Friday night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the Quince Orchard Cougars stood tall once again, defeating the Wise Pumas 24-13 in the Maryland Class 4A state championship. The victory marked Quince Orchard’s third title in four years, a fitting redemption after last year’s unexpected playoff exit.
As the clock expired, the emotions on the field mirrored the journey. Senior quarterback Travon Jackson pointed to his ring finger, symbolizing the crowning moment of his high school career. Linebacker Chris Koffi, overcome with emotion, wiped away tears, while star running back Iverson Howard remained calm, championship belt draped over his shoulder. For Howard and the senior class, it was a moment years in the making, a full-circle achievement that started with their 2021 title as freshmen.
This year’s championship game featured the two titans of Maryland public school football: Quince Orchard (13-0) and Wise (11-2). These programs, which have dominated the Class 4A landscape, have traded the title back and forth since 2015. Friday marked their sixth meeting overall since 2012, with the record now even at three wins apiece.
For Quince Orchard, the stakes were heightened by the memory of last season’s early playoff elimination at the hands of Northwest—a defeat that ended their season far earlier than expected. Coach John Kelley and his team carried that sting throughout the year, using it as fuel to power a perfect 13-0 campaign.
Iverson Howard, bound for the University of Maryland, played a pivotal role in the victory. Known for his relentless rushing ability, Howard scored two crucial touchdowns, the first on a one-yard run in the second quarter to open the scoring. His second touchdown, another one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter, capped a nine-play, 76-yard drive that solidified Quince Orchard’s lead.
Howard finished with 73 rushing yards, 29 of which came in the decisive final quarter. His career at Quince Orchard concludes with an astounding 51-1 record and a legacy cemented as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Quarterback Travon Jackson also delivered in the clutch, contributing 144 total yards and a one-yard touchdown run. His critical third-and-long connection with Mason Mizzer for 45 yards in the fourth quarter set up Howard’s second score.
The Cougars displayed their championship poise late in the game, answering Wise’s fourth-quarter touchdown with a drive that ended in a crucial field goal, securing an 11-point lead with just over two minutes remaining.
With this win, Quince Orchard firmly reestablished itself atop the Maryland 4A hierarchy. It was the Cougars’ fourth state title since 2018, including two victories over Wise in the finals. When asked about his place amongst the great coaches in MoCo history. Coach Kelley graciously deferred to his assistant coaches and players.
@TheMoCoShow Coach Kelley responding to be considered among the MoCO great Coaches pic.twitter.com/YwGmgc68eK
— Damon Anderson (@NomadAnderson) December 10, 2024
