The Cougars remain untouchable, Churchill escapes a scare, and Paint Branch delivers a statement. With the playoffs approaching, the race for position behind QO is getting more interesting. Below you’ll see the MCPS high school football top ten:
1. Quince Orchard (7-0) — Last Week: 1
The Cougars crushed Clarksburg 55-0, holding the Coyotes to just 20 total yards. Defensive tackle Jaheim Bond added a pick-six as QO extended its shutout streak against Montgomery County opponents.
The Cougars continue to cruise toward home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but the offense has yet to face a serious test. Northwest is next, and the Jaguars appear overmatched on paper. QO remains the clear No. 1, with tougher competition likely waiting in the postseason.
2. Churchill (6-1) — Last Week: 2
Churchill escaped Seneca Valley 14-13 in a weather-delayed battle, with quarterback Hunter Humphries accounting for both touchdowns and 188 total yards. The Bulldogs scored the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute, then stopped Eagles quarterback Kenny Lennon short of the goal line on a two-point conversion attempt.
It was an uneven performance, but Churchill made the plays that mattered. Wootton is next as the Bulldogs look to extend their winning streak against the rival Patriots to eight games.
3. Sherwood (6-1) — Last Week: 3
Sherwood shut out Wootton 35-0, continuing a defensive run that has seen the Warriors allow no more than one touchdown in regulation all season. The offense showed signs of getting back on track, though consistency remains a work in progress.
Damascus presents a tougher challenge this week. The Warriors have the defense to make a deep playoff run, but a strong showing against an old rival would provide another measure of their readiness for the postseason.
4. Paint Branch (5-2) — Last Week: 4
Paint Branch overwhelmed Whitman 41-6, putting the game out of reach by halftime. Alijah Bah erupted for 242 total yards and four touchdowns, including 148 rushing yards. Quarterback Leoul Solomon added 182 passing yards on six completions.
The Panthers have the firepower to make noise in the 4A North region. A Thursday night rivalry matchup with Blake offers another opportunity to build momentum before the playoffs.
5. Bethesda-Chevy Chase (5-2) — Last Week: 5
B-CC survived a 20-19 thriller against Blake, stopping a two-point conversion attempt to preserve the win. Junior running back MJ Joinvil Jr. scored twice and led the Barons with 74 rushing yards.
The victory reinforced B-CC’s position as a serious 4A North region contender. Springbrook is next, giving the Barons a chance to maintain momentum and strengthen their playoff seeding.
6. Damascus (5-2) — Last Week: 7
Damascus blanked Einstein 56-0 for its second shutout of the season. The Hornets handled business, but the competition rises sharply with a trip to Sherwood.
The Warriors bring one of the county’s stingiest defenses, making this a significant test for a Damascus offense that has struggled against stronger opponents. A rivalry win would change the conversation around the Hornets heading into the postseason.
7. Seneca Valley (4-3) — Last Week: 6
Seneca Valley nearly pulled off a late comeback against Churchill before falling 14-13 on a failed two-point conversion. Senior wide receiver Ahmir Strong sparked both scoring drives with receptions of more than 50 yards, but the Eagles struggled to sustain their passing attack against the Bulldogs defense.
Blair visits next in a matchup that could help determine which team gains momentum heading into the final stretch. Seneca Valley needs a more consistent offensive performance to get back in the win column.
8. Blake (4-3) — Last Week: 8
Blake nearly took down B-CC, falling 20-19 after the Barons stopped a two-point conversion attempt. Quarterback Wilton Cameron kept the Bengals in contention, but the offense came up just short.
Paint Branch is next in a rivalry matchup that will demand a strong defensive effort. The Bengals will need another productive performance from Cameron to pull off the upset.
9. Whitman (4-3) — Last Week: 9
Whitman could not keep pace with Paint Branch, falling 41-6 after the Panthers took control early. Quarterback Cade Freund threw for 150 yards, but the Vikings struggled to generate enough offense to stay competitive.
A rivalry game against Walter Johnson offers Whitman a chance to regroup after a difficult loss.
10. Blair (4-3) — Last Week: NR
Blair enters the rankings after beating Springbrook, with quarterback Malachi Rice throwing for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
The Blazers face a much tougher challenge at Seneca Valley. A road win over the Eagles would strengthen Blair’s case for a spot in the Top 10 as the regular season winds down.
