Week 6 brings a mix of rivalry games, playoff implications and a few matchups that could get ugly in a hurry. Here’s a look at the slate and how we see it playing out.
Thursday, Oct. 8
BCC (3-2) at Walter Johnson (2-3): This rivalry has been one of Montgomery County’s more competitive in recent years, but BCC has won the last three meetings. The Barons are coming off a tough loss and should be eager to respond.
Walter Johnson’s best path is creating turnovers and keeping the game close into the second half. The bigger concern is whether the Wildcats can generate enough offense to stay within striking distance. Prediction: BCC 32, Walter Johnson 14
Clarksburg (2-3) at Rockville (0-5): Clarksburg has shown some encouraging flashes despite its 2-3 record, and this is a chance for the Coyotes to turn those flashes into a convincing performance.
Rockville is still searching for its first win and has struggled to slow down opposing offenses. Clarksburg should have little trouble finding the end zone. Prediction: Clarksburg 40, Rockville 6
Friday, Oct. 9
Seneca Valley (3-2) at Northwest (2-3) King’s Trophy: Northwest has owned the King’s Trophy for a decade. Seneca Valley would love nothing more than to end the streak.
The intriguing subplot is Northwest’s quarterback situation, with junior Christian Ruiz potentially seeing significant action. Both teams have capable defenses, so this could come down to which offense manages to manufacture a few big plays. Ten years is a long streak, the Jaguars should extend it. Prediction: Northwest 21, Seneca Valley 14
Damascus (4-1) at Westminster (3-2): Damascus can’t afford another stumble with the 3A West race taking shape. The Hornets have otherwise played good football this season, with the Oakdale loss standing out as the exception.
Westminster has been competitive against Carroll County squads but hasn’t shown much against stronger opposition. Damascus should be able to dictate this one physically. Prediction: Damascus 32, Westminster 14
Whitman (3-2) at Blair (3-2): Whitman has taken a noticeable step forward, but the Vikings are about to enter the toughest portion of their schedule.
Blair has the deeper roster, more offensive versatility and home-field advantage. Whitman can make this competitive early, but the Blazers should gradually pull away. Prediction: Blair 28, Whitman 13
Gaithersburg (2-3) at Churchill (4-1): Churchill got humbled by Quince Orchard last week. Now the Bulldogs get a much more favorable matchup.
Gaithersburg has played respectable football, but Churchill’s combination of size, speed and depth should eventually overwhelm the Trojans. Look for the Bulldogs to play with a little extra urgency after last week’s shutout. Prediction: Churchill 32, Gaithersburg 7
Wootton (1-4) at Richard Montgomery (0-5): This could be the week’s most entertaining bad-defense/good-offense matchup.
Wootton has struggled to score. Richard Montgomery has struggled to stop anybody. Something has to give, and the Rockets have the offensive ceiling to take advantage if this becomes a shootout. Don’t expect many punts. Prediction: Richard Montgomery 42, Wootton 38
Blake (3-2) at Magruder (3-2): Blake has now shown that its performance against Sherwood wasn’t a one-night fluke. The Bengals’ defense has become a legitimate strength.
That’s a problem for Magruder, which enters riding a three-game winning streak but hasn’t exactly been an offensive juggernaut. Blake should eventually squeeze the life out of the Colonels’ attack. Prediction: Blake 28, Magruder 7
Springbrook (1-4) at Paint Branch (3-2): Paint Branch’s Alijah Bah is coming off another huge performance, and the matchup against Springbrook could provide another opportunity to pile up numbers.
The Blue Devils have struggled defensively, while Paint Branch has the offensive line and running game to exploit that weakness. Bah could be in for a career night. Prediction: Paint Branch 56, Springbrook 6
Einstein (1-4) at Kennedy (4-1): Einstein finally has a win. Unfortunately, the Titans drew one of the county’s more consistent teams for their follow-up act.
Kennedy continues to build on last year’s historic season and has generally taken care of business against teams it should beat. Einstein will need a lot to go right to keep this close. Prediction: Kennedy 28, Einstein 6
Wheaton (3-2) at Watkins Mill (0-5): Watkins Mill is still looking for answers at 0-5, while Wheaton has quietly put together a solid 3-2 campaign.
The Knights’ rushing attack should be the difference. If Wheaton controls the line of scrimmage, this could become a running clock situation in a hurry. Prediction: Wheaton 48, Watkins Mill 0
Northwood (2-3) at Poolesville (2-3): Both teams are 2-3, making this a potentially important game for the second half of the season.
Northwood has enough firepower to make things uncomfortable, but Poolesville gets the benefit of home field in what should be a tight, low-scoring affair. Give the Falcons the slightest of edges. Prediction: Poolesville 21, Northwood 20
Game of the Week: Sherwood @ Quince Orchard. Prediction can be seen here.
