BTC HONORS THE AREAS BEST AT SUPER 22 BANQUET

See video interviews below

Summer vacation is still weeks away and it will be months before pads are strapped on and area football players brave two-a-days in the hot August sun, but make no mistake about it - the 2008 high school football season officially kicked off last night with the 11th annual Baltimore Touchdown Club Super 22 Banquet.

One of the nation's premier high school football events, this year's BTC banquet honored 65 of the region's finest rising seniors, as well as a number of adult award winners, singled out for their contributions to the well being of high school football in the Baltimore area.

James Franklin, the newly appointed Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach at the University of Maryland, was the evening's keynote speaker and he gave an emotional talk, urging the young players in attendance to take greater pride in the outstanding caliber of high school football in Maryland.

"I am sick and tired of hearing about Florida and Texas football.  Some great football is played right here in Maryland and it's time we stand up and take pride in our programs," said Franklin.  "Every year this state produces some outstanding players, but we do not get the recognition we deserve.  I challenge you to change this preception."

The evening's opening speaker was former Gilman standout Ambrose Wooden, who recently completed his college career at the University of Notre Dame.  Wooden, who produced more than 7,000 yards of total offense during his brilliant high school career, recently began a career on Wall Street. He urged the players to enjoy the journey, pointing out how quickly it passes.

"The first thing I want to do is to encourage every player in this room to enjoy your senior year of high school.  It will be one of the best year's of your life which you can share with your friends and teammates.  Don't rush through it," said Wooden.  "Next, when you get to college you should recognize your priorities and manage your time.  Football will consume 60 hours of your week, so you better be organized and prepared to excell in your school work.  You are there to prepare for the rest of your life and, chances are, it will not be in football.

"Finally, you should ask yourself often, 'What can I do make a positive impact on the world when I graduate.'"

DigitalSports CEO Ed Kelley was honored as the BTC's Media Person of the Year, in recognition of the tremendous work his organization has done to promote high school football in Baltimore, and Dunbar's Ben Eaton, Sr. was honored posthumously with the George Young Lifetime Achievement Award.  Eaton's widow Sandra accepted the award and drew a standing ovation for her emotional and heart felt words.

"I have just one son, but I actually have more than 1,200 sons and l love them all," said Mrs. Eaton.  "Not a day passes where I do not encounted someone who wishes to thank me for the impact Ben had on their life."

Here is the complete list of adult award winners:

All-Decade Team Selection
Ambrose Wooden - Gilman/Notre Dame University

Service to Football Outside the Organization
Lori Phalen

Service to Football Inside the Organization
Jan DuVall

Assistant Coaches of the Year
Brant Hall - Loyola Blakefield
Anderson Powell - Dunbar
Ben Thompson - Old Mill
Mike Harrison - Wilde Lake
Paul DuMars - Catoctin

Official of the Year
Mike Connors - Maryland Board of Football Officials

Youth Coaches of the Year
Earline Ward - Northwood
Bryan Green - Golden Eagles

Media Person of the Year
Edward Kelley - DigitalSports, Inc.

Administrator of the Year
Dr. Barney Wilson - Baltimore Polytechnic

George Young Lifetime Achievement Award
Ben Eaton, Sr. - Dunbar

Personalty of the Year and Keynote Speaker
James Franklin - Offensive Coordinator - University of Maryland