As we enter Week 4 of the high school football season, the action is heating up with key rivalry matchups and teams looking to solidify their standings. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest games this week, along with some predictions.
Sherwood (2-1) at Blake (3-0)– The Rivalry Continues: This matchup is shaping up to be another instant classic. The last two years have delivered unforgettable moments, with a game-winning Hail Mary in 2022 and a double-overtime thriller in 2023. Both teams are riding high this season, with their offenses being led by two of the best quarterbacks in the county, Matson for Blake and Larsen for Sherwood (if he returns from injury).
Both squads mirror each other in many ways, possessing elite receivers but lacking consistency in the run game after their star running backs transferred. Sherwood holds a slight edge with a more reliable ground attack so far, and their defense has been slightly more battle-tested, but Blake’s defense is no pushover either. If Larsen is healthy and Sherwood can play a disciplined game, the Warriors might have the upper hand in what promises to be a shootout. Prediction: Sherwood 42, Blake 36
Paint Branch (2-1) at Walter Johnson (2-1)– A Statement Opportunity: For Paint Branch, a win here could erase the ghosts of last season and solidify their status as true contenders. For Walter Johnson, a victory would thrust them back into the elite conversation after their Week 1 loss to BCC. Last season, WJ dominated Paint Branch in the trenches, but this time around, the Panthers’ offensive and defensive lines appear stronger.
The key for WJ will be Jake Forburger’s ability to connect on big passing plays, while Paint Branch QB Vincent Do will need to find more consistency in the air after a rough outing against Sherwood. PB’s defensive front is likely to control the line of scrimmage, and that could be the deciding factor in what should be a close, physical game. Prediction: Paint Branch 21, Walter Johnson 10
Gaithersburg (1-2) at Wootton (1-2)– A Thursday Night Toss-Up: This might be the only competitive Thursday night game, but don’t expect the highest quality football. Both Gaithersburg and Wootton have struggled, with their lone victories coming against some of the county’s weakest teams. Gaithersburg has flashed more talent and should have the edge, but this one could be ugly. Prediction: Gaithersburg 28, Wootton 13
BCC (3-0) at Kennedy (0-3)– A No-Contest Cruise: BCC should have no trouble dispatching Kennedy to move to 4-0. With this tune-up behind them, the Barons will soon face their biggest test of the season. Prediction: BCC 45, Kennedy 0
Poolesville (0-3) at Damascus (2-1)– A Chance to Rebound: Damascus needs this game to get their offense back on track after struggling in recent weeks. Poolesville should provide the perfect opportunity for the Hornets to rack up some yards and build confidence before heading into tougher competition. Prediction: Damascus 49, Poolesville 6
Richard Montgomery (1-2) at Northwood (1-2)– Time to Rebound: After tough losses to two of the county’s top teams, Richard Montgomery should see this game against Northwood as a chance to get back on track. If they’re as good as expected, this one shouldn’t be close. Prediction: Richard Montgomery 38, Northwood 12
Seneca Valley (2-1) at Northwest (3-0)– The King’s Trophy Stays in Northwest: Northwest has dominated this rivalry for seven years, and it doesn’t look like that streak will end anytime soon. Seneca Valley hasn’t shown enough offensively to pose a real threat against the Jags’ suffocating defense. Expect Northwest to cruise to an eighth straight win in this series. Prediction: Northwest 41, Seneca Valley 0
Churchill (1-2) at Quince Orchard (3-0)– Time to Unleash: After surviving a tough battle with Stone Bridge last week, look for Quince Orchard to take out any frustration on a Churchill team that’s simply overmatched. The Cougars should dominate early and put this one away quickly. Prediction: Quince Orchard 48, Churchill 7
Springbrook (2-1) at Rockville (1-2)– Up For Grabs: Both Springbrook and Rockville are in need of a win, and this game could go either way. Rockville nearly pulled off a huge upset against Damascus, but that missed opportunity could weigh on them mentally. Springbrook, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after getting humbled by Paint Branch. This one feels like a coin flip, but Springbrook gets the nod in a tight contest. Prediction: Springbrook 22, Rockville 21
Clarksburg (2-1) at Magruder (1-2)– A Tight Test: Clarksburg’s early success had some speculating about an undefeated season, but last week’s loss to Seneca Valley showed they’re not quite there yet. Magruder won’t be an easy out, as the Colonels have shown the ability to score. Clarksburg should win, but don’t be surprised if they get pushed to the brink again. Prediction: Clarksburg 10, Magruder 8
Einstein (0-3) at Blair (3-0)– Blazers Keep Rolling: Blair has had a relatively easy schedule so far, but they’ve done exactly what’s expected of a good team—dominate. Einstein has struggled in every phase, and it’s hard to see them posing much of a threat to Blair’s undefeated streak. Prediction: Blair 35, Einstein 13
Wheaton (1-2) at Watkins Mill (0-3)– A Winnable Game: This is one of Watkins Mill’s best chances to grab a win this season, but they’ll need to show more than they have so far. Wheaton has flashed more talent, and the Knights should be able to take care of business in a relatively close game. Prediction: Wheaton 23, Watkins Mill 9
Whitman (1-2) at Thomas Johnson (1-2)– Gut Check Time: After a humbling blowout loss to Walter Johnson, Whitman still has all their goals within reach. This game against Thomas Johnson could be a turning point, but they’ll need to regroup quickly and take care of business.
Week 4 is full of intriguing matchups, and several teams are looking to make statements as they push toward the midpoint of the season. Expect fireworks in Sherwood-Blake and tight contests across the board as the race for county supremacy continues.