As we hit the midway point of the MCPS high school football season, Montgomery County’s standout players and teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack. From dynamic quarterbacks lighting up the passing game to workhorse running backs carrying their teams, here’s a breakdown of the county’s statistical leaders through four weeks of action (does not include week 5 stats from this week), based on data submitted by MCPS coaches:
Passing Leaders: At the top of the leaderboard is Blake’s Kirby Matson, who’s been slinging the ball with precision and consistency. Matson has racked up 802 passing yards, leading a balanced Blake offense that’s made them a tough out for any opponent. Close behind is Wootton’s Humphries, who has thrown for 709 yards, keeping Wootton’s offense afloat despite a tough schedule.
Quince Orchard’s Travon Jackson continues to shine, not only managing games efficiently but also putting up 671 passing yards for the perennial powerhouse. Churchill’s Vasi Hallas and Walter Johnson’s Jake Forburger round out the top five with 589 and 538 yards, respectively, highlighting their roles as key playmakers for their teams.
Passing Touchdowns: When it comes to touchdown passes, two quarterbacks are locked in a fierce race. Both Travon Jackson (Quince Orchard)and Kirby Matson (Blake) have tossed 10 touchdowns each, demonstrating their abilities to finish drives and put points on the board. Not far behind is Jake Forburger (Walter Johnson), who has 8 touchdown passes to his name, further solidifying his standing as one of the county’s top gunslingers.
Rushing Leaders: On the ground, no one has been more explosive than Paint Branch’s Alijah Bah, who has bulldozed his way to 489 rushing yards. Bah has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and with 9 touchdowns, he’s also tied for the county lead in scores. Right on his heels is BCC’s Gabe Eisler, who has rushed for 477 yards, using a combination of power and speed to fuel BCC’s unbeaten start. Michael Cooley (Damascus) has also made his mark, with 466 yards rushing, keeping Damascus in contention week after week.
Receiving Leaders: In the air attack, Sherwood’s Khalil Wilson leads all receivers with 384 yards, making him the go-to target for the Warriors and one of the most dangerous threats in the county. Wootton’s Bryan Ngouzo is second with 256 yards, while Quince Orchard’s Josiah Teasley, with 238 receiving yards, continues to be a key cog in the Cougars’ balanced offensive machine.
Blake’s Joey Faunteroy (232 yards) and teammate Kai Cooper(201 yards) highlight the Jaguars’ deep receiving corps, while Walter Johnson’s Devin Markert has quietly put together a solid season with 199 receiving yards.
Touchdown Machines: When it comes to finding the end zone, two players stand above the rest. Alijah Bah (Paint Branch) and Junior Rodriguez (Blair)have both scored 9 touchdowns through four weeks, pacing their respective teams’ offensive outputs and serving as their primary weapons in key moments.
Team Performances: Points Per Game- It’s no surprise that the top-scoring teams are led by some of the county’s most talented players. Northwest leads the county in points per game, averaging an impressive 45.3. Their dominance on both sides of the ball has been unmatched, and they’ll look to keep that momentum going. Blair is close behind with 35.5 points per game, fueled by their quick-strike offense and strong start to the season. BCC rounds out the top three, averaging 19 points per game as their ground game continues to control the tempo in their matchups.
Points Allowed: Defense wins championships, and right now, Northwest is showing that old adage to be true, having not given up a single point through four games. Their defense has been suffocating, shutting down every opponent they’ve faced. Quince Orchard, allowing just 3.5 points per game, is right behind them, further emphasizing their elite standing. Blair (6.0) and BCC (6.3) are also showing their defensive prowess, making it tough for opposing offenses to break through.
Point Differential: The point differential category is often the best indicator of overall dominance, and Northwest leads the county with a staggering +45.3 differential, proving that they’re blowing out teams with ease. Quince Orchard (+30.0) and Blair (+29.5)follow, each showcasing the ability to control games on both sides of the ball. BCC (+28.3) is not far behind, as they continue to handle opponents with a balanced approach.
As we look ahead to the rest of the season, these players and teams are setting the bar high. With more big games on the horizon, we’ll see if these leaders can maintain their dominance, or if new contenders will emerge in the race for county supremacy.