Montgomery County Top Ten Rankings: Week 8
1) Paint Branch (7-1*) Last Week: 1
The Panthers asserted their dominance over Blair in a 41-7 statement win, maintaining their top spot with sheer tenacity. Running Back Alijah Bah continued his impressive season with 138 yards and two touchdowns, while Makai Miles complimented him, rushing for 119 yards and two more touchdowns. With their sights set on the 4A North region’s top seed, Paint Branch will be eager to make another statement in their regular-season finale against BCC. This matchup holds extra weight, as BCC ended Paint Branch’s playoff run last season.
2) Quince Orchard (8-0) Last Week: 2
In a fierce showdown with Northwest, Quince Orchard clung to a 24-17 victory, marking their eleventh straight regular-season win against their arch-rival. Quarterback Travon Jackson delivered in both the air and on the ground, and CB Aydan West shined defensively with two interceptions, one for a game-changing pick-six. Though this win was hard-earned, the Cougars know that the real battle looms in potential playoff rematches. Next, they face #3 Sherwood in a high-stakes clash.
3) Sherwood (7-1) Last Week: 4
Sherwood is hitting their stride, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess in a 47-19 win over Walter Johnson. Quarterback Matthew Larsen threw for three touchdowns, and Brendan Heyer contributed with a receiving touchdown and a pick-six. Now, they host Quince Orchard, looking to be the first Montgomery County public school to topple QO in the regular season in eight years. Sherwood coach Pat Cilento, the last to beat QO in the regular season, hopes to repeat that feat in this electrifying Week 9 Game of the Week.
4) Northwest (6-2) Last Week: 3
Northwest showed grit, rallying from a 17-0 deficit against Quince Orchard but ultimately falling just short. Quarterback Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson, passed for 233 yards and a touchdown while leading the team in rushing. Wide receiver Rahmise Jones was a key playmaker with 164 receiving yards and a touchdown. If this duo keeps connecting, Northwest remains a potent threat, and a playoff rematch against Quince Orchard may be on the horizon.
5) Blake (6-2) Last Week: 8
Blake rebounded emphatically from their loss to Paint Branch, thrashing Northwood 57-6. With MoCo’s top passer, Kirby Matson, at the helm, Blake’s offense is potent, but they have yet to beat a top-tier opponent. This week’s matchup with #6 Blair presents an ideal opportunity for Blake to prove their mettle against a winning team, solidify their playoff aspirations, and potentially shake up the rankings.
6) Blair (6-2) Last Week: 5
Blair’s resilience wasn’t enough to counter Paint Branch’s dominance last week. They managed an early score—a feat against PB’s defense—but struggled to keep pace falling 41-7. Still, Blair remains in the mix for playoff positioning, and with a showdown against #5 Blake on deck, they have a prime opportunity to rebound and reaffirm their spot among the county’s elite heading into the postseason.
7) BCC (5-3) Last Week: 7
BCC handled rival Whitman 18-7 in a hard-fought victory, thanks in part to defensive stalwart Dajorn Smith, who racked up 10 tackles and two sacks. Up next is a daunting clash against #1 Paint Branch, which will test BCC’s resilience and provide a preview of the playoff pressure ahead.
8) Seneca Valley (5-3) Last Week: 10
Seneca Valley delivered a signature win with a commanding 27-7 triumph over Damascus, signaling they’re a force to be reckoned with. Hosting Magruder in their final regular-season game, Seneca has the momentum to close strong and enter the playoffs as a dark horse.
9) Damascus (5-3) Last Week: 6
Damascus couldn’t hold their own against Seneca Valley, falling 27-7. Despite this setback, the Hornets have one more chance to regroup before playoffs as they travel to Wootton. A solid performance could provide the confidence boost Damascus needs to reclaim their competitive edge.
10) Walter Johnson (4-4) Last Week: 9
Walter Johnson fell short against Sherwood, but their 257 total yards showed promise. However, turnovers remain an issue, as WJ gave away key possessions. The Wildcats finish the regular season against rival Churchill, where both playoff seeding and pride are on the line.
These rankings highlight each team’s strengths, recent performances, and what’s at stake as they head into the season’s final stretch. With the playoffs around the corner, expect high energy, unexpected outcomes, and standout moments from Montgomery County’s best.
