Week 7 MCPS High School football preview and predictions can be seen below:
Thursday, October 15
Magruder (3-3) at Kennedy (5-1):
Kennedy hasn’t forgotten how last year ended. Magruder scored a walk-off touchdown in a game marred by questionable clock management, and the Colonels get their shot at payback Thursday.
Kennedy has won five of six, but Magruder could be its toughest opponent yet. The Colonels hung with Blake in the first half last week despite missing Caleb Smallwood, while Kyle Levin continues to settle in at quarterback. Kennedy has enough talent to keep this close, but Magruder looks ready to hand the Colonels their second loss. Prediction: Magruder 32, Kennedy 21
Wheaton (4-2) at Northwood (3-3): Northwood has reached .500, but Friday presents a tougher test than the Knights have faced recently. Wheaton has the offensive firepower to take advantage of defensive mistakes, leaving Northwood with little margin for error. The Knights will need to prove they can sustain drives against a better opponent. Prediction: Wheaton 35, Northwood 8
Sherwood (5-1) at Wootton (1-5):
Wootton has struggled to generate offense, making a breakthrough against Sherwood’s defense unlikely. The more pressing question is whether the Warriors can get their own offense moving again. Injuries to key skill players could make that difficult, so don’t expect a runaway despite the mismatch on paper. Prediction: Sherwood 28, Wootton 6
Blair (3-3) at Springbrook (1-5):
Blair has some soul-searching to do after collapsing against Whitman. With Seneca Valley and Northwest still ahead, the Blazers cannot afford to carry that performance into the final stretch. Springbrook offers a chance to reset before the schedule gets considerably tougher. Prediction: Blair 42, Springbrook 7
Rockville (0-6) at Loch Raven (3-3):
Rockville is still looking for its first win, and a road trip to Baltimore County offers little relief. Loch Raven has handled struggling opponents, while the Rams have yet to show they can consistently compete for four quarters. Prediction: Loch Raven 28, Rockville 12
Friday, October 16
BCC (4-2) at Blake (4-2): Blake has forced its way into the 4A North playoff conversation, and Friday offers a chance to make an even bigger statement. The Bengals’ defense should make BCC work for every yard, while Blake enters with momentum after a strong stretch of play.
A win would put Blake in position for a potentially decisive matchup with Paint Branch next week. BCC has the experience to make this difficult, but the Bengals are playing like a team that belongs in the conversation. Prediction: Blake 21, BCC 16
Seneca Valley (4-2) at Churchill (5-1):
Seneca Valley has the running game to trouble Churchill, especially with Khamarion Imes involved. But the Eagles have been inconsistent with their playmaking, and last week offered another reminder that talent doesn’t always translate into execution.
Churchill has been more dependable behind quarterback Hunter Humphries, who has provided efficient play without putting the Bulldogs in unnecessary trouble. Seneca can win by controlling the ground game, but if this becomes a fourth-quarter passing contest, Churchill has the advantage. Prediction: Churchill 32, Seneca Valley 28
Paint Branch (4-2) at Whitman (4-2):
Whitman’s passing game has found its stride, giving the Vikings a legitimate chance to challenge Paint Branch. The Panthers’ secondary will be tested, and Alijah Bah may not be enough to carry the offense if Whitman starts hitting big plays.
Paint Branch has the firepower to answer, but overlooking the Vikings would be a mistake with Blake waiting next week. Expect points on both sides, with the Panthers doing just enough to escape. Prediction: Paint Branch 42, Whitman 28
Clarksburg (3-3) at Quince Orchard (6-0): Quince Orchard managed an unusually quiet offensive night last week. Clarksburg now gets the unenviable task of facing a defending champion with something to prove. The Cougars should respond with a more productive performance, while the Coyotes face a steep climb against the county’s top team. Prediction: Quince Orchard 48, Clarksburg 0
Northwest (2-4) at Walter Johnson (2-4): Both teams need a win, but Northwest has an opportunity to get its offense moving against a struggling Walter Johnson squad. Quarterback Christian Ruiz should find room to make plays, giving the Jaguars a chance to build some momentum before the season winds down. Prediction: Northwest 42, Walter Johnson 14
Einstein (1-5) at Damascus (4-2): Damascus has handled county opponents well, and Einstein arrives without much momentum. The Hornets should be able to establish the run and keep the Titans from turning this into a competitive game. For Damascus, the priority is taking care of business before tougher tests arrive. Prediction: Damascus 35, Einstein 6
Richard Montgomery (1-5) at Gaithersburg (2-4): Richard Montgomery finally broke through for its first win last week. Now the Rockets have a chance to build on it against a Gaithersburg offense that has struggled to find consistency. Quarterback Davis Bowen could have a productive night if the Rockets capitalize on the Trojans’ defensive lapses. Prediction: Richard Montgomery 45, Gaithersburg 28
Watkins Mill (0-6) at Poolesville (2-4):
Poolesville gets a favorable opportunity against a winless Watkins Mill team. The Falcons have struggled to string together wins, but this matchup gives the offense a chance to find some rhythm. The Wolverines need a breakthrough, and time is running short. Prediction: Poolesville 28, Watkins Mill 7
Three Games Worth Watching:
BCC at Blake: Blake can turn its playoff push into a statement and put pressure on BCC in the 4A North race.
Seneca Valley at Churchill: Seneca’s ground game goes up against Churchill’s steadier quarterback play. The winner takes a significant step toward a stronger regional playoff position.
Magruder at Kennedy: Last year’s walk-off finish adds some extra edge to a matchup that could test how far Kennedy has come this season.
