Jordan Addison's mother, Keisha Blackman

May 5, 2023 Graham Cullen

One week after seeing her son fulfill a lifelong dream of being drafted into the NFL, Jordan Addison's mother, Keisha Blackman, is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

Addison, a wide receiver and Tuscarora High graduate, was selected at No. 23 overall in the first round of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings, making him the second player from Frederick County to be drafted into the NFL's opening round, following former Frederick High great Chuck Foreman, who was selected by the Vikings at No. 12 overall in 1973.

Blackman shares with host Greg Swatek what it was like watching this entire process unfold for her son and how she felt once he was drafted. She talks about how Jordan's love for football started and his rise through the ranks into one of the top college wide receivers in the country.

She also talks about the various challenges he has overcome along the way, such as dealing with a lot of negative blowback after he transferred from the University of Pittsburgh, and what some of the next steps are as his NFL career begins.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to talk about where things stand as the regular season for spring sports in Frederick County comes to and end and with the playoffs set to begin next week.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Jordan Addison, Bryan Bresee Drafted in the First Round of the NFL Draft; Rob Robinson

April 28, 2023 Graham Cullen

On a momentous night for Frederick County sports, Tuscarora graduate Jordan Addison, a playmaking wide receiver, and Urbana native Bryan Bresee, a disruptive defensive tackle, were taken in the first round of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints, respectively.

On this week's episode of the Final Score podcast, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join host Greg Swatek to discuss this major news, as Addison and Bresee join former Frederick High star Chuck Foreman as the only Frederick County natives to be drafted into the NFL in the first round. Foreman was the 12th overall pick by the Vikings in the 1973 draft.

Following that conversation, in a prerecorded interview, one of Addison's former coaches with the Gaithersburg-based Montgomery Village Chiefs, Rob Robinson, joins Greg to discuss the beginnings of Addison's football career and what made him such a dynamic player at such an early age. Why did Addison need to be the team's quarterback? How did the rest of the Chiefs take their cues from such a quiet leader? Robinson explains.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Tom DeMaio, Urbana Girls Lacrosse Coach

April 24, 2023 Graham Cullen

With his team in the midst of a good season, first-year Urbana High School girls lacrosse coach Tom DeMaio is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

DeMaio chats with host Greg Swatek about growing up as a huge sports fan in Boston and going to Super Bowls that his beloved Patriots played in and won. He talks about how he transitioned from being a solid defenseman in hockey into a lacrosse player and later a coach. And he talks about raising six kids, all of whom play lacrosse, including his oldest son, Anthony, who was a standout midfielder on two national championship teams at the University of DeMaio.

The conversation eventually shifts to DeMaio's team at Urbana this season, its thrilling last-second win over Middletown and where it stands in the Frederick County girls lacrosse pecking order with the playoffs approaching.

Prior to that, Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss at length his upcoming and ambitious tryout with Frederick's new Atlantic League baseball team. What is he expecting, for better or for worse?

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Bradley Gray, Tuscarora Girls Lacrosse Coach

April 15, 2023 Graham Cullen

As the spring sports season nears its midpoint, Tuscarora High girls lacrosse coach Bradley Gray is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Gray chats with host Greg Swatek about how he came to be a lacrosse coach after never playing the sport himself. He talks about the evolution of the game here in Frederick County since he came onto the scene right around the time the game was incorporated as a varsity high school sport in the area. And he also talks about the challenges of coaching his daughters, choosing teaching and coaching over a more financially lucrative career in law and how his love of sports began.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss where this stand in spring sports across Frederick County. Plus, the guys tease a big endeavor that Alexander has coming up.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Catoctin baseball pitching ace Joey McMannis, coach Mike Franklin

April 6, 2023 Graham Cullen

Off to a strong start this season, Catoctin pitching ace Joey McMannis and the Cougars' longtime coach Mike Franklin are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

McMannis, who committed to play at the University of Maryland as a freshman, is receiving lots of attention from Major League Baseball scouts. He and Franklin chat with host Greg Swatek about dealing with that process and handling the pressure and scrutiny that comes along with it. McMannis talks about how he developed and maintains his powerful right arm, which can deliver mid-90's fastballs on the radar gun. He also talks extensively about his friendship with Catoctin track phenom Brody Buffington and how they have helped each other manage both the recruiting process and the small-town celebrity status that each now enjoys.

Meanwhile, Franklin discusses what makes McMannis such a dominant pitcher and why is team is off to such a strong start.

