As the 2024 season begins, these 50 standout athletes are set to dominate the gridiron. From committed college recruits to rising stars, this list highlights the best talent in Montgomery County (MCPS) football. Check out the top players to watch this season:
1. Iverson Howard – RB, Quince Orchard (Class of 2025) – Committed to Maryland
A powerful running back, Howard is a key to QO’s offense and has committed to Maryland.
2. Yvan Kemajou – DE, Paint Branch (Class of 2025) – Committed to Penn State
A disruptive force on defense, Kemajou is one of the top edge rushers in the state.
3. Aydan West – DB, Quince Orchard (Class of 2025) – Committed to Michigan State
With excellent instincts and athleticism, West is one of the top defensive backs.
4. Cam Nti – DB, Northwest (Class of 2025) – Committed to Marshall
A versatile defensive back, Nti anchors Northwest’s secondary.
5. Richard Denny – DE, Einstein (Class of 2025) – Committed to Army
A standout on the defensive line, Denny is known for his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.
6. Triston Pierre – OL, Quince Orchard (Class of 2025) – Committed to Central Michigan
Pierre is a force in the trenches, providing stability and strength for QO’s line.
7. Michael Cooley – LB, Damascus (Class of 2025)
Cooley is a tackling machine, and his leadership is key for the Hornets.
8. Drew Menick – LB, Churchill (Class of 2025)
A solid linebacker with great vision and tackling skills, Menick is a leader for the Bulldogs.
9. Van Mahoney – RB, Northwest (Class of 2025)
Mahoney’s speed and agility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
10. Jaden Nix – WR, Sherwood (Class of 2025)
A go-to target in the passing game, Nix is poised for a breakout year.
11. Joey Faunteroy – WR, Blake (Class of 2025)
Faunteroy is a dynamic playmaker with great hands and route-running ability.
12. Angel Pelaze – DB, Quince Orchard (Class of 2025)
Pelaze’s ball skills and physicality make him a lockdown corner.
13. Daniel Darmon – OL, Damascus (Class of 2025)
A physical presence on the line, Darmon is crucial to the Hornets’ run game.
14. Khalil Wilson – ATH, Sherwood (Class of 2025)
Wilson’s versatility allows him to make plays on both sides of the ball.
15. Rahmise Jones – WR, Northwest (Class of 2025)
Jones has speed and the ability to stretch defenses deep.
16. Zyion Addison – LB, Seneca Valley (Class of 2025)
A hard-hitting linebacker, Addison is a key player for Seneca Valley’s defense.
17. Austin Day – LB, Magruder (Class of 2025)
Day’s leadership and tenacity have made him a standout on defense.
18. Jonny Fisher – DL, Walter Johnson (Class of 2025)
Fisher is a force on the defensive line, known for his relentless motor.
19. Mason Mizzer – WR, Quince Orchard (Class of 2026)
A rising star, Mizzer’s potential has him on track for a breakout season.
20. Jeremiah Anamalechi-Ford – WR, Blake (Class of 2025)
An explosive receiver, Anamalechi-Ford is a game-changer on offense.
21. Noah Fosten – OL, Damascus (Class of 2025)
Fosten is a cornerstone of Damascus’ offensive line.
22. Khalid Moulton – DE, Seneca Valley (Class of 2025)
Moulton’s pass-rushing skills make him a player to watch this season.
23. Georges Monga – OL, Clarksburg (Class of 2025)
Monga is a powerful offensive lineman with great technique.
24. Donovan Rondeau – DL, Gaithersburg (Class of 2025)
Rondeau anchors Gaithersburg’s defensive front with his strength.
25. Anthony Gengarella – WR, Northwest (Class of 2025)
A reliable target, Gengarella is crucial for Northwest’s passing attack.
26. Dylan Hager – LB, Walter Johnson (Class of 2025)
Hager is known for his instinctive play and ability to read offenses.
27. Barry Ituka – DL, Gaithersburg (Class of 2025)
Ituka’s power on the line makes him a feared defender.
28. Vasi Hallas – QB, Churchill (Class of 2025)
Hallas has the arm talent and football IQ to lead Churchill to success.
29. Nicholas Kriz – DL, Paint Branch (Class of 2025)
Kriz is a strong, athletic lineman who can dominate at the line of scrimmage.
30. Luc Frechette – RB, Einstein (Class of 2025)
Frechette’s quickness and vision make him a playmaker for Einstein.
31. Worku Yohannes – ATH, Wheaton (Class of 2025)
Yohannes excels on both offense and defense with his athleticism.
32. Chris Tran – OL, Churchill (Class of 2025)
Tran is an anchor on Churchill’s offensive line.
33. Dathan Goins – DB, Damascus (Class of 2025)
Goins is a ball hawk in the secondary, making plays all over the field.
34. Crewe Mellott – LB, Watkins Mill (Class of 2026)
A rising star, Mellott is already making an impact as a linebacker.
35. Josiah Teasley – WR, Quince Orchard (Class of 2025)
Teasley’s speed and hands make him a dangerous deep threat.
36. James Snead – LB, Churchill (Class of 2025)
Snead is a hard-hitting linebacker with great instincts.
37. Matt Thacker – OL, Magruder (Class of 2025)
Thacker’s blocking ability is crucial for Magruder’s run game.
38. Brendan Heyer – ATH, Sherwood (Class of 2025)
Heyer’s versatility makes him a key playmaker for the Warriors.
39. Jake Forburger – QB, Walter Johnson (Class of 2026)
A rising sophomore, Forburger has shown poise beyond his years.
40. Caden Jackson – WR, Paint Branch (Class of 2025)
Jackson is a dynamic receiver with the ability to make big plays.
41. Dylan Rinaldi – QB, Blair (Class of 2025)
42. John Dale – LB, BCC (Class of 2025)
Dale is a tough, smart linebacker who makes plays all over the field.
43. Nicky Holloway – QB, Rockville (Class of 2025)
Holloway has a strong arm and quick decision-making skills.
44. Brandon Montilla – OL, Richard Montgomery (Class of 2025)
Montilla is a dominant force on the offensive line.
45. Jessey Ventura – TE, Clarksburg (Class of 2026)
A rising star at tight end, Ventura is an offensive weapon.
46. Jacy Andoh-Thompson – DB, Damascus (Class of 2025)
A playmaker in the secondary, Andoh-Thompson is a shutdown corner.
47. Matt Larsen – QB, Sherwood (Class of 2027)
Larsen is an emerging talent who could be a future star.
48. Kacey Gilliam – DL, Quince Orchard (Class of 2026)
Gilliam’s strength and athleticism make him a top young defensive lineman.
49. Yannick Mbonda – DL, Magruder (Class of 2025)
Mbonda is a powerful presence on Magruder’s defensive front.
50. Robert Smith – ATH, Watkins Mill (Class of 2025)
Smith’s versatility makes him a dangerous weapon on both sides of the ball.
These players are set to light up the field this season, and you’ll want to keep your eye on them as they lead their teams to success!