By Damon D, Anderson, Senior High School Football Analyst
1) Quince Orchard (5-0) | Last Week: 1
Churchill didn’t go down without a fight, but the Cougars proved once again why they’re the gold standard in Montgomery County football. QO pulled away late to secure a 34-13 win on the road behind a masterful performance from quarterback Will Drakeford, who tallied 217 total yards and accounted for five touchdowns. The Cougars have now won 18 straight dating back to last year, but the next one might be the toughest: a home showdown against #2 Sherwood in a matchup that could define the MoCo landscape.
2) Sherwood (5-0) | Last Week: 2
The Warriors made light work of Clarksburg in a 41-0 shutout that showcased their balance and physicality. Frankie Saunders rumbled for three touchdowns behind another dominant effort from the Sherwood offensive line. But now comes the real test, a trip to The Cougar Dome to face the No. 1 Public School team in Maryland. Sherwood has looked the part of a contender all season, but how they respond under QO’s lights will reveal just how close they are to the top tier.
3) Paint Branch (4-1) | Last Week: 4
It wasn’t flashy, but it was brutally effective. The Panthers bullied their way to an 18-0 win over a tough B-CC squad. Alijah Bah, the most reliable workhorse in the county, once again delivered, piling up 248 total yards and two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving. The defense was lights-out, suffocating the Barons’ attack and posting their second shutout of the season. Paint Branch now turns its focus to Springbrook, looking to keep the momentum rolling.
4) Churchill (4-1) | Last Week: 3
For a moment, it looked like the Bulldogs might make history. Churchill drew within one score of Quince Orchard in the second half, something no team has done in months, before the Cougars reasserted control. Still, there’s no shame in hanging tough with the state’s best. Bryan Ngouzo continued his huge year with 96 yards and two touchdowns, showing the big-play spark that makes this offense dangerous. Expect Churchill to bounce back strong when they face Gaithersburg this week.
5) Blake (4-1) | Last Week: 5
Back in the win column and back to bullying opponents, the Bengals blanked Blair 25-0. In a poetic twist, RB Junior Rodriguez, facing his former team, shattered the Blake school rushing record with 315 yards and two touchdowns. Blake’s defense smothered Blair from start to finish, and the Bengals look poised to keep climbing as they head into a favorable matchup with Magruder.
6) Northwest (2-3) | Last Week: 7
Don’t look now, but the Jaguars might be finding their groove. A convincing 37-7 win over Gaithersburg was vintage Northwest, fast, physical, and relentless. Warren Jackson was electric, racking up 152 total yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced turnovers and dominated the line of scrimmage. Next up: a King’s Trophy battle with rival Seneca Valley, a game that always delivers emotion and grit, regardless of record.
7) Damascus (4-1) | Last Week: 8
The Swarmin’ Hornets buzzed through Rockville 45-6 in a clinical display of two-way dominance. The defense gave up just 78 total yards and forced three turnovers, while the offense rolled behind its trademark power run game. At 4-1, Damascus remains a quiet threat in the 3A, and this week’s matchup with Westminster (4-1) should tell us even more about where they stack up statewide.
8) Seneca Valley (3-2) | Last Week: 10
The Screaming Eagles earned their signature win of the season, toppling Walter Johnson 20-13 behind a sharp performance from QB Kenny Lennon, who threw for 236 yards and two scores. It was a gut-check victory that puts Seneca back on track and adds fuel to the rivalry fire heading into their trip to Northwest. The King’s Trophy, and Germantown bragging rights, are on the line.
9) Richard Montgomery (3-2) | Last Week: NR
The Rockets are back in orbit after cooling off red-hot Wheaton 32-15. Quarterback Dylan Webster lit up the night with 362 passing yards and five touchdowns, delivering one of the best aerial performances of the MoCo season so far. RM’s offense has shown serious firepower, and they’ll look to keep it going against Wootton this week.
10) Bethesda-Chevy Chase (2-3) | Last Week: 9
Even in defeat, B-CC continues to show fight. The Barons played Paint Branch tough before ultimately falling 18-0 in a game closer than the score suggests. Gabe Eisler paced the offense with 98 rushing yards, keeping the Barons in it through three quarters. With rival Walter Johnson up next, expect plenty of emotion, and perhaps a much-needed rebound performance.
