As the Maryland high school football postseason 2nd round kicks into full gear, Montgomery County is brimming with marquee matchups and familiar storylines. From rematches between storied rivals to Cinderella runs facing reality checks, this week offers the kind of late-autumn drama that defines November football. Here’s a look at the biggest playoff games involving MoCo programs, and what to expect under the Friday night lights.
Richard Montgomery at Churchill Series: Churchill has won seven straight | Recent Playoffs: Fourth meeting in five years
For the fourth time in five years, these two programs collide in the postseason, but history hasn’t been kind to the Rockets. Churchill has owned this rivalry, riding a seven-game win streak into Friday night.
RM’s calling card all year has been its dynamic offense led by quarterback Dylan Webster and his array of speedy weapons. But that explosive unit has sputtered lately, mustering just 17 points combined over the past two weeks. That’s a tough way to enter a matchup against one of the county’s stingiest defenses.
Churchill’s defense has been relentless all season, setting the tone with physicality at every level. The Bulldogs have the balance and discipline to keep RM off schedule, and once Churchill gets ahead, it’s hard to slow their momentum.
Prediction: Churchill 42, Richard Montgomery 7
Kennedy at Sherwood
Storyline: Cinderella meets a powerhouse
This has been a generational season for Kennedy. The Cavaliers have guaranteed their first winning record in 18 years and revived pride in a once-dormant program. But now comes the harshest reality check of all: Sherwood in Olney, in November.
The Warriors have been dominant up front, bullying opponents on both sides of the ball and riding that physical edge to one of the best records in the 4A North. Kennedy can move the ball vertically when given time, and their skill players have real speed, but any lapse in fundamentals will be punished by a Sherwood team built for playoff football. The Cavaliers’ run deserves praise, but it likely ends here.
Prediction: Sherwood 62, Kennedy 13
Damascus at Oakdale
Storyline: Two proud programs, one proving ground
Que up Boyz II Men, because it might be the End of the Road for Damascus. The Swarmin’ Hornets have shown flashes of their trademark toughness, but this Oakdale team is still a heavyweight in the 3A field despite an atypical regular season.
The Hornets must establish control at the line of scrimmage and find ways to generate points early to make Oakdale sweat. The Bears, meanwhile, have plenty to prove. This is a statement opportunity for a program that still sees itself as a state finalist contender. If Oakdale is serious about getting back into the 3A title conversation, it starts with taking care of business here.
Prediction: Oakdale 34, Damascus 7
Blair at Wheaton
Storyline: Downcounty Consortium Clash, Part II
Just when it seemed like a new order had arrived in the downcounty, the old guard rose from the ashes. Blair’s stunning playoff win over BCC, a team that beat them by 38 points in the regular season, has reestablished the Blazers as the roadblock to downcounty supremacy.
Now comes a rematch with a Wheaton squad that dominated Blair 32-0 back in Week 1. But that was a different Blair team. Junior quarterback Malachi Rice has come into his own, delivering clutch throws in the Blazers’ upset win. The offense suddenly has rhythm and swagger, and that changes everything.
Still, Wheaton is no pushover. The Knights have been one of the best stories in the county, winning eight games for the first time in nearly 25 years and riding a balanced, disciplined approach. They’ll need to control time of possession and avoid turnovers to counter Blair’s big-play potential. This one feels like it could swing either way, but Blair’s confidence and veteran coaching may give them the edge.
Prediction: Blair 35, Wheaton 27
Blake at Paint Branch
Storyline: Northeast Consortium Quarrel, Part II
When Paint Branch beat Blake 20-7 three weeks ago, the Panthers piled up 322 yards of offense, most of it through star running back Alijah Bah. But with Bah sidelined, the Panthers enter unfamiliar territory.
Who fills the void? Junior Elric Andrews could shoulder the rushing load, or Paint Branch might turn to veteran QB Vincent Do and the receiver corps to move the chains. Either way, they’ll be tested by a Blake defensive front that has been dominant of late, fresh off a statement win over Laurel.
The Bengals will try to keep things simple: protect QB Wilt Cameron, take calculated shots downfield, and let their defense create chaos. If they can limit turnovers and slow the game down, this could tilt in their favor. Expect a defensive slugfest that comes down to who blinks first.
Prediction: Blake 13, Paint Branch 7
Northwest at Quince Orchard- The Rematch XII
Storyline: Rivalry. Redemption. November.
It’s The Rematch that makes The Rivalry. When these two titans met three weeks ago, Northwest went toe-to-toe with Quince Orchard early before the Cougars’ physical ground game took over after halftime. This time, the Jags enter with lessons learned and no fear. Keys to the Game:
Running Game: Both sides will lean heavily on the run. QO’s bruising tandem of Damien Hurtado and Jaheim Bond has powered the Cougars all season, and cold November weather only enhances their punishing style. For Northwest, Isaiah Taylor must establish rhythm to open lanes for QB Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson and his versatile receivers.
The Tangelo Factor: Star receiver Chris Tangelo was quiet in the regular-season matchup thanks to stellar coverage from QO’s Rico Jackson. But Tangelo will be motivated to flip the script. With weapons like JJ Williams, Warren Jackson, and Sulaiman Sesay emerging, the Jags now have multiple outlets to attack.
Special Teams: In October, QO’s crafty pooch kicks swung early momentum. Northwest can’t afford a repeat. Every extra point, every return lane, every field-position swing could decide this one.
This rivalry rarely disappoints and playoff tension guarantees fireworks. Expect another instant classic at the Cougar Dome.
Prediction: Quince Orchard 31, Northwest 28
Final Word: The postseason never fails to deliver storylines, redemption arcs, dynasties reaffirmed, and dream seasons colliding with reality. As the temperature drops and the stakes rise, Montgomery County football once again takes center stage in Maryland’s November spotlight. One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a snap. Other matchups across the state can be seen here.
