Junior League invades Callas Stadium

October 16, 2007|By JACK HILL III / Staff Correspondent

The Washington County Junior Football League played games at Mike Callas Stadium for the first time on Monday night, as the Hagerstown Browns and Hagerstown Giants played 'A' and 'B' games.

The Giants squeezed past the Browns 12-6 in overtime in the 'B' game, involving fifth and sixth graders. The Browns returned the favor by edging the Giants 8-6 in the 'A' game.

"I hope that the high schools and the junior leagues can work as a single force to help promote football in this county," Giants coach Phil Johns said. "History was made here tonight. Our 'B' team was the first team to win here and we took it into overtime. It was just a great effort by both 'B' teams. It was good line play."

Morgan Kenworthy charged through the middle for the game-winning 3-yard touchdown run in overtime to seal the 'B' win for the Giants.

"Morgan is one of those hard-working guys in practice," Johns said. "It was nice he scored that touchdown."

The Browns got on the scoreboard first when quarterback Timmy Kitchen raced down the left sideline for a 48-yard TD run with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter.

The Giants - whose 'A' and 'B' teams each won league titles in 2006 - evened the score with 1:45 left in the first half on Nick Karlen's 1-yard quarterback sneak.

The 'A' teams battled to a scoreless tie at halftime.

The Browns broke the ice with 3:01 left in the third quarter when Tre Anderson broke loose to the left for an 18-yard scoring run. Alex Courtney's two-point conversion kick gave the Browns the winning points - the Giants failed on their conversion attempt after quarterback Roland Renner ran to the left for a 4-yard TD with 5:02 left in the game.

The Browns lead the 'A' division at 6-1.

"I think it's just preparation for where these kids want to go this year," Browns coach John Weeks said. "They have worked hard and they are trying to make it to the playoffs. Their ultimate goal is to make it to the championship game. This was a nice opportunity for everybody to come over here and play at Mike Callas Stadium. It is important for the community and the players, because both teams are from the North Hagerstown High School area."

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