Here’s a look at this week’s top 10 rankings.
1) Paint Branch (5-1*) Last Week: 3
Paint Branch has soared to new heights, pulling off their first-ever win against Northwest in a hard-fought 7-0 defensive battle. The Panthers controlled the game, dominating the line of scrimmage and holding the Jaguars to just 119 yards of total offense while forcing three turnovers. Alijah Bah showcased poise under pressure, rushing for 110 yards and the game’s lone touchdown. But there’s no time to bask in their success—Northeast Consortium rival Blake is up next, and they’ll be eager to knock off the new top dogs.
2) Quince Orchard (6-0) Last Week: 2
The Cougars remain the only undefeated team in the county, and their recent performances have been nothing short of commanding. Quince Orchard dismantled Seneca Valley in a 48-0 blowout, showcasing their balanced offense once again. Iverson Howard and Travon Jackson each found the end zone three times, while the defense notched their third shutout of the season. Expect another dominant outing this week as they host Richard Montgomery in what should be a lopsided affair at the Cougar Dome.
3) Northwest (5-1) Last Week: 1
The Jaguars’ state title hopes took a hit with a tough 7-0 loss to Paint Branch. Offensively, they struggled against the Panthers’ front, managing just 42 rushing yards on 18 carries. But their defense remained steadfast, holding Paint Branch scoreless until the fourth quarter. Northwest knows how to bounce back from setbacks, and they’ll need that resilience as they look to regroup against Churchill this week.
4) Sherwood (5-1) Last Week: 4
Since their early-season loss to Paint Branch, the Warriors have been on a tear. They dominated Damascus in a 41-7 rout, marking just the fourth time in the last decade that the Hornets have allowed 40+ points in a game. Safety Brendan Hyer was a standout, racking up 8 tackles, forcing and recovering a fumble, and even scoring a touchdown. Up next, a favorable matchup against Poolesville.
5) Blair (5-1) Last Week: 6
Blair showed their toughness and grit, rallying from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 21-17 comeback win. This team refuses to go down quietly, and they’ll need every bit of that fighting spirit in their highly anticipated showdown against #6 Bethesda-Chevy Chase this Friday.
6) Bethesda-Chevy Chase (5-1) Last Week: 7
BCC rebounded with a dominant 37-0 win over Wheaton, getting their offense back on track in style. The Barons racked up nearly 300 rushing yards, led by Lucas Scribner’s 107-yard performance, while quarterback Danny Hahn added 145 yards through the air. A tough test awaits them with Blair coming to town in what should be a tight, closely fought matchup.
7) Blake (5-1) Last Week: 8
Blake took care of business, shutting out Watkins Mill 46-0. Kirby Matson continued his impressive season under center, adding three more touchdown passes to his tally. But now the stakes are higher as they prepare to face #1 Paint Branch in a matchup with major implications for the Northeast Consortium crown.
8) Damascus (4-2) Last Week: 5
The Swarmin’ Hornets took a beating against Sherwood, falling 41-7. While they managed 288 total yards of offense, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Warriors. Damascus will aim to regroup against Clarksburg, looking to regain their footing and keep their playoff aspirations alive.
9) Walter Johnson (3-3) Last Week: 9
The Wildcats’ offense showed promise with 259 yards, but two costly interceptions proved their undoing in a 21-17 loss to Blair. Walter Johnson will aim to clean up the mistakes as they host Wheaton in what should be a much-needed opportunity to right the ship.
10) Seneca Valley (3-3) Last Week: 10
Seneca Valley endured a rough outing against Quince Orchard, managing just 35 yards of total offense in a 48-0 defeat. But the Screaming Eagles have a chance to bounce back in a classic MoCo rivalry as they travel to Gaithersburg this week. A win could restore some momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
*Forfeit
