The season is heating up, and we’re already seeing a few teams starting to separate themselves from the pack. With some impressive wins and standout individual performances, the picture of who’s poised to make a deep playoff run is becoming clearer. Here’s a look at the top 10 MCPS teams heading into Week 3 (preview/predictions for this week’s games can be seen here).
1) Northwest (2-0) | Last Week: 1
Northwest’s defense showed why they’re one of the most feared units in the state. Two pick-sixes highlighted their dominant 28-0 win over Damascus, with Cam Nti starring on both sides of the ball, including a receiving touchdown. The Jags didn’t need fireworks on offense when their defense was that lethal. Expect more of the same this week as they look to overwhelm Richard Montgomery and move to 3-0.
2) Quince Orchard (2-0) | Last Week: 2
QO had no trouble dispatching Gaithersburg, though they’ll want to clean up some self-inflicted wounds. When they executed properly, the Cougars were unstoppable, running the clock in a 42-7 rout. Travon Jackson has looked sharp, throwing for six touchdowns in two games. Next up, they face a tough Stone Bridge team with an elite defense—can Jackson and company keep the momentum rolling in Ashburn?
3) Paint Branch (1-1* forfeit) | Last Week: 4
Despite the offseason hype, Paint Branch’s Week 1 win over Sherwood proved they are legit. The Panthers battled their rivals in a back-and-forth contest, escaping with a 21-20 win thanks to clutch PATs. Sophomore RB Alijah Bah’s two-touchdown debut was the spark Paint Branch needed. This week, they’ll aim to stay undefeated and bring Springbrook back down to earth in a matchup of unbeaten teams.
4) Sherwood (1-1) | Last Week: 3
Sherwood fought hard against Paint Branch but came up just short in a 21-20 nail-biter. The decision to go for two on their go-ahead touchdown may haunt them, but the Warriors have the talent and resilience to bounce back. They’ll look to get back on track against Magruder, and despite the loss, Sherwood remains a team that can compete with anyone in the county.
5) Blake (2-0) | Last Week: 6
The Bengals cruised to a 47-0 win over Kennedy, as expected. Kai Cooper’s record-setting career receiving yards performance shows how deep Blake’s offense really is. With weapons all over the field, the Bengals will be a tough out for anyone. This week, they’ll face an Einstein squad struggling to find its identity before a huge showdown with Sherwood looms on the horizon.
6) BCC (2-0) | Last Week: 9
The Barons are quietly putting together an impressive start, avenging last year’s loss to Churchill with a 20-13 win. Their rushing attack has been lethal, and they’ll look to extend their hot streak against a struggling Poolesville team. A 3-0 start seems likely, but the real tests lie ahead in what should be a much tougher second half of the season.
7) Damascus (1-1) | Last Week: 5
It was a tough night for the Swarmin’ Hornets as they were stifled by Northwest, giving up two offensive touchdowns while their defense kept things respectable. But don’t count out Damascus just yet. They’ve got the talent to turn things around, and a trip to Rockville should be just the remedy they need to regain their footing.
8) Walter Johnson (1-1) | Last Week: 10
After a disappointing Week 1, WJ bounced back in a big way with a dominant 47-6 victory over Richard Montgomery. They have little time to celebrate, though, as their next challenge is a pivotal Congressional Cup rivalry matchup against Whitman. A win would be huge for the Wildcats’ momentum as they try to climb the rankings.
9) Blair (2-0) | Last Week: NR
Welcome to the Top 10, Blair! The Blazers made a statement with a convincing 37-7 win over Seneca Valley, and they look like a team that’s finding its groove. Junior Rodriguez was the star, racking up 183 total yards and three touchdowns. Blair should keep things rolling this week against a winless Kennedy team, but their schedule will toughen up soon.
10) Clarksburg (2-0) | Last Week: NR
Under new head coach Brandon Martin, the Coyotes have come out of the gates strong, notching their second win with a 300-yard offensive explosion against Wheaton. Clarksburg is looking dangerous, and this week’s matchup against Seneca Valley could be the biggest test yet. Can they keep the momentum and start 3-0 for the first time in years?
On the Cusp:
- Seneca Valley (1-1): A tough loss to Blair drops them out of the top 10, but they’ll have a chance to get back on track against Clarksburg.
- Whitman (1-1): A rivalry game with Walter Johnson looms large as they look to make a statement in the Congressional Cup.
As we head into Week 3, there are plenty of storylines to follow, with some big rivalry matchups and rising programs looking to prove themselves. Stay tuned!
