BLUE AND GOLD FRIDAY: Battle of the Top Birds

One of the competitors in tonight's Aberdeen-North Harford game was expected to be undefeated when the Harford County foes met at kickoff.

It wasn't Aberdeen.

North Harford (3-1 overall, 0-0 in the Chesapeake Division) visits Aberdeen (4-0 overall, 1-0 in the ) at .

The Hawks are looking for another conference title, since they haven't lost a game to a Harford or Cecil opponent since a 12-7 loss to Joppatowne in October 2009. Aberdeen, at 1-9 in 2010, is off to a very strong start under new head coach .

The rivals are polar opposites in terms of playing style.

The Eagles, with senior quarterback , his favorite target and a stable of athletic backs and receivers, prefer to throw and score quickly.

North Harford, with talented tailback Josh Welsh, are more likely to grind things out on offense, control the clock and try to shut down the opposition with a shrewd defense.

What They're Saying

The Aegis’ Inky Webb did not have selections posted online Friday.
(Last week: Webb predicted a 23-16 Eagles victory.)

 Shad Roe predicts an Aberdeen loss: 

Here is the game of the week, folks. You have the undefeated Aberdeen Eagles, who have been killing it offensively, averaging 40.25 points per game, and the 3-1 North Harford Hawks, whose only loss came at the hands of a strong St. Paul's squad in week three. The Aberdeen offense will not be able to run wild tonight, as it will be facing the county's strongest defense. The pick: North Harford wins, 28-21.

(Last week: Roe predicted a 34-30 Aberdeen victory.)

Patch Says

After passing a major hurdle last week with a win at Joppatowne, the Eagles run into the biggest test on their schedule. The Hawks are a traditional power in the conference, and—coming off a division title—North Harford coach Ken Brinkman will continue his success against Johnny Brooks-coached teams. North Harford 27, Aberdeen 23
(Last week: a 28-23 Aberdeen victory.)

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