As we approach the midpoint of the season, several teams have firmly established themselves as dominant forces, while others are still fighting to stay in contention. Here’s a look at this week’s top 10 rankings.
1. Northwest Jaguars (3-0) Last Week: 1
The Jaguars have been unstoppable, pitching their third shutout in as many games. Their latest dismantling of Richard Montgomery was a showcase of their depth, with Running Back Van Mahoney Jr. rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns. This week, the rivalry game against Seneca Valley for the King’s Trophy should be intriguing.
Next Game: vs. Seneca Valley (2-1)
2. Quince Orchard Cougars (3-0) Last Week: 2
In a gritty 10-0 victory over Stone Bridge (VA), Quince Orchard’s defense dominated, limiting the Bulldogs to 66 yards of total offense. The Cougars face Churchill next, a team they should handle comfortably, but they’ll need to sharpen their offense after last week’s challenge.
Next Game: vs. Churchill (1-2)
3. Paint Branch Panthers (2-1*) *forfeit loss Last Week: 3
The Panthers made a statement in their 42-7 thrashing of previously unbeaten Springbrook. Alijah Bah continues to impress, adding 114 yards and three touchdowns to his season totals. Paint Branch now has a chance for revenge against Walter Johnson, who handed them a loss last season. With Bah in top form, they look ready for another dominant performance.
Next Game: at Walter Johnson (2-1)
4. Sherwood Warriors (2-1) Last Week: 4
Sherwood rebounded from their earlier loss with a comfortable 40-19 win over Magruder, despite being without QB Matthew Larsen. The run game took over with Running Back Ryan Johnson contributing 94 yards and a touchdown. The Warriors’ ground-and-pound approach should be enough to compete with Blake this week. But to truly threaten the Bengals, they’ll hope to have Larsen back.
Next Game: at Blake (3-0)
5. Blake Bengals (3-0) Last Week: 5
Blake continues to roll, dominating Einstein 37-0 behind Kirby Matson’s 126 yard, four-touchdown performance. The Bengals’ offense looks unstoppable at the moment, but their real test comes this week in a heated rivalry with Sherwood. This matchup has produced fireworks in recent years, and with both teams riding momentum, expect another thriller.
Next Game: vs. Sherwood (2-1)
6. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons (3-0) Last Week: 9
After two nail-biting rivalry wins, BCC got a much-needed breather against Poolesville, cruising to a 55-0 win. Gabe Eisler continues to be a force, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns. With 335 yards through three games, Eisler is emerging as one of the best backs in the county. BCC gets another easy matchup with Kennedy, but the road gets steeper from here.
Next Game: vs. Kennedy (0-3)
7. Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets (2-1) Last Week: 7
It wasn’t easy, but Damascus escaped with a 28-27 overtime win over Rockville, thanks to a blocked extra point. The Hornets will need to sharpen up as they head into a lighter matchup against Poolesville. It’s a good opportunity to iron out the kinks before the season’s tougher challenges arrive.
Next Game: vs. Poolesville (0-3)
8. Walter Johnson Wildcats (2-1) Last Week: 8
Walter Johnson delivered a statement win over Whitman, blanking their Congressional Cup rivals 41-0. With 378 yards of total offense, WJ’s attack looks more balanced than ever. However, their defense will face a significant test this week when they take on Paint Branch, a game that will tell us much more about where this Wildcats team stands.
Next Game: vs. Paint Branch (2-1)
9. Blair Blazers (3-0) Last Week: 9
Blair continues to take care of business, routing Kennedy 49-8. Junior Rodriguez was a standout, racking up 88 total yards and two touchdowns. This week’s Down County Consortium matchup against Einstein should be more competitive, but if Blair continues their recent form, they should remain unbeaten.
Next Game: vs. Einstein (0-3)
10. Seneca Valley Screaming Eagles (2-1) Last Week: NR
Seneca Valley returns to the Top 10 after a gritty 21-15 win over Clarksburg. The Screaming Eagles’ defense came up big, holding Clarksburg to just 123 yards and forcing two turnovers. The stakes get even higher this week as they take on top-ranked Northwest in the King’s Trophy rivalry game. It’s a tough matchup, but Seneca’s defense could keep them in it.
Next Game: at Northwest (3-0)
Just Missed:
- Clarksburg (2-1): Tough loss to Seneca Valley dropped them out of the Top 10. But an impressive win this week could catapult them back in.
- Springbrook (2-1): Last week’s loss to Paint Branch showed there’s still a gap between them and the elite.
Final Thoughts: With rivalry games and key matchups on tap this week, expect the standings to shake up once again. Can Seneca Valley stun Northwest? Will Blake or Sherwood prevail in their rivalry clash? Week 4 could have huge implications for the rest of the season.