It was a season of redemption in Carroll County as a couple of teams flipped the switch after suffering through multiple down years, setting the stage for years of success in the near future.
At Francis Scott Key, David Cunningham Jr went a combined 2-11 in each of his first two seasons, but people around the program saw the vision and in 2024, the fruits of Cunningham’s labor were on display.
After starting the season 3-0, the Eagles finished the season 6-5 and won a playoff game after a dominant 34-0 victory over Century in the Class 2A/1A West region first round, before falling to Middletown in round 2.
For his efforts Francis Scott Key’s David Cunningham Jr. has been named 2024 Carroll County football Coach of the Year.
“I am very proud of the football team and program and that all starts with Coach Cunningham.” FSK athletic director Ryan Kimble said. “Coach Cunningham is a consistent and positive influence in the lives of his players. He cares and he connects with every single person that is a part of his program.
“Finding someone who works tirelessly to be a servant-leader as the head football coach has been a blessing. Coach Cunningham is a transformative figure at FSK and we are luck to have him here as our football coach.”
All- County first team
Chase Miller, Liberty, senior, quarterback
Miller threw for 2,005 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Lions this season, leading the Lions to the Class 2A/1A state quarterfinals.
Jermaine Dawson, Francis Scott Key, senior, running back
Dawson was the workhorse for the Eagles offense, earning 1,117 yards of offense this season. The senior carried the ball 134 times for 870 yards and six touchdowns and added 247 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
JT Ferguson, Century, senior, running back
Ferguson was a two-way force. Offensively, he ran for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Knights.
Jack Hitchcock, Westminster, junior, running back
Hitchcock, an Offensive Player of the Year finalist, ran for 1,512 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season for the county champion Owls. He also caught two touchdown passes.
David Akinboye, Liberty, senior, wide receiver
The perfect compliment to offensive Player of the Year Tristan West this season, Akinboye caught 29 balls for 395 yards and three touchdowns, averaging over 13 yards per reception.
Bryson Lookingbill, Francis Scott Key, senior, wide receiver
Lookingbill finished the season with 450 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Eagles.
Isaiah Sprinkle, Westminster, senior, wide receiver
Sprinkle, the Owls’ speedster, caught 36 passes for 492 yards and five touchdowns.
Brayden Trupe, Westminster, junior, wide receiver
Trupe’s 38 receptions, 548 yards and six touchdowns were all team high’s for the county champions.
Tommy Hinkhaus, Winters Mill, senior, tight end
Hinkhaus finished the season with 25 catches for 379 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per catch.
Casen Doan, Westminster, sophomore, all-purpose
Doan scored 10 total touchdowns for the Owls this season and was relied on often whenever Hitchcock needed a break.
Sam Andrews, Francis Scott Key, senior, offensive lineman
Andrews was key in keeping quarterback Jacob Etzler upright as he threw 18 touchdown passes for the Eagles.
Ryan Dunne, Westminster, junior, offensive lineman
Dunne was an anchor on an Owls offense that averaged 24 points per game this season.
Alex Gernard, Century, senior, offensive lineman
The offense was a huge part of the turnaround for the Knights this season. The unit ran for 187 yards per game and had four games with over 200 yards rushing.
David Gerting, Westminster, junior, offensive lineman
The Owls not only had a 1,500 yard rusher this season, but the county champions averaged a seven yards per carry.
Craig Hardsock, Francis Scott Key, senior, offensive lineman
The Eagles, running behind a Hardsock-led line, averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2024.
Colton Nunn, Manchester Valley, junior, offensive lineman
With Nunn at the helm of the unit, the Mavericks’ leading rusher was able to average over 11 yards per carry.
Will Koenig, Century, sophomore, kicker
Koenig hit 75% of his field goal attempts and hit 17 of his 18 extra point attempts.
Honorable mentions
Rory O’Connor (quarterback, Westminster), Delon Barnes (running back, Century), Anthony Rodrigues (running back, South Carroll).
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