By Amy Russell

The 13U Division III Green Hornets football team, 8-1, finished the regular season with an 8-0 win over South River to secure a first place finish in the division.

In the only slice of scoring action, Severna Park’s Liam O’Dean forced a fumble that Harry Youngwood scooped up and carried 68 yards. The play set up a perfect scoring opportunity, which quarterback Kyle Pope executed routinely for the Hornets. Severna Park’s defensive line shut down South River’s game plan and held the Hornet’s lead in tact through the remainder of the contest.

The first place finish was actually a tie for first with PAL. The two well-matched teams met twice during the regular season and had to settle for a split.

"This is the most talented group I have ever coached," said head coach Jim Pope. "During the course of the season we had to deal with a dozen injuries, from a torn MCL to broken wrists and torn finger ligaments. We have yet to play a game with every player healthy, but we are successful because these players never gave up. They have taken all challenges head on. They are very intelligent, which makes them very easy to teach. Where most teams have one running back they rely on, we do every thing by committee. It has truly been a team effort."

The Hornets will kick off the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, November 6 at 3:00pm at Sunset Elementary when they take on the Division II Bucs, who finished the season 3-5.

"I know we have a tough road ahead in the playoffs, but I feel like this team can do anything they set their minds too," said an excited Pope. "I expect to be very successful."