Press Release: Ravens RISE High School Football Showdown Week 9

RAVENS RISE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SHOWDOWN

Each week during the 2018 regular season, the Baltimore Ravens will recognize one local high school football game as its Ravens RISE High School Football Showdown.

The final Showdown of the year features the Mount Saint Joseph Gaels (Baltimore, Md.) at the Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers (Severn, Md.). Kickoff is scheduled for Friday (11/2) at 7 p.m. The Gaels enter the regular season finale on a six-game winning streak, while the Cavaliers look to avenge last season’s defeat in this matchup, 22-7.

In conjunction with the Baltimore Sun, a voting poll was established each week to help select a game that received a visit from Ravens Cheerleaders and mascot Poe, had the stadium outfitted in Ravens banners and flags and obtained Ravens giveaways for fans in attendance. Additionally, a $1,500 donation was awarded to each participating school’s respective athletic program, and following the matchup, each Showdown was highlighted with a detailed game recap and photo gallery. Student-athletes also received t-shirts to commemorate their participation in the game.

RAVENS HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE WEEK

Matt Banta, varsity head football coach of the Dundalk Owls (Baltimore, Md.), has been named the Ravens High School Coach of the Week. Now in its 22nd year of existence, Banta is the ninth recipient of the award in 2018.

Last Friday, Dundalk (8-1) defeated the Milford Mill Millers, 28-7, handing them their first loss of the season. Having fallen to their Baltimore County foe the past two seasons, the Owls used a powerful run game to spoil the Millers’ homecoming celebration. Led by senior RB Ronnie Brown, who rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns, Dundalk built a 28-0 lead and never looked back.

“The kids put the work in all week and had a great understanding of the rushing scheme to be able to run the ball as effectively as we did,” Banta stated. “On the other side of the ball, Milford has a great rushing attack as well, and we knew we needed to take that away. Our kids take pride in stopping the run. With good film study and preparation last week, we were prepared for what we saw, and it clicked for us on gameday.”

Dundalk completes regular season play on Friday (11/2) when they host the Kenwood Bluebirds with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. With a victory, the Owls will assure themselves at least a share of the Baltimore County Division I title.

Each week during the season, the Ravens honor a high school coach who has made a significant impact on his student-athletes. All 10 Coach of the Week winners receive a $2,000 donation to their school’s football program and an award from Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. In addition, each coach will attend the Ravens-Buccaneers game at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 16 for an opportunity to be named the Ravens High School Coach of the Year.

These initiatives are just one piece of Ravens RISE, the team’s football outreach program presented by MedStar Sports Medicine. Ravens RISE impacts a range of area football players from youth to high school, providing them with a year-round opportunity to “Play Like A Raven” through clinics, tournaments, grants, ticket donations and exclusive opportunities to play at M&T Bank Stadium and interact with Ravens players and coaches.

To learn more, please visit www.BaltimoreRavens.com/RISE.