The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) boys soccer playoffs kick off this week, with teams entering the high-pressure region play on Wednesday. For Matt Shagogue, head coach of the River Hill Hawks, this moment marks a crucial transition in the season, emphasizing the need for a careful balance between urgency and enjoyment as his team aims to defend their title.
Shagogue described the playoffs as the third phase of the season, following the preseason and regular season. “You kind of have to reset and restart because it’s basically the third part of a season,” he explained. “It’s so definitive because you can be playing today and then ‘Boom!’ it’s gone tomorrow.” Under his guidance last season, River Hill secured the Class 3A title, and Shagogue hopes to instill a sense of urgency while also allowing his players to appreciate the journey.
In last year’s playoffs, two additional local teams, C. Milton Wright and Liberty, joined River Hill in claiming state titles in Class 2A and Class 1A, respectively. River Hill has dropped down to Class 2A this season, paving the way for a new champion in Class 3A.
Class Breakdowns and Key Challenges
As the playoffs begin, a look at the four classifications reveals significant challenges for local teams.
In Class 4A, the pressing question is whether an area team can break a decade-long title drought. Perry Hall last claimed the championship in 2015, while Montgomery Blair enters as the defending champion. Most teams in this classification hail from outside the immediate area, but the No. 8 Broadneck Bruins (13-1) are emerging as a strong contender. They have won 12 consecutive matches and recently avenged their only loss by defeating No. 6 Severna Park 2-1 in the Anne Arundel County championship.
The Bruins are set to enter the playoffs as the second seed in East Region II, where they will compete against top-seeded Leonardtown. Their rivals, No. 10 Crofton, also present a formidable challenge after finishing the regular season with a record of 10-1-1.
In Class 3A, the focus shifts to the area teams vying to fill the gap left by River Hill. Despite their departure, several strong contenders remain. No. 9 Centennial (10-1-1) and Baltimore County champion No. 12 Catonsville are well-positioned for a successful run. Reservoir (9-3-1) earned the top seed in South Region I, while Towson, a traditional powerhouse, seeks to regain its footing after a challenging 7-5 regular season.
Undefeated Glenelg Eyes Perfection
As the current champions in Class 2A, the undefeated Glenelg Gladiators aim to finish their season with a perfect record. Their dominance in the challenging Howard County regular season has set them apart. Their nearest challenge may come from county rival Century (8-4-1) in West Region I.
In the same classification, defending champion C. Milton Wright (10-3) stands as the top seed in East Region I. They face a significant rivalry with second-seeded Bel Air as they strive to maintain their championship status.
Meanwhile, Class 1A features a competitive landscape with Patterson Mill (10-1-1) and Harford Tech (10-2-1) in North Region I as the top two seeds. The defending champion Liberty, despite a less-than-stellar 4-5-2 record, remains a contender.
As the playoffs unfold, the excitement builds across all classifications, with teams poised to make their mark on the state soccer scene. The journey to the championship begins, and for coaches and players alike, the focus will be on both the challenge and the thrill of the competition.
