyota, this is the 12th year of the Ravens' award program.
Shermeyer gets the nod as Century (3-0) handled Frederick High School last Friday, 53-13. The tally was not only the highest ever scored by the Knights, but the 40-point differential was also the largest margin of victory in school history. Frederick fell to 1-2.
Returning nine starters on both offense and defense, Century is primed to excel this season. The Knights are off to a good 3-0 start, searching for their first-ever playoff berth and their first winning season in the football program's seven-year history.
Century has never won three in a row, and the team was 17-43 heading into the 2008 season. Shermeyer acknowledged that this season is set to exceed all previous marks.
"There's been a change in atmosphere over the last three years," the honoree said. "A couple of years ago, I could see that these kids had some special skills. They are special athletes, special players. I have a real good collection of kids, and they set this goal a few years ago to have a winning season and get to the playoffs."
Shermeyer changed things up at the beginning of the season, moving senior Luke Wright from quarterback to receiver, while junior Josh Bordner took over quarterback duties formerly held by Wright. The tandem was unstoppable against the Cadets, as new QB Bordner threw 3 TDs to Wright, who finished with 4 receptions for 155 yards.
"Josh [Bordner] was a sophomore playing for us last year," Shermeyer began, explaining the coaching decision. "Josh is 6-3 and he has a real strong arm. He looks over the field well. Luke [Wright] is more of a pure athlete. He's a receiver and a running back now, and our main goal was to get the ball in the open field with his quickness. It's been a success for us."
The running back tandem of seniors Corey Anderlik and Mike Conway tacked on two rushing TDs. The Knights also had two blocked punts, and senior DB Mike Shinholt had a pick-6 off Cadets QB Deon Walker.
Century will face a tough test this Friday, as it travels to Middletown in the first of four road games. Both teams are unbeaten.
Shermeyer is in his fourth year as head coach at Century, and in his 8th year coaching overall. This is his first Ravens High School Coach of the Week honor.
"It's very gratifying," Shermeyer expressed. "A lot of the congratulations go to the kids, but it's very gratifying to receive this recognition on behalf of the team and the school, which gives me a lot of support. It's great for me, great for the program and great for Century."
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
