The second week of high school football in MCPS brings pivotal matchups that could set the tone for the rest of the season. With several teams looking to build momentum and others desperate for a turnaround, here’s a preview of the key games this week:
MoCoShow Game of the Week
Sherwood (1-0) at Paint Branch (0-1)
Paint Branch enters this matchup after forfeiting the season opener. However, they’re about to face a Sherwood team that’s riding high after an impressive win over Rockville last week. Sherwood’s offense has been clicking early in the season, and while Paint Branch presents a tougher defensive test, it’s hard to ignore Sherwood’s recent form. This game will be a test of Paint Branch’s defensive resilience, but Sherwood’s experience and rhythm on offense should carry them through in a tight contest. Paint Branch will need to play near-flawless football to avoid another tough loss to the Warriors, who haven’t beaten them three times in a row since the days of Al Thomas and Coach Cilento’s first tenure. Prediction: Sherwood 28, Paint Branch 21
Kennedy (0-1) at Blake (1-0)
There’s little to suggest this will be anything other than a blowout. Blake dominated Kennedy last year, and not much has changed to close the gap between these two teams. Blake comes off a dominant win in Week 1 and looks primed to continue rolling. Kennedy, who forfeited last week’s game will have a hard time keeping this game close. Expect Blake to jump out early and cruise to another lopsided victory. Prediction: Blake 49, Kennedy 0
Wheaton (0-1) at Clarksburg (1-0)
Clarksburg looks like a team on the rise after a strong opening week, and their soft schedule gives them a clear path to a winning record this season. Wheaton, who they easily handled last year, should pose little threat. Look for the Coyotes to continue their dominant run as they prepare for tougher tests ahead. Clarksburg’s defense has been stout, and unless Wheaton can generate some surprises on offense, this one could get out of hand quickly. Prediction: Clarksburg 37, Wheaton 7
Walkersville (1-0) at Poolesville (0-1)
Poolesville’s struggles continue as they face a Walkersville team that’s firing on all cylinders. After getting shut out in Week 1, things don’t look any better for the Falcons in Week 2. Walkersville is simply too powerful on both sides of the ball, and Poolesville doesn’t appear to have the talent to match up. This one could be over by halftime, with Walkersville continuing their dominant early-season form. Prediction: Walkersville 62, Poolesville 0
Churchill (0-1) at BCC (1-0)
Churchill’s season hangs in the balance as they face BCC in what is shaping up to be a must-win game. After a disappointing loss to Seneca Valley in Week 1, the Bulldogs need to clean up their mistakes—particularly on offense—if they hope to get back on track. BCC comes into this game full of confidence after an opening win and would love to keep Churchill winless for another week. However, Churchill is too talented to start the season 0-2, and with Coach Rydzewski surely emphasizing ball security and discipline this week, the Bulldogs should squeak out a close win on the road. Prediction: Churchill 21, BCC 17
Northwest (1-0) at Damascus (1-0)
Damascus enters this matchup limping after a hard fought win last week. Facing a juggernaut like Northwest won’t make things any easier. The Jaguars are playing like a team with championship aspirations, and their speed and depth make them a nightmare for any opponent. Damascus will need to find offensive production outside of Michael Cooley, but that’s easier said than done against one of the best defenses in the county. Northwest should cruise to another comfortable win, though Damascus has a chance to make this competitive if they can control the clock and limit mistakes. Prediction: Northwest 35, Damascus 7
Blair (1-0) at Seneca Valley (1-0)
Blair’s Week 1 win showed they may have issues on the offensive line, and Seneca Valley looks ready to take advantage. After a solid win over Churchill, Seneca Valley is showing signs of life after a few down years. This matchup could be competitive if Blair can improve their line play, but if those concerns remain, Seneca Valley’s front seven will feast. Expect Seneca Valley to control the game and come out with a decisive win. Prediction: Seneca Valley 28, Blair 7
Quince Orchard (1-0) at Gaithersburg (0-1)
Quince Orchard has looked unbeatable last week, and they’re not likely to be challenged by Gaithersburg. With an elite defense and an offense that seems to score at will, Quince Orchard is on a different level than most teams in the county. Gaithersburg struggled mightily in Week 1, and this game could quickly turn into another one-sided affair. Expect Quince Orchard to dominate from start to finish. Prediction: Quince Orchard 55, Gaithersburg 0
Walter Johnson (0-1) at Richard Montgomery (1-0)
Walter Johnson looks to bounce back in Week 2 against a Richard Montgomery team who received a forfeit win last week. Walter Johnson’s defense is capable of overwhelming opponents, and if they can maintain their offensive efficiency, this should be a comfortable win for the Wildcats. Richard Montgomery will need to find a spark on offense if they hope to stay competitive. Prediction: Walter Johnson 36, Richard Montgomery 6
Einstein (0-1) at Springbrook (1-0)
Einstein had a tough loss last week , and this game has the potential to be another nail-biter. Springbrook’s defense played well enough to win in Week 1, but their offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities. This matchup could come down to which team makes fewer mistakes, and Einstein’s slight edge in playmakers gives them the nod. Expect a low-scoring, close contest. Prediction: Einstein 16, Springbrook 14
Rockville (0-1) at Wootton (1-0)
Both teams have questions to answer heading into this matchup. Rockville was thoroughly beaten by Sherwood, leaving doubts about their overall quality. Wootton, on the other hand, delivered a huge win over Poolesville, but how much of that was Wootton’s strength versus Poolesville’s struggles? This game should be close, but Wootton’s home-field advantage and confidence from last week give them the edge. Prediction: Wootton 20, Rockville 14
Magruder (0-1) at Watkins Mill (0-1)
Magruder’s defense was the story of their opening loss, and they’ll look to keep the pressure on Watkins Mill this week. Watkins Mill struggled to generate any offense in their opener, and they’ll need a much better performance to avoid another loss. Magruder’s defense should be able to handle anything Watkins Mill throws at them, and their offense should do enough to secure a comfortable win. Prediction: Magruder 26, Watkins Mill 6
Whitman (0-1) at Northwood (1-0)
Whitman lost a close game last week, however they should have no trouble getting their 1st win against Northwood. Whitman’s offense will likely run wild in this game, and Northwood simply doesn’t have the talent to keep up. Expect a lopsided score as Whitman moves to 1-1. Prediction: Whitman 45, Northwood 0
Final Thoughts: Week 3 promises to provide a clearer picture of which teams are for real and which have serious work to do. Sherwood, Northwest, and Quince Orchard all look like powerhouses, while teams like Churchill and BCC are fighting to carve out their place in the season’s narrative. As always, there’s bound to be a surprise or two along the way—because that’s what high school football is all about. Stay tuned!