Plus, we've got power rankings, as FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the Frederick County teams that have looked the strongest so far in each of the spring sports.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Geoff Arnold, Radio Voice of the Baltimore Orioles

March 30, 2023 Graham Cullen

As a new Major League Baseball season gets underway, Baltimore Orioles play-by-play voice Geoff Arnold is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Arnold, the former director of broadcasting and public relations for the Frederick Keys, chats with host Greg Swatek about whether the O's can take the next step and make the playoffs this season after being the best team in the American League to not make it last year. He shares some impressions from spring training and his thoughts on top pitching prospects Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall not being in the majors to start the season. How long might it be before we see them in the big leagues?

Plus, Arnold shares his thoughts on the pitch clock, which seems to be wildly popular so far and has drastically reduced the lenghth of games in spring training. Has he had to adjust his broadcasting style as a result?

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to share their thoughts on Opening Day and the fortunes of the Nationals and Orioles. Plus, the guys discuss spring sports in Frederick County and some of the best teams that have emerged so far.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Randy Hinkelman, Walkersville Softball Coach

March 24, 2023 Graham Cullen

As a new season gets underway, Walkersville softball coach Randy Hinkelman is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Hinkelman chats with host Greg Swatek about the outlook for his team this season after it made a run to the Class 2A state semifinals last season. He also talks about the challenge of coaching his daughters, life growing up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, how he became a softball coach and how he became a world-class archer.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writers join Greg to discuss the start of the spring sports season in Frederick County, and Alexander shares details of the story he is working on about the very successful Esports team at Mount St. Mary's, which leads to a broader discussion about Esports in general.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Coach Emonte Hill, Elwyne Wordlaw, David Dorsey, Frederick High Boys Basketball

March 15, 2023 Graham Cullen

After winning 26 out of 27 games during a remarkable season advancing all of the way to the Class 3A state semifinals, coach Emonte Hill, junior guard Elwyne Wordlaw and junior forward David Dorsey are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

Coach Hill and the players chat with host Greg Swatek about what made this team and this season so special. They talk about the bitter disappoint of losing to arch rival Thomas Johnson three times during the previous season and how that provided the fuel for all the work and preparation everyone put in over the summer and during the fall in preparation for the season. The guys also talk about helping to restore pride in Frederick County athletics and what is on tap over the offseason as they prepare to chase a state title again next season.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to share their thoughts on Frederick High's boys basketball season and help preview the upcoming spring sports season in Frederick County.

Dean Swink, New Urbana High Football Coach

March 9, 2023 Graham Cullen

A couple of weeks after being named the new varsity football coach at Urbana High School, Dean Swink is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Swink chats with host Greg Swatek about why he wanted to be a head coach again after being away from such a position for more than a decade. He previously served as the head coach at Tuscarora High from 2009-11 and Walt Whitman prior to that. In the ensuring years, he was an assistant coach at both Damascus and Urbana, serving as the Hawks' defensive line coach last season.

Swink talks about coaching NFL Draft prospect Bryan Bresee at both Urbana and Damascus. He discusses all of the nuances and added responsibilities that come along with his new job, his general disdain for social media and the overall vision he has for the Urbana football program.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the sudden end to the winter sports season in Frederick County. They discuss about the half-court heave that sank the Urbana girls basketball team, a terrific effort by the often-overlooked Oakdale girls, the first blemish for the Frederick boys and a difficult circumstance that ended the season for the Walkersville boys.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Beau Traber, New Thomas Johnson High Football Coach

March 6, 2023 Graham Cullen

After taking the helm of the Thomas Johnson High School varsity football team in late January, Beau Traber is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Traber chats with host Greg Swatek about his unlikely path to the job, from observing a practice on a walk with his dog, to joining the team as a volunteer assistant, to taking over as defensive coordinator at midseason last fall to becoming the head coach, all within the span of five months. He talks about how he was able to squeeze the most out of his athletic ability as an undersized high school middle linebacker in Oklahoma and later at Bucknell University. And he discusses what it will take to get the TJ football program back on a winning track.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the high school basketball playoffs, which have now reached the state quarterfinal stage for four Frederick County basketball teams (Frederick and Walkersville boys, Oakdale and Urbana girls). What are their chances of advancing even farther?

