The final week of the regular season is here, and playoff energy is crackling across Montgomery County. Some squads are sharpening for November runs, others are battling for pride, and a few are chasing program-defining milestones. Here’s your complete breakdown of every matchup under the Week 9 lights.
Thursday, October 30
Paint Branch Panthers (7-1) at Churchill Bulldogs (7-1) Prediction: Churchill 30, Paint Branch 20
The first meeting in 11 years between these 4A heavyweights, and both are rolling. Expect a smashmouth battle in the trenches, with Alijah Bah leading the charge for Paint Branch while Churchill counters with Noah Zhang. The difference could come through the air, where quarterback Hunter Humphries and the Bulldogs’ aerial attack might be the x-factor late.
Walter Johnson Wildcats (3-5) at Blake Bengals (5-3) Prediction: Blake 28, Walter Johnson 23
Walter Johnson has been more competitive than the record suggests, but Blake’s athleticism and speed give them the upper hand. The Bengals need a “get-right” win before the playoffs, and they’ll find one here, though it won’t come easily.
Sherwood Warriors (7-1) at Richard Montgomery Rockets (6-2) Prediction: Sherwood 41, Richard Montgomery 24
RM has a capable offense behind quarterback Dylan Webster, but Sherwood’s power and depth along the line should wear them down. The Warriors’ ground game takes over after halftime to secure another statement win.
B-CC Barons (5-3) at Whitman Vikings (3-5) Prediction: B-CC 35, Whitman 7
One of the county’s fiercest rivalries renews, but the balance of power sits squarely with B-CC. As long as the Barons protect the football and dominate up front, they’ll cruise to victory and strengthen their playoff seeding.
Damascus Hornets (5-3) at Magruder Colonels (2-6) Prediction: Damascus 42, Magruder 6
Damascus has beaten the teams they should and struggled against the elite, and this week, they get another tune-up against a struggling Magruder squad. Expect the Hornets to control the clock and the scoreboard from start to finish.
Springbrook Blue Devils (0-8) at Northwood Gladiators (2-6) Prediction: Springbrook 28, Northwood 18
Northwood has already made headlines with its best season in years, but Springbrook’s offense has quietly shown potential. The Blue Devils finally put together a complete effort to grab their first win of 2025.
Watkins Mill Wolverines (1-7) at Williamsport Wildcats (5-3) Prediction: Williamsport 53, Watkins Mill 8
A cross-county matchup that likely won’t stay close. Williamsport’s balanced offense and disciplined defense should overwhelm the Wolverines early.
Friday, October 31
Kennedy Cavaliers (4-4) at Poolesville Falcons (4-4) Prediction: Kennedy 34, Poolesville 14
A Halloween showdown with historic stakes, as Kennedy hasn’t finished above .500 since 2007. Poolesville has fought hard all year, but Kennedy’s offense, when clicking, has higher upside. If the Cavaliers rediscover that Einstein form, they’ll make school history under the Friday night lights.
Quince Orchard Cougars (8-0) at Gaithersburg Trojans (3-5) Prediction: Quince Orchard 50, Gaithersburg 6
The Cougars keep rolling. Expect QO to spread the ball around and give backups some action. The machine keeps humming toward another undefeated regular season.
Blair Blazers (4-4) at Northwest Jaguars (4-4) Prediction: Northwest 36, Blair 7
Credit to Blair, who has won four of its last five after an 0-3 start. But Northwest is too talented and too hungry to let this one slip. Expect a slow start before the Jaguars’ passing game ignites.
Rockville Rams (2-6) at Seneca Valley Screaming Eagles (3-5) Prediction: Seneca Valley 21, Rockville 16
Two teams desperate to end on a high note. Rockville has been gritty, but Seneca Valley’s depth gives them the slight edge. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair.
Clarksburg Coyotes (4-4) at Wootton Patriots (2-6) Prediction: Clarksburg 29, Wootton 8
The Coyotes are looking to lock in their first winning season since 2018, and this matchup should help them do it. Wootton has made strides but remains a year or two away.
Einstein Titans (2-6) at Wheaton Knights (6-2) Prediction: Wheaton 62, Einstein 22
Wheaton’s feel-good story continues. The Knights are on the verge of their first seven-win season since 2001, and Einstein’s struggling defense won’t slow that momentum. Expect fireworks and a celebration in Wheaton.
Final Word: The spotlight belongs to Paint Branch vs. Churchill, a 7-1 showdown that could preview a future playoff clash. Elsewhere, Sherwood, Quince Orchard, and Wheaton look ready to roll into November with authority. And don’t overlook Kennedy, a win this week could deliver their first winning season in nearly two decades. One final Friday night, one last chance to make a statement.
