Jake Funk’s football career has been haunted by heartbreaking losses. In 2012 as a freshman, he watched his Damascus team suffer a 24-23 overtime loss to Urbana, a game that Urbana wasn’t supposed to win.
The Swarmin’ Hornets were the 3A West top seed after going 10-0 in the regular season. Though Funk didn’t play in that game after being called up from junior varsity a couple weeks prior, it left a sense of bitterness and imprinted a vision that would stick in the back of his mind for years to come.
In 2013, Damascus had another try at Urbana in the first round of the playoffs. This time around, Funk would take his part as a sophomore running back and safety.
It was déjà vu all over again. Damascus came up short, 35-34 and was bounced on their home field by Urbana for the second year in a row. Funk’s bitterness grew sour and his vision intensified.
In 2014, Damascus would get their third try at Urbana in the same game that has haunted them for the past two years. Funk ran wild, running for six touchdowns and leading his Hornets to a 46-3 thumping win.
Damascus would string off wins against the then top-ranked team in the state, Linganore and then Glenelg to put themselves in the state championship.
Funk found himself 48 minutes away from being a state champion. He helped put his Hornets up 21-0 in the early going against Franklin, but failed to cross the pylon for the rest of the game as his team squandered a 21 point lead, falling 35-21.
The loss stung, but left Funk perspective: being apart of a state championship run that Damascus football hadn’t seen in seven years.
Now it’s 2015. Head coach Eric Wallich is entering his eighth year and has had at least seven wins since taking over the duties in 2008. Funk will be a senior and has vowed a return to the title game.
Though Damascus lost quite a bit of core players such as South Carolina commit, receiver/defensive back Jalen Christian and tackling machine, linebacker Ari Cacopardo they appear to have everything in-line to make another run at the state crown this season.
After all, they do have the Funk. Here is what you can expect from the Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets in 2015:
Head Coach: Eric Wallich, 8th year, 77-26 record
2014 record: 13-1 (Lost in 3A State Championship to Franklin, 21-7)
2015 projected record: 10-2 (Lose in 3A West region championship)
Style of play: Run heavy offense / 3-4 defense
DARK HORSE WEAPONS AND THE FUNK
QB, #7 Julian Kinard (SR.)
Damascus has never really been known for their passing offense, but this year head coach Eric Wallich is looking to take some of the load off of Mr. Do-it-all, Jake Funk.
Last year, Wallich’s Swarmin’ Hornets attempted a pass play about 20% of the time, leaving the other 80% designed run plays. That’s a pretty significant difference.
With Derek Gibson graduating that means a new face will be emerging for the quarterback of this Damascus football team. That is senior Julian Kinard.
Kinard started his football career out at Damascus his freshman and sophomore year. Then he transferred to Urbana as a junior where he played safety.
Now he finds himself back at his old stomping grounds and the head honcho at quarterback for this Damascus team. Gibson was extremely efficient last year, only turning the ball over a handful of times while completing about 60% of his passes.
Kinard brings similar attributes to the table. He has great accuracy and good touch on his passes. Decision making under the gun is what Kinard does best, according to his coaching staff. He also has the ability to escape the pocket and extend the play with his legs. Overall, Kinard could open up some eyes this year.
As we all know this is Funk’s offense, but don’t be surprised if Kinard gets more leeway than past quarterbacks have had in the past under Wallich.
Projected stats: 1,100 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 450 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns
RB, #34 Jake Funk (SR.)
“Oh, we’ve got the Funk.”
“We have the Funk.”
“Oh, we’ve got the Funk.”
Damascus football fans had their own twist of “We Want The Funk” – centering the chant around who other than Jake Funk.
Arguably one of the best players in the metropolitan area, Funk does everything any coach dreams of. He can carry the football 20-25 times a game without showing signs of slowing down, while playing every rep on defense and return kicks on special teams.
