By Adam Chasen:
Quince Orchard last won a football state championship in 2007, in a memorable 16-point 4th quarter comeback over high-powered Arundel High School. Several key plays were made in the stunning, 29-point outburst by the Quince Orchard Cougars to claim a come-from-behind, 36-30 victory in front of more than 8,000 shocked fans at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. More than three years later, several of Coach Dave Mencarini's players from that team are emerging as stars at the collegiate level.

Running back Tommy Addison rushed for a season-high 220 yards on 19 carries, including two key 4th quarter rushing touchdowns in the 2007 championship game. While, receiver Travis Hawkins made the game's decisive play, hauling in a pass from quarterback Jaron Morrison in the final stages of the game. Hawkins caught that ball and went the distance for 78 yards and the go-ahead score.

The 2007 Cougars had a stacked roster full of players that have gone on to play with success at the next level. Addison and Hawkins especially, appear to be emerging as stars in their respective programs.

Now a senior at Shepherd University, Addison led the team in rushing last season, as he rushed 239 times for 1,670 yards and 19 touchdowns. Addison rushed for 100 yards or more in nine games, helping Shepherd to a 12-2 record and a national semifinal berth. Just yesterday, Addison was named to the 2011 Sporting News Pre-season Division II All-America Team as a running back.

Addison was a scintillating runner at Quince Orchard, rushing for 1,615 yards and 21 touchdowns his senior year before moving on to Shepherd.

The more sought after recruit, Travis Hawkins has not had the success that many expected when he was courted by such programs as Florida, Michigan, and Penn State. He was rated the fifth best high school player in the State of Maryland in 2008, and 22nd best cornerback nationally by Rivals.com.

Hawkins, a junior on the Cougar championship team, chose to stay close to home and play for Ralph Friedgen's University of Maryland squad. But his college football career never took off at Maryland where he battled for playing time at corner, safety, and on special teams.

After making the decision to join fellow 2008 Quince Orchard teammate Cody Magill (led the '07 team in sacks) at the University of Delaware this winter, Hawkins has emerged this spring as a potential play-maker for the Blue Hens this fall. Delaware graduates all four members of their starting secondary from their NCAA Division 1 Championship Subdivision (formerly known as 1-AA) runner-up finish last year, which opens the door nicely for Hawkins who has three years remaining of eligibility.

Delaware fans are buzzing about Hawkins recent performance in the annual spring scrimmage hoping it is a sign of things to come.

The Blue Hens closed out a month of spring practices with an inter-squad scrimmage in front of more than 4,000 fans, many of which came away impressed by Hawkins dominance. He made five tackles, broke up three passes, and returned an interception 55 yards, the highlight of the game.

Delaware will play their 2011 season opener at Navy on September 3rd, providing an opportunity for Montgomery County football fans to see Hawkins up close and personal a little closer to home.

In addition to Addison, Hawkins, and Magill, Coach Mencarini had plenty of other talented players on the 2007 squad. Jason Ankrah, now a defensive end for Nebraska, is fighting for playing time on arguably the deepest position group on the famed Blackshirts defense. Hawkins' former teammate at Maryland, Zack Kerr, emerged as a dominating sophomore defensive lineman in 2010 and even got a few snaps as a goal-line fullback. Additionally, Stanford defensive tackle Terrence Stephens has been a contributor since his freshman year, and is projected by many to become an NFL player when he completes his collegiate career.

State Championship teams are often remembered for their great success at the high school level. The Quince Orchard Cougars classes of '07-'08 and '08-'09 will likely be remembered for their future success as well.