Some games transcend the typical Friday night spectacle, and this year’s state final between the Wise Pumas and Quince Orchard Cougars is one of them. It’s not just about the trophy; it’s about legacy, evolution, and the ever-burning quest to cement greatness. One of these two teams has won every 4A state title since 2015. The Pumas hold a 3-2 series edge, but the Cougars have won the last two. Preview and predictions for all other State Championship games can be seen here.
Wise, already synonymous with dominance, enters the fray with a roster that rivals the fabled 2015-17 dynasty. Led by Temple commit DeCarlos Young, a name already etched in Maryland football lore, the Pumas bring an aura of inevitability. Young, Wise’s all-time leader in rushing yards, scoring, and tackles, is a rare two-way marvel. This is his first tilt against Quince Orchard, and he’s flanked by record-breaking receiver Peyton Nelson and ice-cold junior quarterback Eric Wedge. On the defensive side, Oklahoma commit Trent Wilson & two-way starter and West Virginia commit Taylor Brown, are nightmares in the trenches, and as physically imposing as any unit in recent memory.
The Pumas’ lone blemish this season—a narrow six-point loss to Virginia powerhouse Maury—feels more like a battle scar than a black mark. Maury, unbeaten and ranked among the nation’s elite, stands as a testament to the caliber of teams Wise has tested itself against.
Yet, this Cougar squad isn’t intimidated. Quince Orchard has evolved from the teams that were once overwhelmed by the Pumas’ dominance. They’ve built a team around balance and resilience, with quarterback Travon Jackson as their guide. Jackson’s dual-threat ability has matured, with his legs proving just as dangerous as his arm. Meanwhile, Maryland commit Iverson Howard has quietly gained 196 and 195 yards on the ground in the last two weeks
The Cougars’ offensive success hinges on execution. Mason Mizzer and Josiah Teasley can turn five-yard screens into 50-yard sprints, but they’ll need clean downfield blocking to succeed. And while Jackson can stretch defenses with his scrambling, Wise’s pass rush, led by Wilson and Brown, demands precision.
Defensively, Quince Orchard’s path to victory starts at the line of scrimmage. Defensive tackle Joseph Travis must assert himself early, while edge rushers Kacey Gilliam and Jaheim Bond-Thompson must make their presence known. If they can contain Young and disrupt Wedge, the Cougars’ experienced linebackers—Chris Koffi and Benny Becker—can clean up.
But slowing Young is easier said than done. At 235 pounds, he combines power with deceptive agility. The Cougars’ secondary, led by Michigan State commit Aydan West, will need to play tight, physical coverage while remaining disciplined against the run.
Turnovers could swing the game, as they often have in this storied rivalry. Whether it’s a botched handoff, a tipped pass, or a game-changing interception, one mistake could define the night. Both teams have the talent to win, and the margin for error will be razor-thin.
Wise’s pedigree is undeniable. Quince Orchard’s evolution is indisputable. And under the lights on Friday night, something special is going to happen.
Prediction: Wise 28, Quince Orchard 21
