Arundel Beats Old Mill, Will Face Meade in Regional Final

The Arundel High Wildcats finally beat Old Mill in a playoff game Friday night, topping the rival Patriots 25-22.

Arundel moved into the Class 4A regional final after a back-and-forth game secured by a 22-yard touchdown catch from Don Keith with 1:12 to go.

A final field goal attempt by Old Mill sailed wide right, setting off a celebration on the field by the Arundel players.

It was the first time Arundel has beaten Meade in the playoffs under head coach Chuck Markiewicz, after several close and heartbreaking losses. 

"I told our kids all week long I wanted them to walk in here like they were ready to do something," he said. "We worked hard to get here. It's not an accident."

The first half of the game was a tough defensive battle, as Old Mill went into the locker room with a 14-7 lead, thanks to touchdown runs by Malik Hicks and Donovan Franklin. 

But Arundel came out in the second half with a rapid pacing, pulling to within 14-13 and going up 19-14 late in the third quarter when Diondre Wallace punched it in from a yard out. 

Arundel appeared to be in control midway through the fourth quarter, but Old Mill's Devin Salisbury pulled in a touchdown reception on 4th and 6. A 2-point conversion made it 22-19 in favor of the Patriots. 

Arundel had one last chance, and came through when quarterback Anthony Messenger lofted a pass along the right sideline. 

"I looked at [Anthony] and said, 'I got you,'" Keith said. "The corner bit and I was wide open."

For Keith, the victory was an emotional one, as he did not appear in Arundel's game against Old Mill in the regular season. His winning touchdown was one of two scoring receptions in the game. 

"I told my teammates that when we come back, we'll be hungry and we'll leave everything on the field. I told them I that when I leave this game, I'm going to leave the game sore," he said. "I thank God. I thank my teammates and I'm just happy I get play with my team again."

The win came despite an injury to kicker Isaiah Watson. Backup Tyler Roberts missed one extra point and had another blocked. 

The Wildcats will face Meade next week in the regional title game. Meade beat Broadneck 41-31 in the other regional semifinal Friday.