Tate Returns Home for Big Playoff Game

BERLIN- Local football fans will likely be a little conflicted this week during the Baltimore Ravens’ home playoff game against Houston with former area high school standout Ben Tate returning to his home state with the Texans.

Tate’s high school career began at Stephen Decatur before transferring to Snow Hill for his senior year. During his remarkable high school career in Worcester County, Tate set several Maryland state records including most yards rushing in a single season (2,886) and most career yards rushing (5,920). He also set the state record for total offensive yards in a career with 6,123.

After an outstanding college career at Auburn, Tate was drafted by the Houston Texans, and after missing much of his rookie season with an injury, has become an important part of the Texans’ offense. Against the Cincinnati Bengals in the opening round of the playoffs last weekend, Tate rushed for 37 yards on nine carries.

Tate put up similar numbers against the Ravens’ during the Texans’ Week 6 visit to Baltimore, a 29-14 win by the Ravens, although he played a key role in the game. Tate fumbled into the end zone in the second quarter, but his teammate recovered for a Texans touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 early.