The regular season is officially in the books, and what a ride it’s been across Montgomery County. From undefeated juggernauts to long-awaited breakthroughs, the 2025 campaign delivered storylines that will echo into the playoffs. As the postseason kicks off, here’s where every contender stands heading into November.
1) Quince Orchard (9-0) | Last Week: 1
The Cougars wrapped up yet another perfect regular season with a statement, a 35-0 shutout of crosstown rival Gaithersburg. That’s seven straight unbeaten regular seasons for John Kelley’s program, a staggering run that underscores QO’s dominance in 4A football. Junior running back Damien Hurtado and QB Will Drakeford continue to guide a balanced offense. As the top seed in the 4A West and statewide, the Cougars begin their title defense Friday in a rematch with Gaithersburg. Expect another businesslike blowout as QO begins its quest for a second straight state title and fourth in five years.
2) Sherwood (8-1) | Last Week: 3
Sherwood sent a loud message to the rest of Maryland with a 54-7 demolition of Richard Montgomery to close the regular season. Senior standout AJ Lopezcontinued his brilliant season, rushing for 117 yards and four total touchdowns. The Warriors have size, speed, and depth, a lethal mix in the 4A/3A bracket. They earned a first-round bye this week and will face the winner of Kennedy vs. Whitman. With their physical line play and multi-faceted offense, Sherwood looks poised for a deep playoff run, and maybe more.
3) Churchill (8-1) | Last Week: 4
The Bulldogs survived a major test, edging Paint Branch 20-18 in a physical, playoff-style showdown. QB Hunter Humphries tossed two touchdowns, while Churchill’s special teams came up clutch with two blocked extra points, the difference in the game. Head coach Joe Rydzewski ‘s squad has grit and balance, and that could make them dangerous in November. Their postseason run starts Thursday when they host Clarksburg in the 4A West quarterfinals.
4) Paint Branch (7-2) | Last Week: 2
The Panthers may have fallen short against Churchill, but their toughness and explosiveness remain unquestioned. RB Alijah Bah ran wild again, racking up 178 yards and three touchdowns in the narrow defeat. Paint Branch will look to regroup during their first-round bye, awaiting the winner of Blake vs. Laurel. If the Panthers’ defense find their rhythm, they’re still a legitimate threat to make noise in the 4A North bracket.
5) Northwest (5-4) | Last Week: 5
After a rough few weeks, Northwest got back on track with a 42-7 rout of Blair to finish above .500. Senior QB Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson showed why the future is bright in Germantown, throwing for 287 yards and four total touchdowns. Maryland commit JJ Williams added 86 yards and a score at tight end.
The Jaguars meet Walter Johnson again in the 4A West opener.
6) Bethesda-Chevy Chase (6-3) | Last Week: 7
The Barons closed the season strong with a 24-8 win over Whitman, powered by their dual rushing attack. Keith Kibisu (97 yards) and Jack Nucci (95 yards) each found the end zone as B-CC imposed its will on the ground. Next up is Blair, a team eager for payback after losing to the Barons earlier this year. If B-CC controls the tempo, they could find themselves in the regional semis for the first time in over a decade.
7) Wheaton (6-3) | Last Week: 8
What a turnaround it’s been for the Knights. Their 40-6 win over Einstein capped a dream regular season, the program’s first winning record since 2006. RB Omari Hinds has been the catalyst for a resurgent offense that’s averaging over 30 points per game during their current four-game win streak. Wheaton now sets its sights on Northwestern (PG) in the 4A North opener. A win would further solidify this season as one of the best in school history.
8) Damascus (7-2) | Last Week: 9
The Hornets took care of business in a 42-7 victory over Magruder, powered by a fierce defensive effort, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and another dominant night in the trenches. Damascus will enter the playoffs with momentum and experience. They’ll host Rockvillein a first-round rematch, looking to reassert their trademark physical style. Don’t be shocked if the Hornets find themselves deep in December once again.
9) Richard Montgomery (6-3) | Last Week: 6
A rough 54-7 loss to Sherwood isn’t how the Rockets wanted to end the regular season, but they’ve shown enough resilience to bounce back quickly. Dual-threat QB Dylan Webster has been the heart of RM’s attack all season, and they’ll need him sharp for Friday’s first-round showdown with Seneca Valley. If the Rockets rediscover their early-season form, they could be a tough out in the 4A West bracket.
10) Blake (5-4) | Last Week: 10
The Bengals have hit a late-season skid, dropping three straight, including a gut-wrenching 17-14 loss to Walter Johnson in Week 9. Workhorse RB Junior Rodriguezwas limited to 66 yards and a score in a rare. Still, Blake’s early-season success keeps them in the top 10. They’ll need to regroup fast as they host Laurel in the 4A North opener. If Rodriguez gets rolling again, they’re capable of turning things around.
The Takeaway: Quince Orchard remains the undisputed king of MoCo, but the field below them is deeper than ever. Sherwood and Churchill have legitimate championship aspirations, while Northwest and Paint Branch are capable of catching fire in November. Let the second season begin and may the best survive November football in Maryland.
