Northern Exposure

North county products sweep grid hardware

By Kevin Bradford

Northern Anne Arundel County products took center stage Thursday night at the 48th annual Touchdown Club of Annapolis Banquet. All three high school winner sand the youth football service recipient were awarded to players and coaches representing north county football programs.

Reginald Leach, football coach and commissioner of the Fort Meade Cougars, started off the ceremony at the Sheraton Barcelo Hotel in Annpolis by accepting the Vince DePasquale Award, given to 0a youth football coach for volunteer service and commitment in the Anne Arundel youth Football Association.
“Wow! I really don’t know what to say. I can’t believe I’m getting an award for doing something I love – coaching youth football. This is kind of a big shock for me,” Leach said.

“you do what you really enjoy doing. I’ve put heart, mind, and soul into it. The best part is watching the kids grow up and seeing players here tonight like Antwan Smith and Rodney Jackson makes me proud,” Leach said.

“I thought it was a great feeling going to the county championship game last year, but I don’t think anything can match what I’m feeling here tonight. I want to thank the Fort Meade board of directors and the Touchdown Club of Annapolis, “ Leach added.

Meade coach Kenny Gray made an emotional return to The Touchdown Club of Annapolis Banquet, where he received the 1982 Jim Rhodes Memorial Trophy as Anne Arundel County’s top football π–layer as a senior at Meade.