Dunbar Football Wins 14th State Championship, Defeats Lackey 50-26 in MPSSAA Class 2A/1A Title Game

The powerhouse program at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School added another historic chapter Friday, capturing its 14th Maryland state football championship with a dominant 50-26 win over Lackey High School in the MPSSAA Class 2A/1A State Championship Game.

The title game was played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, where Dunbar once again proved why it remains one of the most successful high school football programs in Maryland history.

With the win, Dunbar now owns the most state championships in Maryland high school football history (14).

Dunbar Football Explodes Early Against Lackey

The Poets wasted no time setting the tone.

Dunbar jumped out to a commanding 22-0 first-quarter lead behind a balanced offensive attack and explosive playmaking. Running back Kylin Holmes powered in for a short touchdown before breaking loose for a 30-yard scoring run. Donteze Branch added another rushing touchdown as the Poets overwhelmed Lackey early.

By the end of the opening quarter, the Baltimore powerhouse had full control.

Lackey Responds Before Halftime

Lackey refused to go quietly.

On the first play of a key second-quarter drive, running back Ronald Johnson ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run to spark the Chargers. Quarterback Malik Gordon later connected on a 12-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 22-14 at halftime.

Despite the rally, Dunbar never lost its composure.

Kyrell Lynch Leads Offensive Surge in Second Half

Quarterback Kyrell Lynch delivered a championship-caliber performance, finishing 11-of-18 passing for 204 yards and four touchdowns while orchestrating an offense that totaled nearly 500 yards.

In the third quarter, Lynch connected with Khamari Tucker on a 34-yard touchdown strike to stretch the lead. After recovering an onside kick, Dunbar capitalized again when Lynch found Holmes for another score.

By the end of the third quarter, the Poets had extended their lead to 44-20 and effectively sealed the championship.

Lynch added another fourth-quarter touchdown pass before Lackey scored late to make the final 50-26.

Dunbar Football: A Maryland Dynasty Continues

Under first-year head coach Courtney Bridgett Jr., Dunbar completed a 12-1 season and continued a tradition that spans decades in Baltimore high school football.

This championship marks:

• 🏆 14th State Title

• 🏆 Fifth championship in the last decade

• 🏆 Continued dominance in MPSSAA Class 2A/1A competition

From explosive offense to timely defense, Dunbar once again showed why it remains the standard for Maryland public school football.