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Waters took his interception to the end zone as Washington defeated Baltimore, 24-21, in the second annual Maryland Crab Bowl at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium. Waters was one of 17 county players named to the Washington roster, and he was able to produce one of the game's critical moments.

Waters, who helped DeMatha return to an 11-1 season, stepped in front of a pass by Josh Bordner (Century High) that was intended for Adrian Coxson (City College/Penn State recruit) and went untouched 29 yards to the Baltimore end zone for a 12-0 advantage early in the second quarter. It was one of two Washington interceptions returned for scores.

"As soon as I got it, no one was going to stop me," said Waters, who had four tackles. "I read it the whole way, as soon as [Coxson] started to slow down and make his break, I going to jump right on it."

His thrill was tempered about 5 minutes later as Atholton's Matt Robinson got behind Waters for a 32-yard scoring play. With Baltimore boasting two strong-armed Division I recruits in Bordner (Boston College) and Arundel's Billy Cosh (Kansas State), who has shattered every state passing mark, Waters knew the Washington defensive secondary would be busy.

"It was some miscommunication [on the touchdown], but I take a big responsibility in that," said Waters. "They have some nice receivers and were making some big plays towards the end. It gets our heart beating."

Waters, a Gazette-Star All-County First Team selection, said he's narrowed his college choices to California, Iowa, Maryland, Rutgers and Wake Forest. He has taken official visits to California, Maryland and Wake Forest.

Smelling like a Rose

Chrishon Rose was a late addition to the Washington roster. The Bishop McNamara defensive lineman took advantage of the opportunity.

He posted five tackles, including one for a loss. Rose, a Gazette-Star and Washington Catholic Athletic Conference second-team pick this season, helped McNamara to a 8-3 record and a berth in the league playoffs.

"I got the call the week before the game and I had no plans," said Rose, an East Carolina University recruit. "There's a lot of players in the area and to make it to the Crab Bowl is a big accomplishment."

California dreamin'

DeMatha's Michael Coley announced at the Crab Bowl game he's signing with California. The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back selected the Pac-10 Conference school over a host of suitors including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech.

Coley, who posted six tackles and defended on two passes for the Washington squad, admitted the distance from his family was a negative.

"The education is great, the team is great, and the coaches were real with you," said Coley. "To have an opportunity to make a decision among top caliber schools is really an honor."

Coley joins Thomas Johnson High running back Nick Forbes (California) and Good Counsel defensive back Louis Young, who announced Monday that he's committed to Stanford, as state standouts opting to venture to the West Coast. He laughed when a reporter joked him about his decision to go to California two days after a huge snowstorm blanketed the region.

"One thing is the weather," Coley said. "The Pac-10 is a great conference to play in, and I think everybody wants to compete."

Under fire

Like many of his teammates in the Washington defensive secondary, Riverdale Baptist's Brian Burns was challenged by Baltimore's high-octane passing attack. They withstood it, down to the final play.

Burns helped defend Linganore's Ryan Dixon, who was unable to bring down Cosh's pass on fourth down from Washington's 10. Burns, a Temple University recruit, had five tackles and nearly had an interception.

"We heard the hype and we knew Cosh was going to come out firing," said Burns, whose team posted five interceptions. "It was going to be a defensive game. We just stuck it out and were able to jump out on them early."

Burns said he's looking forward to seeing his future squad next week as Temple plays UCLA at the EagleBank Bowl at RFK Stadium. It'll be homecoming for four locals on the Owls roster: Wilbert Brinson (Gwynn Park), Marcus Brown (Frederick Douglass), Chester Stewart (DeMatha) and Devin Tyler (Suitland).

Crab Bowl bits

DeMatha offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American bowl Jan. 9 in San Antonio. He's the third county player to be chosen in the game's 10-year history, joining Kenny Tate (DeMatha, 2008) and Wesley Jefferson (Gwynn Park, 2003) ... Bowie's Travis Thomas had four carries for 21 yards for the Washington team ... Gwynn Park's Khalek Shepherd had 78 kickoff return yards, including a 35-yarder that helped Washington get a field goal late in the second quarter ... Marcus Coker of DeMatha rushed for 6 yards. He had a 24-yard touchdown run negated by a holding penalty in the first quarter ...Devin Goode (Riverdale Baptist) caught a 10-yard pass on third down that kept a Washington's only offensive touchdown drive alive ... DeMatha's Jeff Knox had two tackles, and Bobby Caffes (DeMatha) and Titus Till (Wise) each had one ... Austin Bailey (DeMatha) had a 2-yard carry.