Maryland High School Football Semifinal Preview and Predictions

NOTE: North Point at Blake will be played at 2PM on Friday, meaning MoCo Football enthusiasts can watch them before heading to Potomac for Broadneck at Churchill at 6:30 PM.

Blake Faces Defending Champs North Point in Uncharted Waters: In an unprecedented journey, Blake’s football team finds themselves practicing on Thanksgiving for the first time, eyeing a historic trip to Annapolis. The Bengals have cruised through smooth waters since Week 8, but the challenge awaiting them is unlike any they’ve encountered. Defending 4A/3A state champion North Point stands in their way, having maintained an unyielding momentum.

Blake’s notable win over 7-win Sherwood highlighted their capabilities, but their offense faced a stern test against Urbana last week. Despite a gritty defense, running back Jeremiah Seaton managed 108 yards and a crucial touchdown. Now, they face North Point, whose defense boasts an impressive record of nine shutouts in twelve games. North Point’s resilience was evident in their previous encounters with Quince Orchard, a lesson in the harsh realities of championship-level football.

The Eagles, physical and with big-play potential, conquered Montgomery County last year by defeating Sherwood. Kaleb Hart, a force to be reckoned with, scored six touchdowns against Frederick last week. Blake, with the advantage of home turf, must devise a plan to neutralize Hart’s impact. The pundits lean heavily towards North Point, but can Blake’s historic run continue, defying the odds? Prediction: Blake by 1

4A State Semifinals: Churchill Awaits Battle-Hardened Broadneck: In a surprising turn of events, the 4A state semifinals witness neither Quince Orchard nor Northwest, replaced by a resurgent Churchill team. Returning to this round for the first time since 1995, Churchill has proven dangerous, led by standout running back David Avit, who showcased his prowess with 201 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns last week against BCC.

Last year, Churchill faced Broadneck, and the result was a sobering 39-7 defeat. However, this year’s Bulldogs are a different breed, less starry-eyed and more ambitious. The veterans on Churchill’s roster, including Avit, have set their sights on a state title.

Broadneck, meanwhile, demonstrated their prowess last week by upsetting a high-flying Northwest team. This is not your typical Anne Arundel County team; these Bruins are a hard-nosed, turnover-forcing squad. Churchill, riding the wave of confidence, aims to make another bold statement. Can Broadneck withstand the Bulldogs’ determination, or will Churchill’s march toward a state title continue Prediction: Churchill by 6