The regular season is in the books, and the second season begins this week as Montgomery County’s finest hit the gridiron for the first round of the Maryland High School Football Playoffs. From powerhouse programs like Quince Orchard and Sherwood looking to continue dominant runs, to upstart stories like Wheaton and Kennedy aiming to make noise, the opening round is loaded with intrigue.
Here’s a full breakdown of the first-round matchups involving MoCo teams, region by region:
4A West Region
Thursday, Nov. 6
- #7 Clarksburg at #2 Churchill
Churchill finished with one its stronger regular seasons and now hosts Clarksburg in what should be a physical, run-heavy affair. The Bulldogs’ balanced offense will look to control the clock, while Clarksburg aims to find magic on the ground to pull off the upset. - #6 Seneca Valley at #3 Richard Montgomery
This one has plenty of storylines. RM has won four of its last five, while Seneca Valley has been inconsistent but dangerous. The Rockets’ passing attack could be the difference if they protect the football. - #5 Walter Johnson at #4 Northwest
A rematch of one of the season’s more lopsided contests. Northwest has regained its swagger in recent weeks, while WJ’s offensive versatility could make things interesting.
Friday, Nov. 7
- Gaithersburg at Quince Orchard
The defending state champion Cougars open their playoff push at home against a Gaithersburg squad trying to shock the state. QO has looked nearly untouchable all season, winning every game by multiple scores. The Trojans will need to play a flawless game to keep this close.
4A North Region
Thursday, Nov. 6
- #1 Paint Branch – BYE
The Panthers earned the top seed and a week off after another solid regular season campaign. - #6 Blair at #3 Bethesda-Chevy Chase
A battle between two programs that have taken positive steps forward over the years. B-CC’s defense has been outstanding down the stretch. Expect a similar result from their regular season matchup. - #5 Laurel at #4 Blake
Blake is one of the more underrated squads in the playoffs. However the Bengals’ defense has been inconsistent. They’ll face a tough test against a physical Laurel team that thrives in the trenches.
Friday, Nov. 7
- #7 Northwestern at #2 Wheaton
Wheaton is back in the postseason spotlight for the first time in a long time and has momentum after closing the year strong. The Knights’ physicality and rushing attack make them a tough out, but Northwestern will bring athleticism to the matchup.
4A/3A West Region
Thursday, Nov. 6
- #5 Wootton at #4 South Hagerstown
The Patriots have battled through a rugged schedule and now hit the road to face a well-balanced South Hagerstown team. If Wootton’s passing game clicks, they could make this interesting. - #6 Magruder at #3 Frederick
Magruder enters the playoffs as a scrappy underdog with nothing to lose. Frederick, one of the more talented squads in the region, will look to strike early and avoid giving the Colonels any confidence.
4A/3A South Region
Thursday, Nov. 6
- #5 Whitman at #4 Kennedy
A matchup people are talking about, Kennedy looking to capitalize on a landmark season against a Whitman team trying to prove they belong. Expect an emotional atmosphere at Kennedy in Silver Spring.
Friday, Nov. 7
- #1 Sherwood – BYE
The Warriors earned a top seed and a week to regroup before a likely deep playoff push. - #6 Einstein at #3 Oxon Hill
Einstein showed flashes of promise this season but faces a tough test against a traditionally strong Oxon Hill program.
3A West Region
Friday, Nov. 7
- #6 Rockville at #3 Damascus
Damascus rebounded late in the year and now welcomes a Rockville squad in a regular season rematch. The Hornets’ defense should contain Rockville’s offense to advance. - #5 Northwood at #4 North Hagerstown
Northwood is back in the postseason mix and will look to carry its momentum into enemy territory. A win would mark a major statement for a program on the rise.
2A West Region
Thursday, Nov. 6
- #6 Poolesville at #3 River Hill
Poolesville will be big underdogs as they travel to face contender River Hill. The Falcons will need to play their best football of the year to stay in it.
🚫 Not Participating
Springbrook and Watkins Mill have opted out of the postseason, closing their 2024 campaigns early.
As the lights go on across Montgomery County this week, the stakes rise. For programs like Quince Orchard and Sherwood, it’s championship-or-bust. For others like Kennedy and Wheaton, it’s a chance to write a new chapter in program history. Either way, playoff football has arrived and MoCo will be at the heart of the action once again. All matchups across the state can be found here.
