December 15, 2003
Some of the area's most creative midfield work came from the talented senior, whose strong work rate and gifted ball skills helped carry the Mavericks (10-3-2) to the Class 2A state semifinals. Moffa was constantly around the ball, effectively finding his own shot or setting up teammates. Despite seeing extra defensive marks, he finished the season with 18 goals and 11 assists. Moffa finished his career with 48 goals and 21 assists.
Dan Rogers
Oakland Mills
Opposing offenses had a difficult time getting the ball past the 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior goalkeeper, who, along with his imposing size, also brought agility and smart decision-making to anchor the No. 2 Scorpions' defense. Rogers allowed just one goal over the course of Howard County play as the Scorpions (13-2) shared the county title with Class 3A state titlist River Hill.
Jeff Routh
Towson
The center midfielder was the sturdy field general of the No. 4 Generals, who earned a share of the Class 3A state title with River Hill and finished with a 16-1-2 mark. Savvy in the middle of the field and plenty opportunistic in the offensive third, Routh earned co-Player of the Year honors in Baltimore City/County with an exceptional 21-goal, seven-assist senior season that put a fitting exclamation on a four-year varsity career.
Josh Taylor
Archbishop Curley
In his third season starting on varsity, the junior defender took his game to a higher level this fall to become the glue of the No. 2 Friars' sturdy back line. Taylor was quick and aggressive with his marking and ability to get to the ball in anchoring a defense that posted 10 shutouts. Sidelined for the final three games with torn knee ligaments, Taylor, whom coach Barry Stitz called the team's MVP, was obviously missed. The Friars, who captured the MIAA A Conference regular-season crown with a 14-0-2 mark and were 22-1-2 overall, had an unbeaten season working until a 4-0 upset to eventual champ Calvert Hall in the semifinals.
Drew Yates
Archbishop Curley
Bringing a tireless work rate at his center midfield position, the talented sophomore was strong on the ball and made the most of his touches to help the Friars gain possession and do positive things. Yates became more of a take-charge presence this season, and as he raised his game, so did the Friars. Equally adept at finishing and distributing, he scored 10 goals and added 16 assists with a creative flow that got everyone involved. Moreover, Yates provided as much support defensively as offensively.
FINAL POLL
1. River Hill 15-1-1
2. Archbishop Curley 20-1-2
3. Oakland Mills 13-2
4. Towson 16-1-2
5. Loyola 17-2-2
6. Mount Hebron 13-3
7. Calvert Hall 12-6-2
8. McDonogh 15-7-2
9. Kenwood 10-6-1
10. Century 11-2-3
11. Old Mill 15-4-1
12. Glen Burnie 15-2-1
13. Sparrows Point 14-2
14. Patapsco 15-3
15. Perry Hall 10-3-1 Other teams considered: Aberdeen (12-3), Eastern Tech (10-3-2), Glenelg (11-6), Liberty (12-2-2), Severna Park (10-4-2).
