Warhawks Overview

The Howard County Warhawks have been around for 7 seasons; during this time while several organizations have experienced decreasing participation rates, the Warhawks have sustained their registration numbers and are one of the largest and most respected organizations in the state. The Warhawks are filled with talented players and coaches at all age groups, when MDYF asked Coach Alex Pagnotta of the 10-12 National team what their secret to success was, he replied: “Our goal is to maximize the playing time for our football players. Any opportunity we (Warhawks) get we’ll add another team to the age group. Instead of having a team with 32 players, of which half will only get to play the minimal play rule, our organization will split the team into two, thereby allowing players to get the maximum amount of playing time possible. A player who may have only played 6 plays a game throughout the year will now have an opportunity to start for the entire game. Not only does this keep players motivated at practices and games, but it also keeps the parents happy (and off of the coaches back!). The Warhawks will do anything we can to ensure that we don’t turn away or discourage any youth football players.”

For those who do not know Alex Pagnotta, he has been involved with the Warhawks since their inception and has been the head coach of numerous championship teams. He is respected within the Warhawks organization as well as across the state. Alex told MDYF that some of the biggest keys to having a successful team are building strong camaraderie, hard work, and chemistry. Adjacent to the Warhawk’s practice field is a monster of a hill, which Coach Pagnotta has his players run every practice; the hill represents an imaginary opponent that the team must run and conquer together. Last season Coach Pagnotta had T-shirts made for his team that said “We Conquered the Hill, You’re next”. 

The Warhawks have built a great reputation with Howard County Parks and Rec, and play all of their home game on the beautiful turf fields at Western Regional Park. The location makes for a great experience on games days, where as many organizations will be playing in dust or mud by week six, the Warhawks playing conditions remain as crisp and clean throughout the season. The Warhawk Organization has done a great deal to contribute to their playing fields, by hosting various fundraisers and events they’ve raised enough money to provide the fields with a beautiful announcers booth, scoreboard, and concession stand.

Maryland Youth Football would like to thank Coach Alex Pagnotta and the Howard County Warhawks for their cooperation and wishes them good luck and good health for their upcoming season. We hope the next time we see you will be playing at M&T Bank Stadium for another Championship!