Varsity

1. Centennial Last season: 17-1, ranked No. 1 Despite the graduation of eight seniors, the three-time defending Class 3A state champions return seven juniors who played two seasons on the school's unbeaten junior varsity. 2. St. Paul's Last season: 20-4, No. 5 The Gators return five starters, including 6-foot-3 junior Bailey Webster, perhaps the area's best player, as well as second-team All-Baltimore County outside hitter Jillian Unitas and senior hitter Bailey Griswold. 3. Reservoir Last season: 19-2, No. 2 The Class 2A state finalist graduated Howard County Player of the Year Jamie Thomas, but returns a handful of starters, including All-Howard County setter Jamie Huffman, who will switch to hitter.

SEPT. 8 Barnhart Invitational at Dulaney SEPT. 14 Knights Invitational at Baybrook Park SEPT. 21 South Carroll Invitational SEPT. 29 Bull Run at Hereford OCT. 10 Run From The Lions Den at Liberty OCT. 12 Meade Autumn Classic at Blob's Park

COLLEGE PARK -- There were assorted objectives for the Varsity-Alumni game that finished spring football practice at Maryland yesterday.First, coach Mark Duffner wanted to revive an old Maryland tradition and one he used at Holy Cross, letting past and current players mix it up. The Varsity got out early and cruised to an 18-13 victory at Byrd Stadium, and the Alumni, other than Jerry Claiborne's team disagreeing with an official's call in the fourth quarter,...

The indirect kick came from 20 yards outside the penalty area, a chip over the defense that had been set up at the 18-yard mark. The goalkeeper got a piece of it, but the ball stayed right in front. "And then one of our players got a touch on it to get it by the goalkeeper, and I just finished it off. I was just in the right place," Marriotts Ridge junior forward Mary Kate Morani said. And with that, history was made. Morani's goal was not only the Mustangs' first - coming in the ninth minute of its first varsity game Sept.

Centennial volleyball coach Larry Schofield sat at the end of his team's bench during a recent play day at River Hill and smiled. Judging by what he saw on the court, he had a lot to smile about. Schofield's Eagles are loaded with talent and experience, and expectations are high for the team, which begins the season ranked No. 1. It's the same spot Centennial occupied at the start of last season. And that's why Schofield's optimism is tempered by caution. "I do accept the level of talent we have on the team," said Schofield, in his second year as coach.

CAMBRIDGE - Underestimating Brendan Kincaid is a ticket to getting burned. Several young outfielders learned that lesson during a baseball all-star game seven years ago. When they witnessed a 10-year-old Kincaid approach the plate with less than half a right arm, the result of a birth defect, they all immediately cheated several yards toward the infield. Moments later, they helplessly watched the ball sail over their heads after Kincaid, swinging with just his left arm, slammed a triple.

For the boys at St. Paul's, the Baltimore Championships offer the only challenge to their status as the top high school boys crew in the area. Of course, except for Sunday, when Gilman races for the first time all season, the Crusaders have been the only boys rowing team in town. The Crusaders usually have to hit the road to Washington or Philadelphia, where they row against much tougher competition from programs that have been around for 20 years or longer. "It would be nice if Gilman or Boys' Latin had a serious team, but we can live without it," said Crusaders junior Alex Cook, who has been rowing for three years with the Baltimore Rowing Club.

There was no sideline, so they made do with the tight space on the bleachers, moving only their feet and arms as they belted out their cheers. Rooting on Howard High School's volleyball team for the first time last week, the cheerleading squad was somewhat hesitant and unsure of its moves. "When am I not supposed to cheer?" wondered Ciara Gissentaner, a senior co-captain of the 20-member squad. "When they serve," a few cheerleaders called out. Welcome to the new world of cheerleading in Howard County - where the football field and the basketball court are not a cheerleader's only playgrounds.