School is now in session and next Friday we will be playing some MoCo Football! Week 1 definitely isn’t slouching when it comes to matchups. Here’s how we see the opening slate shaking out across the county:
Game of the Week – Quince Orchard at Paint Branch: The prediction for the game of the week can be found here.
Northwest at Blake: Blake’s back in the 4A for the first time in over a decade, and they’re not easing in, they get Northwest right out of the gate. The Bengals have some serious intrigue with new QB Wilton Cameron and transfer RB Junior Rodriguez, and there’s every chance this group could grow into a playoff-caliber offense. But facing the Jaguars defense, even one that’s retooling after graduations and coaching changes, is about as brutal a test as you could ask for. Blake has to prove it can play four quarters at this level. Until then… Prediction: Northwest 24 – Blake 13
Bethesda-Chevy Chase at Churchill: The Congressional Cup race opens with a banger. BCC’s triple option will try to control time of possession and lean on a hard-hitting defense, while Churchill is banking on QB Hunter Humphries to ignite an improved passing attack. A year ago the Barons took this matchup, and history suggests Churchill tends to start slow before rounding into form. This feels like another slugfest, turnovers potentially swinging the outcome. Gut says BCC survives another close one. Prediction: BCC 20 – Churchill 17
Seneca Valley at Clarksburg: Do not overlook this game. Clarksburg nearly stunned the Screamin’ Eagles last year, and the Coyotes will be hungry to land that shot this time around. But Seneca Valley’s toughness, especially up front and defensively, should still be enough to stave off the upset. If SV wins this by a couple scores, don’t be surprised if they start drawing county-wide attention again. Prediction: Seneca Valley 27 – Clarksburg 13
Walter Johnson at Gaithersburg: Last time they met, current Wisconsin Badger, Gideon Ituka led Gaithersburg to one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 postseason. This time? No Ituka, no established Trojan identity. Walter Johnson brings back far more proven talent and firepower. It’s a mismatch. Prediction: WJ 38 – Gaithersburg 0
Richard Montgomery at Damascus: The first-ever Klotz Bowl. RM has struggled to maintain relevance since Coach Josh Klotz’s departure five years ago, while Damascus, though still good, hasn’t quite been the juggernaut they once were.. The Hornets are still in that “good not great” zone, and this year is about proving whether they’re trending back toward elite. A game like this should be handled comfortably if they’re on track. If not, it’s going to be a long season in Damascus. Prediction: Damascus 34 – RM 7
Magruder at Sherwood: Sherwood’s too talented, even with new faces in the lineup. Magruder’s physicality may make things gritty for a while, but the Warriors usually turn these matchups into one-way traffic eventually. Prediction: Sherwood 40 – Magruder 8
Wheaton at Blair: Closer than usual? Maybe. Blair has a lot of mystery pieces to sort out, while Wheaton is trying to climb back to relevance. But the Blazers should still have the edge in playmakers and composure. Prediction: Blair 17 – Wheaton 7
Einstein at Springbrook: Two programs fighting for footing in the middle tier. Einstein’s hoping to avoid the kind of flat start they had last year, while Springbrook has genuine momentum and a home crowd to feed off. Expect turnovers, expect nerves, but also expect a tight game. Prediction: Springbrook 12 – Einstein 7
Whitman at Kennedy: The Vikings have lofty expectations this year. We probably won’t learn much about their ceiling from this one, because Kennedy just isn’t equipped to match. Prediction: Whitman 41 – Kennedy 6
Wootton at Rockville: Wootton lost a ton of pieces in the offseason, and the early reports haven’t been encouraging. Rockville, meanwhile, has enough talent to impose itself quickly. This could get lopsided fast. Prediction: Rockville 43 – Wootton 0
Northwood at Watkins Mill: One of these teams will have a winning record after Week 1, which is a storyline in itself. Both were winless (on the field) last year. While it would be nice to see Northwood finally break through, the personnel edge lies with Watkins Mill. Prediction: Watkins Mill 36 – Northwood 6
Poolesville at Winters Mill: The Falcons vs. Falcons matchup out in Carroll County. Both teams come in as enigmas, but reports suggest Winters Mill is still in for a rough go this year. Poolesville has every chance to steal one on the road, and I’ll give them the nod. Prediction: Poolesville 20 – Winters Mill 14
Final Thought: Week 1 always throws us curveballs, sloppy turnovers, delays, and new stars bursting onto the scene. But for now, the chalk largely holds with Sherwood and Northwest anchoring the county’s upper class. If there’s an upset brewing, keep an eye on Blake & Clarksburg.
