By Adam Chasen:
GAITHERSBURG, MD - At Gaithersburg High School, Wednesday was no ordinary day for seniors Zack Fetters and Kris Westphall. At approximately 2:30pm, both standout football players signed intent letters for college scholarships in a full gym filled with family, friends, school officials, and media members, joining hundreds of other young men doing the same at their respective schools across the country.

The two seniors led a Gaithersburg team that finished the 2010 season with an 11-2 record after being eliminated in the third round of the Maryland state playoffs. Fetters signed his letter of intent to play football at William & Mary, while Westphall chose to stay close to home at nearby Morgan State.

Fetters, an All-Gameday and All-Met selection, was a 2 ½ year starter at the quarterback position and dominated as a defensive back as well. This past season he totaled 2,780 combined yards from scrimmage and a whopping 40-touchdowns. He also led Montgomery County with 10-interceptions on defense.

Westphall, also a two-way player, finished the year with 28-catches for 375-yards and 8-touchdowns as a receiver. He contributed 43-tackles and 3-interceptions at his defensive end position.

Morgan State has communicated with Westphall they may look to have him play the tight end position at the next level. While Westphall thanked his family among others, he made it clear he was happy with his choice in schools, picking Morgan State over Delaware State and others.

Fetters was quite emotional as he spoke in front of the excited crowd, at one point choking back tears while thanking his family and the Gaithersburg coaching staff. He singled out Head Coach Kreg Kephart explaining, "He has been like another father to me."

Before Fetters finished speaking, he made a point to speak to the younger players left in the program instructing them, "You got to get the grades, school is where it's at," before also pointing out banners in the gymnasium for future motivational use.

Asked about the process Fetters expressed relief it's finished. "More than glad (It's over), it's a very stressful process, my Mom is more than relieved," said Fetters.

When asked what other reasons he chose William & Mary other than both his parents attended the school he replied, "William & Mary are the defending CAA Champs and that played into it. They want to win." He also cited that it was close to home and he really liked the atmosphere.

Fetters will join another All-Gameday performer, 2010 graduate of Paint Branch, defensive back Ivan Tagoe, who has already completed his freshman season for the Tribe.

"Ivan (Tagoe) was the first one to welcome me in. He said welcome to the Tribe." Fetters explained with a big smile on his face.

Fetters and Westphall became the 55th and 56th players respectively to reach the college football level under Coach Kreg Kephart in his tenure at Gaithersburg.