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Brody Buffington, Coach Dave Lillard, State Champion Catoctin Boys Track and Field

February 24, 2023 Graham Cullen

After his sensational state record in the 55-meter dash and a wild last month that earned him some national recognition, Catoctin High sprinting star Brody Buffington and his coach, Dave Lillard, are this week's guests on the Final Score podcast.

Buffington chats with host Greg Swatek about how much his life has changed over the last month, starting with the 6.25-second 55 dash he ran in mid-January that vaulted him to the best time in the nation, at the time, to the 6.19-second 55 dash he ran Tuesday at the state indoor meet to set the Maryland Public School record for all classifications. What has it been like handling all of the attention?

He also talks at length about the controversial disqualification he suffered in the 300 dash at the 1A regional meet that knocked him out of a race he was the defending champion in and states and prompted nationwide calls of support on social media, including from numerous Olympians.

How do Buffington's teammates handle all of his success? Lillard talks about that and about all of the noteworthy athletes and performances that can get lost in the very large shadow cast by Buffington's dynamic performances.

And what's on tap for Buffington as he prepares to run at the New Balance Indoor National meet in Boston in two weeks and during the outdoor track season in the spring?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to talk about the Central Maryland Conference championship games for both boys and girls basketball, as well as state and regional playoff happenings for swimming and wrestling.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Ben Arneson, Ben Lawn, State champion Linganore wrestling

February 16, 2023 Graham Cullen

Fresh off Linganore High's wrestling team winning its first state duals championship last Saturday, coach Ben Arneson and senior middleweight Ben Lawn are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Arneson and Lawn chat with host Greg Swatek about how the profile of the sport has risen at Linganore to the point where the Lancers are now one of the most respected teams in the state. They talk about the team's relentless and never-quit attitude, which carried them to the Class 3A duals championship over North Point, and they talk about how the wrestlers were able to come together for the purpose of achieving that common goal.

Plus, they offer a little preview of the Frederick County Public Schools tournament this Friday and Saturday at Frederick High School, as the individual portion of the postseason is set to begin.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to discuss the end of the basketball regular season in Frederick County and what team can possibly contend for a state title on the boys and girls side, as well as the FCPS swimming and diving championships over the weekend.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Coach Dave Crawmer and RJ Roche, Urbana boys basketball

February 9, 2023 Graham Cullen

Following a dramatic and tense come-from-behind win at Linganore this week, Urbana boys basketball coach Dave Crawmer and sophomore forward RJ Roche are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Crawmer and Roche chat with host Greg Swatek about the Hawks' season. They are 13-5 with three challenging games remaining in the regular season. They also discuss the qualities of the team that allowed it to rally from an early 13-point deficit to beat Linganore on the road by three, surviving a potential game-tying 3-pointer by the Lancers at the buzzer.

Roche talks about how his game has evolved over the course of the season. And Crawmer discusses his day job as the head golfing pro at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville. What his lowest score ever? What is the most famous course he has ever played? The answers may surprise you.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the the controversial disqualification of Catoctin sprinting star Brody Buffington in the 300 dash over the weekend in the Class 1A West regional indoor track meet in Hagerstown. They also discuss the prominent storylines on the boys and girls basketball scenes in Frederick County, and share the story of Zion Ortiz, a star athlete at Maryland School for the Deaf.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Ryan Hines, Tuscarora Football Coach, Urbana Assistant Principal

February 4, 2023 Graham Cullen

On the heels of girls flag football becoming a varsity sport in Frederick County, new Tuscarora High football coach and Urbana assistant principal Ryan Hines is this week's guest on the Final Score.

Hines played a prominent role in helping girls flag football carve out a foothold in the area through Frederick County Parks and Recreation and the high school league last fall. He chats with Greg Swatek about the significance of it becoming a varsity sport in Frederick County Public Schools and the opportunities it will create for young girls interested in playing sports.

He also talks about his desire to get back into coaching after roughly a decade of holding administrative positions at Urbana and why Tuscarora was the right opportunity for him, despite the Titans' struggles in recent seasons.

How is he balancing and managing both jobs at the moment? Why would he be willing to take such a significant pay cut? How long will it take to turn the Tuscarora program around? He answers those questions and more.

