The MCPS regular season reaches its finish line with division titles, playoff positioning and one last chance to build momentum before the postseason. Quince Orchard looks to finish unbeaten, BCC has a top regional seed in its sights, and Paint Branch faces a Churchill team that could spoil its playoff plans. There is still plenty to settle before the games start counting for everything.
Thursday, October 29
Gaithersburg (4-4) at Quince Orchard (8-0): Gaithersburg has played inspired football this season, but the Trojans face a different level of competition at the Cougar Dome. Quince Orchard has rolled through the regular season without a loss and has shown little reason to expect a letup in the finale. Gaithersburg deserves credit for its progress, but keeping pace with the Cougars is another matter. Prediction: Quince Orchard 49, Gaithersburg 0
Richard Montgomery (2-6) at Sherwood (7-1): Richard Montgomery comes off a heated rivalry matchup and now draws one of the county’s top teams to close the regular season. Sherwood has been too consistent on both sides of the ball to expect a stumble here. The Warriors should control the game early and keep their momentum heading into the playoffs. Prediction: Sherwood 45, Richard Montgomery 6
Wheaton (6-2) at Einstein (2-6): Wheaton has already clinched its division title and now heads to Kensington looking to finish the regular season on a high note. Einstein has struggled to find consistency, and the Knights have the stronger résumé entering this matchup. Wheaton should have enough firepower to take care of business without much drama. Prediction: Wheaton 28, Einstein 6
Friday, October 30
Churchill (7-1) at Paint Branch (5-3): This is the game with the biggest immediate playoff implications for Paint Branch. The Panthers are fighting to secure at least one home game in the postseason, but Churchill presents a major obstacle. Alijah Bah remains the key to the Paint Branch offense. If the Panthers can establish the run and keep the Bulldogs from controlling the game, an upset is within reach. Churchill has the better record, but this matchup could come down to who wins the battle in the trenches. Prediction: Paint Branch 28, Churchill 21
Whitman (5-3) at BCC (6-2): The Battle of Bethesda comes with plenty on the line for BCC. The Barons have beaten Whitman in each of the last two seasons and are playing for the top seed in the 4A North Region. Whitman has enough talent to make this competitive, but BCC has the stronger season behind it and a clear postseason objective. Expect the Barons to lean on their advantage and extend their run of success in this rivalry. Prediction: BCC 28, Whitman 7
Northwest (3-5) at Blair (4-4): Both teams are still searching for an identity after seasons marked by flashes of promise and disappointing results. Blair has the better record, but Northwest has the talent to pull off the road win. If the Jaguars can put together a complete performance, they should have enough to leave with a victory. Prediction: Northwest 28, Blair 14
Wootton (1-7) at Clarksburg (4-4):
Clarksburg has a chance to finish the regular season with a winning record for the first time in eight years. Wootton is the final obstacle, but the Coyotes cannot afford to overlook a team that spoiled this exact opportunity last season. Clarksburg has the chance to put that disappointment behind it, provided the offense executes and the defense takes care of its assignments. This is a game the Coyotes need to finish. Prediction: Clarksburg 28, Wootton 14
Magruder (4-4) at Damascus (5-3): For Damascus, it starts with MJ Sullivan. The all-purpose standout is the engine of the Swarmin’ Hornets offense, and his production often determines how dangerous the team can be. Magruder has enough ability to make plays, but stopping Sullivan and keeping Damascus out of rhythm will be a tall order. The Hornets should have the edge in a matchup that could get away from the Colonels if they cannot slow him down. Prediction: Damascus 49, Magruder 21
Seneca Valley (5-3) at Rockville (0-8): Seneca Valley has found new life this season and gets a favorable opportunity to finish the regular season strong. Rockville has endured a difficult campaign and has yet to find the win column. The Screaming Eagles have the advantage in talent and momentum, and they should be able to dictate the pace from the opening kickoff. Prediction: Seneca Valley 42, Rockville 0
Blake (5-3) at Walter Johnson (2-6): Blake enters the finale with momentum after knocking off Paint Branch. The Bengals have an opportunity to build on that performance against a Walter Johnson team that has struggled to put together wins. Blake should have the advantage on both sides of the ball, and anything short of a comfortable victory would be a surprise. Prediction: Blake 32, Walter Johnson 0
Poolesville (3-5) at Kennedy (5-3): Kennedy has handled the challenge of following up a historic 2025 season with another competitive campaign. The Cavaliers have put themselves in position to finish strong, and Poolesville will need a big performance to keep this close. Kennedy has the more convincing résumé and should have enough balance to close the regular season with another win. Prediction: Kennedy 34, Poolesville 14
Northwood (3-5) at Springbrook (1-7): Springbrook has lost seven straight, but its schedule has been challenging enough to make this matchup less straightforward than the records suggest. Northwood has been the more consistent team, even if neither side has enjoyed the season it wanted. The Blue Devils have a chance to make this interesting, but the Gladiators get the nod in a game that could remain competitive into the second half. Prediction: Northwood 28, Springbrook 20
Williamsport (6-2) at Watkins Mill (0-8): Williamsport makes the trip from Washington County to face a Watkins Mill team still searching for its first win. The Wolverines have endured a difficult season, and the Wildcats arrive with a winning record and a clear advantage on paper. Watkins Mill will need its best performance of the year to change the outcome. Williamsport should leave with the victory, while the Wolverines face the end of a frustrating campaign. Prediction: Williamsport 35, Watkins Mill 0
The Bottom Line: Quince Orchard and Sherwood look poised to finish strong, while BCC has a chance to strengthen its postseason position against Whitman. The spotlight, however, falls on Churchill at Paint Branch. The Panthers have a playoff opportunity to protect, and a win over the Bulldogs would provide a major boost heading into the postseason. The regular season is nearly over. Now it is time to see which teams are ready for what comes next.
