The Frederick Douglass Ducks of Baltimore City fell short of winning their first Maryland state title after a 25-0 shut-out loss to Fort Hill in the 1A Class championship on Dec. 7 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.
Douglass had been on an historic run this season, scoring more than 30 points in each contest in their quest for their first shot at a state title. They even knocked off the Dunbar Poets, who had won the last three state titles.
But Douglass’ fortune ran out Dec. 7 as Fort Hill pounded away at the Ducks in an easy shutout victory.
Fort Hill took an early 7-0 lead in the second quarter after running back DeKarai Darr ran for a short touchdown. Fort Hill’s second touchdown came in the third quarter when Alex Barnes made an interception and returned it back for a defensive touchdown. Barnes also ran for a touchdown later in the fourth quarter.
Fort Hill maintained their lead by using stifling defense to smother Douglass’ offense. Ducks quarterback Cameron West was sacked several times. He also tossed two interceptions.
Douglass ended the season 13-1, the best record in Ducks school history, while Fort Hill moved on to a perfect 14-0 record and their first state title since 1997 (third title in school history).
“My boys played hard all season,” Douglass coach Elwood Townsend told reporters after the game. “We didn’t want it to end like this. Two undefeated teams came to the game. One had to win. One had to lose. It’s just a tough road, but we will be back next year.”
