"This was the worst field in the county," said Gordon Libby, the school's principal. "We used to use the poor condition of the field as a home field advantage. That is one advantage that I am happy to give up."

The football field is getting a $70,000 renovation that includes Bermuda grass and a new sprinkler system, all thanks to a short visit from the one of the most prominent middle linebackers in the National Football League.

Last fall, LaVar Arrington, who plays for the Washington Redskins, took a tour of the Upper Marlboro school, where his younger brother attended.

Seeing the dilapidated field, Arrington partnered with the Washington Redskins Leadership Council and Sallie Mae Foundation CEO Albert Lord to finance the renovation of the field.

"I'm just glad to be part of this," said Arrington, who attend the dedication Monday.

With a new field on the way, the school's football coach Julius Pinkney is confident it will help take the team closer to its ultimate dream.

"Our goal is to win a state championship," said Pinkney. "With this field we are one step closer."

For the players, the soft new grass means less pain.

"For me the field is one year too late," said team captain Shawne Merriman, who will play at Maryland next year. "But it will be great for the guys next year. They are not going to have to worry about all those rocks and blowing dirt."

E-mail Alexander Krughoff at akrughoff@gazette.net