1. Quince Orchard: The Cougars closed out the 2022 season as back to back State Champions, winning their 5th overall State title. Once again, QO has reloaded adding to an already impressive roster led by Senior Defensive End Jaylen Harvey and Junior Running Back Iverson Howard. Quince Orchard kicks of their season vs perennial playoff contender South County from Lorton, Virginia in the MoCoShow Co-Game of the Week
2. Damascus: The Swarmin’ Hornets capped off their 2022 campaign with their state tying 12th State Championship. With Damascus returning players like Junior Linebacker Michael Cooley and dropping back down to the 2A classification they are odds on favorite for a record breaking 13th championship. Damascus will start their season at home vs Einstein
3. Northwest: The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing 2022 season which featured a number of setbacks. However, New Head Coach Bucky Clipper should right the ship in short order.Coach Clipper has won multiple state titles across the county as an asssistant. His leadership plus returning players like Xavier Rivers will place Northwwest back near the top of MoCo. The Jags travel to Montgomery Village to face Watkins Mill to start the season
4. Churchill: The Bulldogs had a had an outstanding 2022 campaign, going 9-3, making it to the state quarterfinals. Chruchill returns several key players, including Senior Running Back David Avit. In addition Churchill has brought in one of MoCo’s best coaches out of retirement as Dave Mencarini will run the offense for the Bulldogs. Churchill wll start the season at Seneca Valley in the MoCoShow Co-Game of the Week
5. Sherwood: The Warriors finished the 2022 season with a 9-3 record, losing in the state quarterfinals. Sherwood has dropped down to the 3A classification and will rely on Junior Running Back Van Mahoney Jr to help navigate the always tough 3A West region. The Warriors travel to Rockville to start the season.
6. Paint Branch: The Panthers closed out the 2022 season with a 8-4 record falling in the state quarterfinals. Paint Branch had a relatively young team last year. This season they should come into their own highlighted by Running backs Mason Flowers & Roman Spikes. The Panthers start their season at home vs Northwood.
7. Seneca Valley: The Screaming Eagles closed out the 2022 season with an 8-4 record and a loss in the quarterfinals. Seneca brings back some legit talent in Senior Quarterback Elijah Frazier and Senior Running Back Jorden Hungerford. In addition, Youth Football Legend Quintin Cosby takes over as Seneca’s new Head Coach. The Screaming Eagles will host Churchill in the MoCoShow Co-Game of the Week
8. Walter Johnson: The Wildcats finished the 2022 campaign with a 7-3 record and a 1st round playoff exit. Long time MoCo coaching mainstay Larry Hurd Jr has stepped back and MoCo newcomer Aaron Fiddler takes over the program. Senior Dylan Minnick will lead Walter Johnson as they seek to remain the holders of the Congressional Cup. The Wildcats kickoff their season at Bethesda-Chevy Chase.
9. Blake: The Bengals closed out the 2022 season with a 8-4 record and a loss in the state quarterfinals. Blake will bring back a good number of players from last years team. Including Junior Running Back Jeremiah Seaton. The Bengals will host Whitman to start the season.
10. Gaithersburg: The Trojans finished 5-7 last year and made it to the 2nd round of the State Playoffs. New Head Coach Shawn Prather takes over in Gaithersburg. He will have the luxury of having one of the best Running Backs in the State, in Wisonsin commit, Gideon Ituka returning for his Senior campaign. The Trojans host Clarksburg in the season opener.
