Week 4 brings a few games that could start separating the contenders from the pack. Quince Orchard gets another chance to flex its muscle against a Seneca Valley team that may be better than any Eagles squad the Cougars have seen in years. Churchill and Whitman meet with the Congressional Cup potentially hanging in the balance, while Sherwood heads into a rivalry game with Blake before its showdown with QO. And then there are the games where somebody is finally getting over the hump.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Quince Orchard (3-0) at Seneca Valley (2-1): This might be the strongest Seneca Valley team Quince Orchard has seen this decade. Unfortunately for the Eagles, that doesn’t answer the more immediate question: Can they finally score against the Cougars?
Seneca Valley has been shut out by QO five straight years, and the Eagles will need to solve that problem if they’re going to make this anything more than another Cougar coronation. The formula starts with quarterback Lennon getting the ball downfield to Khamarion Imes. If Seneca Valley can create some explosive plays, its scrappy defense could keep things respectable for a while. But QO has too many ways to beat you, and Seneca Valley’s offense remains volatile. The Cougars don’t need the game to look any particular way. Prediction: Quince Orchard 49, Seneca Valley 12
Churchill (3-0) at Whitman (2-1): Whitman found another gear on both sides of the ball in the second half against Wootton, and the Vikings now get a chance to make a real statement against Churchill.
This could very well decide the Congressional Cup, which means Whitman should have every intention of throwing the kitchen sink at its rival. But Churchill has been tested more thoroughly, and the Bulldogs bring the kind of defense Whitman hasn’t seen yet.
Expect the Vikings to have a few wrinkles ready. Over four quarters, though, Churchill’s experience and physicality should be enough. Prediction: Churchill 28, Whitman 7
Wootton (1-2) at Walter Johnson (1-2): Wootton hasn’t beaten Walter Johnson since 2018, but the Patriots have been close enough in recent meetings to make this feel less like a streak and more like unfinished business. This is the year Wootton finally gets over the hump. Prediction: Wootton 35, Walter Johnson 28
Blair (2-1) at Einstein (0-3): Einstein’s struggles give Blair a chance to keep things simple. The Blazers don’t need to reinvent anything here. Execute the basics, stay healthy and get ready for the second half of the season. Prediction: Blair 48, Einstein 6
Clarksburg (1-2) at Richard Montgomery (0-3): Richard Montgomery is still searching for its first win, but Clarksburg should have too much on both sides of the ball. Prediction: Clarksburg 35, Richard Montgomery 13
Friday, Sept. 25
Sherwood (3-0) at Blake (2-1): Sherwood should be heavily favored, but this is exactly the kind of game the Warriors can’t sleepwalk through.
Blake’s loss to Northwest looks worse by the week, and the Bengals’ victory over Whitman wasn’t particularly convincing. Still, this is a rivalry, it’s Sherwood’s biggest test before Quince Orchard and Blake will have plenty of motivation to make this uncomfortable.
The pressure is on the Warriors to play clean football for four quarters, particularly through the passing game. Sherwood has bigger goals than simply surviving this one. Prediction: Sherwood 36, Blake 14
Northwest (1-2) at Paint Branch (1-2): Neither offense has exactly been screaming for attention, and that could make this one ugly.
Paint Branch struggled to move the ball against Blair, while Northwest has been extremely difficult to score on but hasn’t generated much offensively since its Week 1 explosion. The Jaguars have relied heavily on big plays rather than sustained drives.
That makes turnovers particularly important. Paint Branch has enough defensive ability to make Northwest work for everything, and the Panthers have the more dangerous offensive weapon in running back Alijah Bah. Don’t expect a masterpiece. Expect a fight. Prediction: Paint Branch 20, Northwest 6
Wheaton (2-1) at BCC (2-1): Wheaton has made real progress from last season, but the Knights still look a step behind teams such as BCC, Blair and Paint Branch.
They have enough to make this interesting, though. BCC will bring a physicality and ground game that Wheaton hasn’t seen since opening week, and that should eventually wear the Knights down. Prediction: BCC 32, Wheaton 14
Magruder (1-2) at Rockville (0-3): Magruder has had tougher assignments on the schedule, and this should be a chance for the Colonels to play from ahead early and stay there. Prediction: Magruder 42, Rockville 6
Springbrook (1-2) at Kennedy (2-1): It’s a family affair: father against son. Coach Pierce Sr. and Kennedy bring the Cavaliers into this one with the talent advantage over Pierce Jr. and Springbrook. That’s usually a pretty good place to start. Prediction: Kennedy 28, Springbrook 14
Gaithersburg (1-2) at Watkins Mill (0-3): Gaithersburg should have too much for an overmatched Watkins Mill team. The Trojans get back on track. Prediction: Gaithersburg 42, Watkins Mill 6
Centennial (0-3) at Poolesville (1-2): On paper, this looks like one of the week’s more evenly matched games. Poolesville gets the home field, and that may be enough in a close one. Prediction: Poolesville 28, Centennial 24
Northwood (2-1) at Pikesville (1-2): Northwood gets its shot at revenge after Pikesville escaped with a close victory last season. Expect another tight defensive game, but the Gladiators find a way to flip the result this time. Prediction: Northwood 14, Pikesville 6
The Game of the Week is Oakdale (Frederick County) vs. Damascus. That preview and prediction can be seen here.
