The Maryland Terrapins stayed undefeated on Saturday afternoon with a commanding 44-17 win over the Towson Tigers, and two Montgomery County products played leading roles in the victory. Quince Orchard graduate Iverson Howard paced the Terps on the ground, while Paint Branch alumnus Octavian Smith Jr. delivered the team’s biggest performance through the air.
Both teams entered the matchup unbeaten, but Maryland wasted no time seizing control. The Terps built a 34-0 lead by halftime, overwhelming Towson with a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense. The result was never in doubt, and the lopsided score underscored the talent gap between the programs.
Howard, a freshman running back, provided a spark for Maryland’s rushing game. He carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards, establishing a steady rhythm that kept the chains moving and Towson’s defense on its heels. While he didn’t find the end zone, his physical running style and ability to pick up consistent yardage gave Maryland the balance it had been searching for on the ground this season.
In the passing game, Smith turned in a career-best performance. The senior wide receiver hauled in four receptions for 103 yards, including a 53-yard catch that set up one of Maryland’s scoring drives. His speed and playmaking ability forced Towson to respect the deep ball, opening up opportunities for the rest of the offense.
For Montgomery County football fans, the spotlight on Howard and Smith was especially meaningful. Both starred locally at powerhouse programs before making their way to College Park, and their performances on Saturday showed just how much of an impact county talent continues to have on the state’s flagship football program.
With the nonconference schedule nearing its end, Maryland will soon turn its attention to Big Ten play. If Howard and Smith can continue producing at a high level, the Terps could be poised to make noise in one of the toughest conferences in college football. For now, though, their efforts ensured that Maryland remained perfect on the season and gave Montgomery County another reason to celebrate.