But Funk’s versatility isn’t his best quality, scary enough. He has an unrivaled work ethic, beating on his craft day in and day out to better himself and his football team. His leadership comes in a variety of ways: vocally and by example.
He’s picked up offers this off-season from Air Force, Army, Harvard, Navy, Wisconsin and many other schools. Funk has also drawn interest from Florida and Notre Dame.
Last year he racked up nearly 1,900 all-purpose yards and 37 all-purpose touchdowns. Team’s knew Funk would get the ball on the majority of Damascus offensive plays, but what they didn’t have is an answer to stop him.
As a running back, he has terrific vision. He finds the tiny nooks and crannies in opposing defenses and turns them into gashing runs. Running a 4.61 40-yard dash and with his 5’11” 205 pound built stature, Funk’s rare combination of speed and power make him extremely difficult to tackle.
Do I need to say more? Funk is the face of Damascus football. He is a fan favorite on and off the field. If one had a fantasy football draft with all of the high school football players in Maryland, Funk would be picked first.
He’s vowed a return to the title game. In the 3A West, anything can happen. He and Damascus will give it one last run. Expect another huge year from Mr. Funk.
Projected stats: 1,800 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, 200 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
ATH, #16 Markus Vinson (JR.)
Dynamic weapons Jalen Christian and La’Kye Alston both have graduated, serving as key offensive threats during their time at Damascus.
Both were speedsters and gave the Swarmin’ Hornets offense a wrinkle of trickery with designed end around’s, bubble screens and wildcat formation based plays.
Eric Wallich has his exact guy to fill the void this season that was left by Alston and Christian: Markus Vinson. The reason why I have Vinson labeled as an “ATH” (athlete) is because he won’t be playing any one position for an entire game.
Instead he’ll be playing a handful of positions. Such as taking carries out of the backfield as a running back, running routes as a receiver, catching short bubble screens in the slot and possibly even some snaps at quarterback in a wildcat-like formation. He will also be the Swarmin’ Hornets primary kick and punt returner.
Vinson is the best athlete on this Damascus team and compliments the powerful Funk very nicely. He runs a blazing 4.41 40-yard dash and will be the fastest kid majority of the time he is on the field.
Vinson’s versatility and athleticism should give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Expect to see Vinson take a Jalen Christian type role as he should blossom into a household name for Damascus this season.
Projected stats: 600 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 450 receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns, 3 kick-return touchdowns
WR, #80 Joey Salisbury (SR.)
With Alston and Christian gone, another receiver will need to step up. Joey Salisbury would be next in-line to do so.
Last year, Salisbury played a minimal role offensively with most of his repetitions coming on special teams and as a linebacker on defense.
In 2015 he will translate his athleticism that has made him a varsity player since his sophomore year to the receiving corps.
He’ll be another guy with speed and upside for the Swarmin’ Hornets this year.
Projected stats: 300 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns
Offensive spin: Head coach Eric Wallich has stated he wants to trim down Jake Funk’s workload this year, ultimately to keep him fresh for another deep playoff run. But really, it’s a no-brainer that Funk will get majority of the touches for Damascus this season. After all, he should. He’s almost impossible to tackle. Around Funk are solid pieces. Quarterback Julian Kinard has what it takes to be more than just a game-manager and could be the x-factor for the Swarmin’ Hornets in 2015. Marcus Vinson will provide an element of surprise with his versatility and speed. Jacob Bradshaw and majority of the offensive line that paved the way for Funk’s record setting campaign last year are back for more this year. Overall, with Funk at the helm, this Swarmin’ Hornets offense is just as dangerous as last year and should make some noise once again in 2015.
BRADSHAW, FUNK, GRIMES, VINSON LEAD THE WAY DEFENSIVELY
DT, #42 Jacob Bradshaw (SR.)
Bradshaw was a key piece in the Damascus defense last year that held opposing running backs to a mind-boggling 2.9 yards a carry.
