Quince Orchard, Paint Branch & Damascus have 1st round byes
Westminster at Rockville (3A West Region): A respectable season for Rockville Head Coach Kallay and his Rams has positioned them well for a solid playoff opener. Their highlight is a hard-fought win over Springbrook and a close game with powerhouse Damascus. Westminster’s season has been similarly mixed, with victories against Walkersville and a narrow loss to Frederick but some letdowns along the way. This Westminster squad has traditionally struggled in the playoffs, even in stronger seasons, which gives Rockville the edge, especially at home. Prediction: Rockville 28, Westminster 21
Thomas Johnson at Wootton (4A/3A West Region): It’s déjà vu for the Thomas Johnson and Wootton Patriots as they meet in the first round for the second year running. Last season’s clash was a thrilling affair, with Wootton advancing thanks to a dramatic blocked kick return. This year, expect another nail-biter. While TJ ranks lower in Frederick County, their ability to hang tough with mid-level Montgomery County teams, like Whitman, shows promise. Meanwhile, Wootton has struggled lately, surrendering 53 points to Damascus recently. TJ is hungry for revenge, and they may just get it. Prediction: Thomas Johnson 27, Wootton 14
Springbrook at Whitman (4A/3A South Region): After meeting in the regular season finale, these two teams face off once more. Last year, Whitman turned around and won the rematch, and this time, it could be Springbrook’s turn. Their last game was close, with Whitman edging out an eight-point victory. Given the nature of such rivalries and the stakes of playoffs, look for Springbrook to make the necessary adjustments and eke out a win in a defensive battle. Prediction: Springbrook 15, Whitman 13
Gaithersburg at Seneca Valley (4A West Region): Gaithersburg enters this game with renewed momentum following two consecutive wins. While they dropped a 19-0 game to Seneca Valley earlier, that scoreline wasn’t disastrous and gives them a chance at redemption. Seneca Valley’s defense has been its strength all season, and their offense may only need a modest output to seal a win in what should be a tightly contested game. Prediction: Seneca Valley 20, Gaithersburg 14
Clarksburg at Churchill (4A West Region): Clarksburg has shown marked improvement but is still finding its footing. Churchill is a solid squad with the ability to overwhelm opponents when they play their best. If the Bulldogs stay focused and avoid mistakes, they have a clear path to victory here. But if Clarksburg brings a relentless effort, this game could stay competitive longer than expected. Prediction: Churchill 38, Clarksburg 15
Laurel at Walter Johnson (4A North Region): Laurel has had a rough season, picking up wins only against other bottom-tier teams in PG County. Walter Johnson, however, is looking to rebound after recent losses and likely won’t face much resistance. Expect a steady showing from the Wildcats as they aim to restore some confidence. Prediction: Walter Johnson 35, Laurel 7
Severn Run at Magruder (4A/3A West Region): Magruder takes on Severn Run, a brand-new program still searching for its first win. Severn Run’s expectations were tempered early on, and they’ve yet to find their rhythm. Magruder’s storied history may not be what it once was, but this matchup should see them channel some of that former dominance. Prediction: Magruder 38, Severn Run 7
Northwestern (Prince George’s ) at Blair (4A North Region): Fresh off a boys soccer playoff victory over Northwestern, Blair’s football team looks poised to notch another win against the Wildcats. Unlike soccer, however, this game is likely to be a one-sided affair with the Blazers in command. Prediction: Blair 52, Northwestern 0
Einstein at Suitland (4A/3A South Region): Suitland may not be a top contender for the state title, but they are solidly better than Einstein, who’ll be looking to regroup next season. Expect the Suitland team to make a strong statement as they advance. Prediction: Suitland 33, Einstein 0
Northwood at Old Mill (4A/3A South Region): An unfamiliar matchup, this first-ever meeting sees Old Mill likely overpowering Northwood with relative ease. The Anne Arundel County squad should control this one from the outset. Prediction: Old Mill 49, Northwood 0
Watkins Mill at Frederick (4A/3A West Region): These teams have history, with Watkins Mill having the upper hand in past matchups from 2013 to 2016. However, times have changed: Frederick has emerged as a much-improved squad, while Watkins Mill has struggled. Expect Frederick to show their dominance here. Prediction: Frederick 62, Watkins Mill 6
Manchester Valley at Sherwood (3A West Region): This potential first-ever clash sees Sherwood facing a Manchester Valley team with little playoff pedigree. Sherwood has the firepower to handle this game comfortably. Prediction: Sherwood 44, Manchester Valley 7
Other Playoff Matchups: These games feature rematches from the regular season, and based on prior outcomes, similar results are likely this time around:
- Northwest 53, Richard Montgomery 0 (4A West Region)
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase 42, Wheaton 6 ( (4A North Region)
- Blake 69, Kennedy 0 (4A/3A South Region)
Final Take: This first round showcases a mix of tightly matched contests and clear favorites. From Rockville’s shot at a home upset to Springbrook’s bid for revenge, expect plenty of excitement across Maryland’s high school playoff landscape. Full Playoff Brackets can be found here: https://www.mpssaa.org/state-championships/football/mpssaa-football-state-championships-central/