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That it avoided top-seeded Quince Orchard in the 3A West Region semifinals is the good news for the Damascus High football team, considering the Swarming Hornets fell, 37-13, to the Cougars in the second week of the season.

Damascus received no favors having to play second-seeded Linganore (10-0), clearly one of the best teams not only in the region, but in the state. The Lancers are ranked second in the Maryland State Media Poll, between private school powerhouses DeMatha and Good Counsel. They have won their games this fall by an average score of 45-10.

"They are probably the biggest team I've ever seen," Damascus coach Eric Wallich said. "They really don't seem to have a weakness. They have size, speed, a great quarterback, a great receiver and they are very well-coached. They have a one-two punch with their running backs. The fullback is going to Penn State and the running back is more of a speed guy. If you load up to stop them, they have a receiver who is going to James Madison. They are huge on defense [and] what they run, they do it very well."

Zach Zwinak is the team's 6-foot-2, 230-pound future Nittany Lion. Kevin Myers (5-7, 165) follows behind in the running back spot. The pair has combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards this season.

Nick Marth lines up at quarterback and Ryan Dixon fills the role of top wideout. They all benefit from the blocking of University of Wisconsin verbal commit Rob Havenstein (6-8, 333 pounds) on the line.

Zwinak doubles as a linebacker and is joined by free safety Marth, tackle Anders Johnson and ends Austin Scates and Colby Weierbach on the defensive side of the ball. They are charged with slowing a Damascus offense paced by tailback Brian Lucas (992 yards, 17 TD), quarterback Connor Frazier (957 yards, 10 TD) and wideout Brandon Phelps (349 yards, 5 TD).

Damascus's defense has been nearly as stingy as Linganore's, allowing an average of 12.1 points per contest with three shutouts. Zeke Gammil, Nick Magas, and Lucas form a solid linebacking corps.

"They're outstanding," Linganore coach Rick Conner said. "Year in and year out, they're one of the top teams in the state of Maryland. We've got a lot of work to do between now and Friday. ... They can run it and throw it. They have an outstanding quarterback and I like their running back. They are well-coached. Everyone's performing their job and defensively, they fly to the ball."

No. 3 Damascus (8-2) vs. No. 2 Linganore (10-0)

Class 3A West Region semifinal at Oakdale High

Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Damascus 9, Linganore 7 (Sept. 21, 2006)

-Damascus Swarmin' Hornets

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (18th)

Best finish: State champions (1981, 1992-93, 1996, 2003, 2005, 2007)

Head coach: Eric Wallich (second year, 15-6 record; fourth overall, 24-17)

Leading rusher: Brian Lucas (166 carries, 992 yards, 17 TD)

Leading passer: Connor Frazier (79 of 136, 957 yards, 10 TD, 8 int.)

Leading receiver: Brandon Phelps (31 catches, 349 yards, 5 TD)

Leading defenders: LB Zeke Gammil, LB Brian Lucas, DB Greg Stanton

Points scored: 277

Points allowed: 121

-Linganore Lancers

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (13th)

Best finish: State champions (1989, 1991, 1995, 2003)

Head coach: Rick Conner (eighth year, 78-16 record)

Leading rusher: Zach Zwinak (1,164 yards, 16 TD)

Leading passer: Nick Marth (631 yards)

Leading receiver: Ryan Dixon (27 catches)

Leading defenders: DL Anders Johnson, LB Zach Zwinak

Points scored: 448

Points allowed: 97