The addition of girls flag football to Montgomery County last fall was more than just a pilot, it was a revelation. The sport quickly became one of the county’s fastest-growing and most exciting offerings, capped by Clarksburg’s march to the inaugural state title in November. This fall, momentum has only accelerated.
Participation has nearly doubled statewide, with 92 schools now fielding teams across Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Baltimore City, Prince George’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties. Howard County has begun its own pilot, eyeing full participation by next season. With the surge in numbers, the MPSSAA has adapted: instead of county-by-county qualifiers, teams are now organized into regional brackets by classification (4A-3A and 2A-1A), with every school eligible for postseason play.
For Montgomery County, it means deeper brackets, bigger stakes, and more rivals to contend with. We’re just past the midway point of the season, and the shape of the contenders is coming into focus. Here’s a look at the Top 5 programs that have separated themselves from the pack.
1) Clarksburg (6-0)
The defending state champions remain the gold standard. The Coyotes haven’t just won, they’ve overwhelmed opponents, winning each contest by at least two touchdowns. Their 27-0 shutout of Damascus was a statement: Clarksburg is not only capable of defending its crown, but doing so with authority. They boast depth on both sides of the ball, playmakers who can score in multiple ways, and a defense that hasn’t given up a meaningful drive in weeks.
2) Paint Branch (6-0)
If Clarksburg’s dominance was expected, Paint Branch’s rise has been one of the season’s most compelling surprises. The Panthers have combined steady quarterback play with a stingy defense, notching shutouts of Sherwood and Springbrook while blasting Blake. Their schedule hasn’t been as daunting as Clarksburg’s, but with momentum clearly on their side, the late-season matchup against the Coyotes could serve as the ultimate litmus test for how far this team has come.
3) Damascus (5-1)
The Hornets were the story last fall before Clarksburg stole their thunder twice, and it looks like the Coyotes continue to be their kryptonite. Outside of that 27-0 defeat, however, Damascus has looked sharp. They outlasted a much-improved Watkins Mill squad and continue to feature athletes who can flip the field in an instant. The silver lining? They won’t see Clarksburg again unless it’s deep in a state bracket. If their defense tightens up, the Hornets are more than capable of a deep playoff run.
4) Sherwood (5-1)
The Warriors sit in a similar place to their football counterparts: strong, consistent, but still hunting for a breakthrough win against an elite peer. Their only blemish came against Paint Branch, and their victories have largely come against struggling opponents. That said, Sherwood’s athleticism and depth are real, and the looming clash with Damascus will tell us much about whether the Warriors belong in the top three, or are still a step behind.
5) Churchill (5-1)
The Bulldogs might not win games in blowout fashion, but they just keep stacking victories. A 6-0 grind-out against Whitman and a 7-0 escape against Wootton show that Churchill can gut out close games as well as dominate when the opportunity arises. They’ve yet to face the true heavyweights, but as the only unbeaten team in the West Division, they’ve established themselves as a contender. Upcoming tests against Walter Johnson and B-CC will be crucial for their positioning.
Final Word: Girls flag football in Maryland is a force. With Clarksburg still setting the standard, Paint Branch surging, and challengers like Damascus, Sherwood, Churchill, and Watkins Mill all in the mix, Montgomery County looks primed to once again dominate the state conversation. The only question now: can anyone stop the Coyotes from going back-to-back?
