Predictions and a preview for week 3 MCPS football games, except for our game of the week, can be seen below:
Whitman (1-1) at WJ (1-1): The Byrd Returns to the Nest: This Bethesda rivalry takes center stage as Whitman’s Dylan Byrd returns to his old stomping grounds at Walter Johnson. Whitman will be the underdog here, but they’re in no position to back down. With Byrd as the focal point of their offense, the Vikings are going to lean heavily on their ground game, aiming to dominate time of possession, much like BCC did against WJ two weeks ago. If the Wildcats can’t get the Viking offense off the field and establish any sort of rhythm themselves, they could be in for a long night. It’s not a lock that Whitman can pull this upset, but expect a gritty, back-and-forth slugfest. Prediction: WJ 17, Whitman 14
Northwest (2-0) at Richard Montgomery (1-1): Jags Dominate: Richard Montgomery might have talent, but without Anthony Dixon, they look like a ship without a captain. Northwest has shown zero mercy through two weeks, and this contest won’t be the one to change that. The Jags will roll with ease. Prediction: NW 49, RM 6
Magruder (1-1) at Sherwood (1-1): Warriors Rebound: Sherwood had a tough loss last week, but don’t expect that trend to continue. Magruder’s defense hasn’t shown much resilience, and Sherwood should dominate this one from the opening whistle.
Prediction: Sherwood 40, Magruder 0
Poolesville (0-2) at BCC (2-0): Barons Will Feast: Poolesville is having a nightmare start to their season, resembling some of the worst years from Northwood and Kennedy. Walkersville could’ve easily hit triple digits last week if they hadn’t taken their foot off the gas. This week, expect BCC to run wild in a mismatch that will get ugly quickly. The Barons are off to their best start since 2010, and they’ll extend that streak here. Prediction: BCC 66, Poolesville 0
Clarksburg (2-0) at Seneca Valley (1-1): Coyotes Making Noise: This could be the most intriguing game of the week. Seneca Valley has long dominated their neighbors from Clarksburg, but the Coyotes are off to their first 2-0 start in years, while Seneca Valley was knocked down a peg by Blair last week. Under new leadership, Clarksburg has a different energy about them. Look for the Coyotes to make another statement and go 3-0 for the first time in 15 years in a hard-hitting affair. Prediction: Clarksburg 15, Seneca Valley 12
Wootton (1-1) at Churchill (0-2): Churchill Turns the Corner: Churchill has struggled to find its footing this season, but they showed signs of life in the fourth quarter last week. Wootton’s win over Poolesville doesn’t inspire much confidence, and Churchill, despite their slow start, should handle this rivalry with ease. Prediction: Churchill 34, Wootton 7
Paint Branch (1-1) at Springbrook (2-0): Blue Devils Come Back to Earth: Springbrook’s 2-0 start is impressive, but reality may set in against Paint Branch. The Panthers, despite some inconsistency, are a cut above and will likely send the Blue Devils back down to earth this week. Prediction: Paint Branch 44, Springbrook 7
Blake (2-0) at Einstein (0-2): Bengals Should Pull Away: Einstein has had a tough start to the season but found some momentum late against Springbrook. Still, Blake looks better on paper, and although the Bengals haven’t always started games well, they should have enough firepower to put this one away by the second half. Prediction: Blake 28, Einstein 8
Watkins Mill (0-2) at Gaithersburg (0-2): Trojans Get Right: Both teams are looking for their first win, but Gaithersburg appears to have the edge here. While both squads have faced tough opposition, Gaithersburg has shown more fight and should be able to pick up their first victory of the year. Prediction: Gaithersburg 44, Watkins Mill 0
Damascus (1-1) at Rockville (1-1): Hornets Should Rebound: Damascus’ offense has sputtered at times, but Rockville doesn’t seem like the team to make them pay for it. The Hornets have historically handled Rockville, and they should get back on track with a convincing win here. Prediction: Damascus 41, Rockville 6
Kennedy (0-2) at Blair (2-0): Blazers in Control: Blair’s impressive win last week has put them on the map after being largely overlooked last season. Kennedy hasn’t shown much promise so far, and Blair should cruise to a 3-0 start in front of their home crowd. Prediction: Blair 53, Kennedy 2
Northwood (1-1) at Wheaton (0-2): Knights Seek a Win:’In a battle of two struggling programs, Wheaton looks to have the edge. Northwood was shut out last week and continues to face an uphill battle, while Wheaton has at least shown some offensive life. Expect Wheaton to pick up their first win, but it won’t be a blowout. Prediction: Wheaton 33, Northwood 12
The preview and prediction for The MoCoShow’s Game of the Week between Quince Orchard and Stone Bridge (VA) can be seen here.