He’s extremely wide, standing at 6’1″ and 245 pounds. He can plug gaps defensively and create havoc for opposing running backs, forcing five fumbles. Bradshaw also does a great job of getting after the quarterback, compiling seven sacks last year.
Bradshaw will be an anchor on the Damascus front line this season and should be in for a big year.
Projected stats: 50 tackles, 8 sacks
LB, #5 Da’Quan Grimes (SR.)
Tackling machine Ari Cacopardo is graduated and gone, leaving Monmouth commit Da’Quan Grimes a hefty task.
Cacopardo compiled over 15 sacks and over 20 tackles for loss last year. Which is a lot to duplicate if you ask me.
Grimes could also be labeled as a tackling machine and will be a cornerstone chip in the Damascus defense once again in 2015.
Projected stats: 75 tackles, 7 sacks
CB, #16 Markus Vinson (JR.)
Last season, Markus Vinson saw playing time at the safety position. This season he will be converted to a corner back to fill the void left by Jalen Christian and La’Kye Alston.
He will bring the same traits that he provides offensively to the defense: athleticism and speed.
Vinson claimed he has worked for hours a day on the fundamental drills of being a first-team corner back. And since the position is new to him, he might need a few tune-up games before he hits stride.
All-in-all Vinson will have a solid year defensively and should torment the oppositions top-receiver with his speed and athleticism.
Projected stats: 30 tackles, 4 interceptions
S, #34 Jake Funk (SR.)
As Funk is predominantly known for his ability to run the football in a class above the rest, his defensive game is just as strong. This will be his third year as the starting strong safety for the Swarmin’ Hornets.
He will play the same role defensively as he does offensively: being a leader and making sure his teammates are in-check.
Funk’s motor gets him from one end of the field to the other in no time as he tallied over 60 tackles last season. His speed allows him to hang with the fastest in the area and his strength translates to jarring tackles.
All around, Funk just has a high football IQ. Over the summer, Wisconsin offered him a scholarship to play linebacker.
What else more do I need to tell you? This guy is just flat out good. Period.
Projected stats: 60 tackles, 3 interceptions
Defensive spin: Personally, I have never seen a better football defense than what I saw out of the 2014 Damascus team. They were tenacious, only giving up on average 9.6 points per game. The one stat that really blew my mind is the 2.9 yards per carry that they allowed to opposing running backs. That is just absurd, especially at the high school level. I know the Swarmin’ Hornets are losing key defensive pieces, linebacker Ari Cacopardo and defensive backs Jalen Christian and La’Kye Alston, but they are also returning a lot as well. Defensive tackle Jacob Bradshaw does an outstanding job upfront, whether it’s plugging the gaps or bum-rushing the opposing quarterback. Grimes, Joey Salisbury and Sean Jenkins will play vital roles at the linebacker position. And then the secondary will be formidable, with Funk and Vinson solidifying the open field. Expect a relentless attack from the Swarmin’ Hornets in 2015.
Toughest matchups
Week 1, Quince Orchard
Week 9, at Seneca Valley
The Bottom Line
This Damascus team looks a lot like last year, in terms of personnel. And while I have them losing in the region championship to Linganore, anything could happen in the 3A West. An 8-2 record might not even make the playoffs and a 9-1 record could be the difference from the number one seed and the number two seed. If Damascus can prevail against Quince Orchard and Seneca Valley, I like their chances a lot. But dropping just one game makes the track back to states even tougher. Overall, Jake Funk will continue to be the heart and soul, taking on any challenge or task that may behold him. Quarterback Julian Kinard will look to balance out the offense a little with his crisp passes and intelligent decision making. Markus Vinson will be a nightmare to contain if not covered properly and the offensive line will be more than solid. Defensively, they will be just as good as last year behind Bradshaw, Funk, Grimes and Vinson, which is pretty scary. All in all, Funk will lead this Damascus team one last time and I can guarantee he and the Swarmin’ Hornets will not go down without a fight.
You can follow my personal Twitter at @k_fadd and Maryland Sports Access at @MDSportsAccess
