Below is The MoCoShow’s Top 10 football rankings (MCPS) following the week 5 games. A preview and predictions for week 6 can be seen here.
- Northwest (5-0) | Last Week: 1
The Jaguars solidified their top spot with a dominant defensive display against BCC, winning 31-0. The Jaguars’ defense was unyielding, holding the Barons’ triple-option attack to just 160 total yards and forcing three turnovers while keeping them out of the red zone entirely. On offense, Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson was efficient, throwing for 201 yards and a touchdown. With momentum on their side, Northwest faces a true test next against #3 Paint Branch, with plenty at stake in the Game of the Week.
- Quince Orchard (5-0) | Last Week: 2
The Cougars continue to hum along, delivering a balanced performance in their 42-6 win over Blair. A dominant second quarter saw them put up 35 points, with running back MJ Wilson leading the way on the ground with 128 yards and two touchdowns. The defense chipped in with two touchdowns of their own, highlighting the unit’s ability to turn defense into offense. Next up, QO faces a rivalry matchup against a solid Seneca Valley team, where they’ll look to maintain their unblemished record.
- Paint Branch (4-1) | Last Week: 3
No surprises here as the Panthers rolled past Wheaton. Alijah Bah kept up his stellar season, rushing for 137 yards and two touchdowns to spearhead a high-octane offense. But things get serious now—Paint Branch heads to Germantown for a showdown with #1 Northwest, in a clash that will have massive implications for playoff seeding and county supremacy.
- Sherwood (4-1) | Last Week: 4
The Warriors continued their winning ways with a 35-0 shutout of Gaithersburg, showcasing their physical brand of football by amassing over 250 rushing yards. With their size and talent, Sherwood has the potential to handle most teams in the county. However, they face a tricky test this week against a Damascus squad that can never be overlooked, even when they’re considered underdogs.
- Damascus (4-1) | Last Week: 7
The Hornets took care of business against Magruder, winning 24-6. While their offense remains a work in progress, totaling 100 yards, their defense held strong, forcing a key turnover. Damascus now faces a pivotal matchup against Sherwood—a road game that will test their resilience and give a better sense of whether this team is ready to take the next step in their playoff push.
- Blair (4-1) | Last Week: 6
The Blazers stumbled against the buzzsaw that is Quince Orchard, falling 42-6. Quarterback Dylan Rinaldi managed 72 yards passing and a touchdown in the defeat, but the game served as a wake-up call for Blair as they continued to build their identity. They’ll have to regroup quickly with Walter Johnson visiting this week in what promises to be a critical contest for both teams’ playoff ambitions.
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase (4-1) | Last Week: 5
The Barons’ strong start hit a speed bump with a 31-0 loss to Northwest. Despite the scoreline, BCC showed some fight, particularly in the trenches, limiting Northwest’s ground game to just 50 rushing yards. But their own offense struggled mightily, as star RB Gabe Eisler was limited to just 36 rushing yards. With Wheaton on deck, BCC has a prime opportunity to right the ship and keep their promising season on track.
- Blake (4-1) | Last Week: 8
The Bengals bounced back from their defeat to Sherwood in style, dismantling Springbrook 40-0. Kirby Matson continued his impressive campaign, throwing for 348 yards and five touchdowns to maintain his spot atop the county passing leaderboard. Blake is in line for another easy win against winless Watkins Mill this week, but the real test looms large with a potential statement game against Paint Branch on the horizon.
- Walter Johnson (3-2) | Last Week: 9
Walter Johnson handled Wootton 35-28, in a game that highlighted the Wildcats’ ability to perform under pressure. Quarterback Jake Forburger led the charge with a touchdown both on the ground and through the air. The stakes are high as WJ heads into a matchup with Blair—a game that could very well decide the trajectory of their season and set the tone for a difficult stretch run.
- Seneca Valley (3-2) | Last Week: 10
The Screaming Eagles took care of business against Richard Montgomery, winning 26-3 behind a dominant ground game that racked up 268 rushing yards. The defense was also in top form, forcing four turnovers. But with Quince Orchard coming to town next, Seneca Valley will need to elevate their game to another level if they hope to hang with one of the county’s elite. It’s a chance for SV to show they can play spoiler—and potentially make some noise in the second half of the season.
This week in Montgomery County high school football, we have everything from top-tier clashes to potential upsets brewing, as teams look to prove their worth and strengthen their playoff credentials. With high stakes in almost every matchup, Week 6 is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the story of the 2023 season.