Breaking down the football state quarterfinals for South Carroll, Westminster

Two Carroll County football teams remain as the playoffs move into the state quarterfinal round -- one is trying to reach the final four for the first time in 10 years, the other looking to get back for a second season in a row.

South Carroll (9-1) hosts Harford Tech (7-4) in a Class 2A-1A quarterfinal at Parker Field, while Westminster (10-1) welcomes Oakdale (9-2) to Ruby Field for a 3A quarterfinal.

Both games are set for 7 p.m. kickoffs on Friday, Nov. 18.

Let's take a closer look at each matchup.

No. 5 Oakdale at No. 4 Westminster

The Bears have won 3 games in a row by a combined 115-17, the most recent being a victory over unbeaten Frederick that avenged a regular-season loss. Oakdale quarterback Evan Austin, a junior, led the charge last Saturday by running for 166 yards and throwing for 126, according to a Frederick News-Post article.

Austin scored the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds, and the Bears handed the Cadets their first loss of the season. 

Westminster rallied to beat Edgewood 28-20 and took advantage of some upsets -- Oakdale being one of them -- to ensure another home game this fall. The Owls are on an 8-game winning streak, and are one win away from making their first final four appearance since 2012.

Westminster quarterback Kyrece Walker, a junior, has 887 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and 1,729 passing yards and 19 TDs through the air. Meanwhile, senior Mason Fisher has 14 touchdowns between offense and defense (and special teams) this season, and he's averaging 19.1 yards per catch.

Here's how the Owls advanced to the state quarterfinals with their come-from-behind win over Edgewood in the regional second round.

No. 7 Harford Tech at No. 2 South Carroll

The Cavaliers did enough last week to get past Boonsboro, 20-14, and reach the 2A-1A elite eight for the second time in as many seasons. Senior quarterback Carter Mazalewski ran for two TDs and snagged an interception on defense, and senior AJ Rodrigues rushed for 100-plus yards in the win.

Rodrigues is Carroll County's leading rusher with 1,439 yards, and he has a county best 22 touchdowns. He did most of his damage against Boonsboro in the first half.

South Carroll is 21-2 over the last two seasons.

The Cobras got past Parkside 30-13 to reach the quarterfinals. Sophomore running back Jamaal Park leads the team with 859 rushing yards (according to Harford Tech's MaxPreps team web page), and sophomore Karron Evans has 44 receptions for a team high.

Senior Nate Goeller has 85 tackles on defense, and 20.5 of them have been for a loss. Goeller also has 10.5 sacks, and senior Matayo McGraw has 5 interceptions.

Plus, this is a rematch of last year's 2A-1A state semifinal -- it was a thriller at Parker Field on Nov. 26, 2021. Let's take a look back at how the Cavs got to the state championship game.