Heightened expectations

Carroll County (Map, News) - Upsetting Carroll County rival Westminster, a state finalist last year, might not be nearly as hard as living up to the new expectations that come with that landmark win. For the Francis Scott Key football team, the encore performance is all about doing the little things.

“Staying focused during practice,” said Chris Kolb, F.S. Key’s standout senior quarterback. “Four strong days and come out strong at the end of the week. Staying focused and don’t let a win get to your head.”

F.S. Key (2-1), which hosts Frederick (1-2) tonight, will look to avoid a letdown in its Monocacy Valley Athletic League opener. Playing in the Piedmont Division, the Eagles (Class 2A) know they now have a bulls-eye on their back after beating 3A Westminster, 49-42, last Friday.

“We have a lot of respect for Frederick,” said F.S. Key coach Bill Hyson. “Their losses have been against quality opponents.”

Hyson, who is in his 29th year with the team but first as head coach, has already received recognition for his work, winning the Baltimore Ravens’ high school coach of the week award. Hyson is quick to point out, though, that the award is about more than just him.

“That’s a statement for the kind of recognition we are starting to get — [the hard work] that our players put in and our coaches put in,” he said. “I’m very humbled to get it, and our coaches and players here and before are part of it.”

Having a large senior class on the roster (28) plays a big part in the Eagles’ success. Their veteran leadership is most noticeable on the offensive line.

“They each have a [leadership] role, it seems like, within the group,” Hyson said.

Trevor Felkner, Josh Cole, Nate Shawver, Brandon Eckard, Ryan High and Matt Heisy are all key contributors on the offensive line, which lets players like Kolb do his thing. Last week, the quarterback threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.

The offensive linemen, and the entire team, is trying to take their recent success in stride. More performances like last weekend’s, though, and the Eagles might be able to entertain notions of their first state playoff appearance since 2000 and only their third ever.

Asked about the team’s mindset, Eckard was concise.

“Climb the ladder,” he said, eliciting chuckles from his teammates. “One rung at a time.”

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