Gilman’s Poggi named Week 4 BTC Coach of the Week

His top-ranked Greyhounds routed nationally renowned Paramus Catholic in New Jersey

When you lead a program which is consistently among the top programs in the state and which annually competes for its league championship, sometimes it can be difficult for your accomplishments to stand out. What Gilman is doing in 2015, however, under veteran head coach Biff Poggi is standing out loud and clear. Poggi’s top-ranked squad, which is off to a 3-1 start against an early season slate of national and regional powers, earned their head coach the Week 4 honor as the Baltimore Touchdown Club Coach of the Week after going on the road this weekend and routing New Jersey power Paramus Catholic, 41-17. The win reversed a 35-0 drubbing which the Greyhounds suffered at the hands of Paramus in 2014 and Poggi points to maturity as the top reason for the turnaround. “I think we have matured a lot over the last year,” said Poggi. “We played several young guys the last two years and now these guys are seniors, and they understand what it takes to win against very talented teams like Paramus Catholic.” Among those taking the lead for the Greyhounds is junior quarterback Kasim Hill, who Poggi says has become “a leader on the field for us.” Dorian Maddox, Ellison Jordan and Korey Stevens also contributed to the victory as two-way play-makers, and Gilman’s massive and talented offensive line dominated a talented Paramus front seven. Poggi credits much of the success of his players to one of the state’s most accomplished and experienced coaching staffs. “We are very fortunate to have a bunch of great men, who dedicate so much time and effort to our team,” said Poggi. “They are vital in our programs motto of Building Men for Others. I’m very grateful for all the work they put in for the boys.” According to Poggi, there are many great coaches working in high school football in the Baltimore area who are deserving of recognition. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the BTC, as we have so many good coaches and mentors in the area,” Poggi said. “You really could pick so many guys each week for this award.” Poggi also expressed gratitude for the work of the Baltimore Touchdown Club. “The BTC does so many good things for high school boys in the area. We are fortunate in Baltimore to have this organization, as many areas across the country would love to have such an involved group supporting our kids.”