Prior to Hines coming on, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss girls flag football as a varsity sport, the contributions of Frederick High's deaf boys basketball player, Keanu Boren, and Hood College's newly formed men's volleyball team.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

James Partlow, Larry O'Hara TJ Boys Track and Field

January 28, 2023 Graham Cullen

After helping lead the Thomas Johnson High boys track and field team to its first county indoor title since 2012 last week, standout distance runner James Partlow and coach Larry O'Hara are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Partlow explains to host Greg Swatek how he overcame a weeklong illness to not only participate in the meet but to provide valuable points for his team by winning the 3,200-meter run and placing second in the 1,600. He also talks about how a tremendous cross-country season in the fall generated a lot of confidence and belief heading into the indoor track season.

O'Hara talks about how he has built the Patriots into a county champion over the course of his six seasons on the job. It has not been a fast or easy process. But he's gradually convinced more good athletes to come out for the team, which created has created the depth TJ needs to win the championship without a lot of event wins.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the winter sports scene in Frederick County. They touch on the county track meet, boys and girls basketball and some wrestling.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Pat Cadden, New Frederick High Football Coach

January 21, 2023 Graham Cullen

Less than a week after being named the varsity football coach at his alma mater, Frederick High football coach Pat Cadden is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Cadden chats with host Greg Swatek about how the opportunity came about for him. He served for the last six seasons as Frederick's defensive coordinator under former coach Kevin Pirri and has helped resurrect the program from one of its lowest points ever into one of the top ones in the state.

Cadden also talks candidly about his 20 years of military service in the U.S. Army, which is approaching its end, and how that shaped his life and his coaching career.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to discuss the new high school football coaching hires at both Frederick and Tuscarora, as well as some notable results and upcoming matchups on the Frederick County basketball scene.

The guys also touch on Catoctin's Brody Buffington posting the fastest time in the nation in the 55-meter dash last week, as well as Linganore wrestling's big win over Middletown.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Trinity Lindblade, Rachael Easterday, Linganore Girls Basketball

January 12, 2023 Graham Cullen

After leading Linganore to a last-second, one-point win over Urbana to achieve status as the only unbeaten team in Frederick County this season in girls basketball, Lancers junior guard Trinity Lindblade and her coach, Rachael Easterday, are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Lindblade chats with host Greg Swatek about the nothing-but-net 3-pointer she hit to beat the previously unbeaten Hawks by one point (63-62) in the final seconds of what could be the girls basketball Game of the Year in the county this season. What was she thinking and feeling leading into that shot? What gave her the confidence to take it and make it from so far behind the 3-point line? What has her adjustment been like to the Linganore team after transferring from Thomas Johnson last season? Lindblade answers all of those questions.

Easterday discusses what makes Lindblade such a special player and what makes these Lancers such a special team. Did she unbeaten and state-championship potential in her team prior to the season starting?

Prior to this discussion, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the winter sports season in Frederick County, with the girls and boys basketball scenes being a particular point of emphasis. What has stood out to these guys so far this season?

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Logan Malone, Shawn Baker, Brunswick Boys Soccer

January 6, 2023 Graham Cullen

After scoring his second game-winning goal in a state final in November, Brunswick boys soccer player Logan Malone and his coach, Shawn Baker, are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

Malone recounts to host Greg Swatek his storybook scenario of scoring not just one, but two game-winning goals in overtime of state championship games against the very same opponent, Fallston. What was the liklihood of that happening? What were his emotions like? What sort of reaction did he get from his teammates and the community?

Plus, Baker shares his pride in leading his alma mater to back-to-back state titles as a coach and what made this Brunswick team so strong once again.

Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy chats with Greg about winter sports in Frederick County and a very early candidate for Game of the Year, as unbeaten Linganore and unbeaten Urbana played in girls basketball. Learn how the game lived up to the hype.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2023 Graham Cullen

On an informal holiday edition of The Final Score podcast, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins host Greg Swatek to discuss their holiday travel adventures and the winter sports scene in Frederick County.

Alexander also reflects on his first nine months on the job in the FNP sports department.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Carson Smith, Middletown Football, Army Recruit

December 22, 2022 Graham Cullen

After signing his National Letter of Intent this week to make his college commitment to play football at Army official, Middletown running back Carson Smith is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Smith chats with host Greg Swatek about the recruiting process and why he ultimately settled on Army. Did he ever envision himself at a military academy?

The guys also discuss his sensational last two seasons at Middletown, during which he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns and led the Knights to the Class 2A state semifinals in November. They talk about his various interests outside of football and what he sees in the eyes of defenders who attempt to tackle him.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the winter sports scene in Frederick County. What boys and girls basketball teams have separated themselves from the pack so far?

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Google Play.