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THOMAS JOHNSON AND Frederick arrive at a rare intersection in their storied rivalry at 1 p.m. Saturday. Both teams have winning records. Both teams are in the regional playoff mix for their respective classes. Both teams need a win to ensure their seasons extend beyond this weekend. TJ coach Ben Wright couldn't remember a game between the schools that has come together so perfectly, as if fuel needed to be added to the fire. "It wouldn't matter if both teams were 0-10. The kids all know each other. We won't have to say anything special," Wright said. The rivalry dates to 1966 and has never meant much in the standings. The schools have matched winning records in just five seasons (1968, 73, 75, 87 and 90) with Frederick winning three of the meetings during those years. TJ won a memorable game between the teams in 1989, when David Allen's field goal bounced over the crossbar to make it 17-14 as time expired. Frederick coach Vince Ahearn said, "There have been years they have been good and we have been OK or they have been OK and we've been good. Maybe both of us have been OK. Nothing like this." Sitting at 8-1 this season, Ahearn is biting his nails over his team's playoff prospects. The Cadets have not lost on the field this season. They had to forfeit their season opener to Tuscarora for using an ineligible player. Yet, they will still probably have to beat TJ to reach the Class 3A West playoffs. They sit in second place in the 3A West standings behind Damascus, but Seneca Valley (7-2), Paint Branch (7-2) and Kennedy (7-2) have a chance to pass them with a victory and a Cadets loss. Even Urbana (5-4) could finish with a better playoff point average than Frederick if the Hawks beat Linganore on Saturday. "It really is truly amazing to be 8-1 right now and not have secured a spot in the playoffs," Ahearn said. TJ (7-2) has virtually secured its spot in the Class 4A North playoffs with a lead of more than two average points over fifth-place Parkville (5-4). The Knights have lost four in a row and probably wouldn't surpass TJ in points even if they beat struggling Woodlawn (3-6) Saturday. TJ could take any mystery out the equation with a victory. "We think we have to win to get in," Wright said. "We don't want to leave it up to someone else to get us in the playoffs." The Patriots have won two in a row since a 29-25 home loss to North Carroll on Oct. 20. "We have cut down on our penalties and are doing a better job taking care of the football," Wright said. TJ also received a boost from the return of senior running back Corey Hunt, who missed three games due to an ankle injury. Hunt scored on the first play from scrimmage in last week's 45-28 victory over Middletown on his way to 140-yard night on nine carries. "We're fired up and ready to go," Hunt said. "We've got a two-game winning streak. We have to beat Frederick to get to the playoffs." Frederick is coming off a sloppy performance last week in an 18-10 victory over North Carroll. Senior Quarterback Andre April played his worst game of the season against the Hubs, completing 3 of 14 passes and turning the ball over three times. "My head wasn't in the game. It was somewhere where it wasn't supposed to be. I wasn't focused on business," April said. "I know, definitely this week, my head is on straight. I am doing my classwork. I am going to bed on time. I am getting ready for this game because it's big." Both coaches are anticipating a playoff atmosphere a week early. "It's more of a spectacle," Ahearn said. "It's going to be extremely exciting for everyone in the extended community. We fully expect that this place is going to be packed." NOTE: TJ defensive end Roy Comer and Frederick receiver Hank Adams will be dividing family lines Saturday. Both are grandsons of Frederick resident Rita O'Connell.
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