We told you last month about the passing of John H. Cox, the former chairman of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association's football committee. The association announced yesterday that it has established a sportsmanship award for next week's state championship games.

The "John H. Cox Respect the Game Football Award' will be presented to the school that exhibits the best sportsmanship among its players, coaches, cheerleaders, bands and fans. Ned Sparks, the MPSSAA's executive director, said observers will fan out through M&T Bank Stadium, the site of the title games, to note conduct in the stands, in addition to those watching on the field.

Cox, who was also an assistant superintendent of the Charles County school system, died Oct. 1 at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer. He coached at his alma mater, La Plata, for nearly 10 years and was named state Football Coach of the Year in 1975.

In addition, the MPSSAA announced that the 3A championship game will take place next Thursday at 7 p.m., with the 4A game at the same time next Friday. Next Saturday's championship game doubleheader will have the 1A game at noon and the 2A game at 3:30 p.m.