Corey Johnson, head coach of the Patterson (Baltimore, Md.) varsity football team, has been named Ravens High School Coach of the Week for the first week of the 2009 season. Presented by Toyota, this is the 13th year of the Ravens' award program.
Johnson earned the honor after defeating Dunbar, the Class 1A State Champion for each of the last three seasons. In a David and Goliath matchup, where Dunbar was predicted to win by 3-plus TDs, the Clippers proved victorious Saturday (9/12) night.
The 37-20 final score does not tell the complete tale, as the first half was a battle between the two teams. After trading two touchdowns early, Dunbar held the edge 14-12. But Patterson did not fold, and the team scored another touchdown on a QB Aaron Overton to WR Chad Bittner 14-yard pass. The Clippers' halftime lead was 18-14.
Playing under the lights at Poly, the Clippers took revenge on the Poets in the second half against the team who shut them out 26-0 last fall. In fact, Patterson took revenge on behalf of all Baltimore City teams, since Dunbar had not lost to a City school for almost three years.
Patterson RB Deonta Winston finished with 14 carries for 131 yards and 2 TDs to lead the offense. On the defensive side, the Clippers held their own, tallying 3 INTs and 4 sacks.
Patterson finished 5-5 overall in 2008 and is looking to build on the 2-0 start this season. The Clippers face Southwestern (Baltimore, Md) this Friday.
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–Lions home game on Dec. 13, 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 and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
- A specially-designed hat
