The Quince Orchard Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Richard Tyler Jr. as its new Head Varsity Wrestling Coach. Rich Tyler is an accomplished athlete and coach with a distinguished history in high school athletics.
Defensive End Demeioun “Chop” Robinson, Quince Orchard Class of 2021, was drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins (21st overall). Chop helped the Cougars to a State Championship in 2018. He earned All-Met honors in 2019 and was the Maryland Gatorade Player of the year in 2021.
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In a display of sheer dominance and unwavering determination, the Damascus Hornets reaffirmed their status as defending state champions with a commanding 10-2 victory over the Sherwood Varsity Warriors in a thrilling showdown at Damascus High School. Led by the masterful pitching of Alyssa Clark and a relentless offensive assault, the Hornets left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with on the softball diamond. Yesterday’s scores from across the county can be seen here.
In the hallowed halls of high school baseball, few names command the reverence and respect quite like the Sherwood Warriors. Reigning supreme as three-time defending state champions, the Warriors once again demonstrated their unrivaled dominance on the diamond with a commanding 11-5 victory over the Damascus Hornets this past Saturday. Yesterday’s scores from across the county can be seen here.
Today we are recapping some of last week’s huge matchups that have led to more big games for MCPS high schools in the Maryland State Football Playoffs.
C.H. Flowers High School of Prince George’s County has been disqualified from the Maryland State Football Playoffs, according to a report from Fox 5’s high school football reporter, Chad Ricardo.
Results of second round Maryland high school football playoff games can be seen below. Scores will be updated as we receive them (an F will signify the score is final).
Thursday, 11/9:
Whitman 7 at Blake 35 F
Einstein 6 at Suitland 27 F
Walkersville 42 at Damascus 0 F
Friday, 11/10
Northwest 29 at Quince Orchard 26 F
Gaithersburg 14 at Churchill 41 F
Blair 7 at Walter Johnson 21 F
BCC 24 at Paint Branch 7 F
Wootton 0 at Frederick 62 F
Urbana 29 at Magruder 0 F
Sherwood 14 at Oakdale 49 F
Check out our preview and predictions for this week’s games here.
The high school football playoffs are in full swing, and Round 2 promises a fresh set of electrifying battles. Here’s a closer look at the matchups and our predictions as we dive deep into the action:
4A West
- #4 Northwest at #1 Quince Orchard: This clash between Northwest and Quince Orchard marks the 11th playoff rematch between these two formidable teams. With a long history that has seen both teams trading wins, this showdown carries a ton of history and emotion. Quince Orchard has been dominant in the regular season, winning 9 out of 11 meetings, and they’ve showcased one of the top defenses and offenses in the state. Antonio Berry and Xavier Rivers need to bring their A-game to secure a win for Northwest, but facing Quince Orchard is no easy feat. Prediction: Quince Orchard by 21
- #3 Gaithersburg at #2 Churchill: In this battle of physical football, it’s all about the rushing game. Gaithersburg’s Gideon Ituka, the MPSSAA rushing leader and a Wisconsin commit, goes head to head with David Avit, the #2 rusher in the MPSSAA. Last year, Churchill outlasted Gaithersburg, and they might follow a similar strategy this time to limit Gaithersburg’s offensive production. Expect a gritty clash. Prediction: Churchill by 8
4A North
- #5 Blair at #1 Walter Johnson: Walter Johnson dominated their previous matchup, and they’ll aim to replicate that performance. Establishing a strong ground game could be their key to victory, keeping Blair’s inconsistent yet potent offense at bay. Prediction: Walter Johnson by 27
- #3 BCC at #2 Paint Branch: A mere two weeks ago, the Barons and Panthers locked horns, with Paint Branch edging out a win. It’s poised to be another tight contest with a similar outcome. The rematch will test their mettle once more. Prediction: Paint Branch by 6
4A/3A West
- #4 Wootton at #1 Frederick: Wootton’s defense was pivotal in their last game, but they face a team that recently decimated an opponent by 56 points. Frederick’s prowess is evident, and they enter this contest as clear favorites. Prediction: Frederick by 35
- #3 Urbana at #2 Magruder: Magruder showcased their offensive strength in their previous game, and they’ll rely on Running Back Marcus McCritty once again. However, facing Urbana is no small task. The Colonels must bring their A-game and more to hang with this formidable opponent. Prediction: Urbana by 28
4A/3A South
- #4 Whitman at #1 Blake: A rematch from week 1, this showdown brings the undefeated Bengals against the resurgent Vikings. While Whitman has shown improvement, so has Blake, and they excelled in the first matchup. The Bengals remain strong favorites, and the Vikings face a challenging task. Prediction: Blake by 28
- #3 Einstein at #2 Suitland: While on paper, this might seem like a potential blowout, Einstein’s spirit and determination shouldn’t be underestimated. Suitland boasts superior depth, and while they might pull ahead, Einstein is sure to make this a game worth watching. Prediction: Suitland by 14
3A West
- #4 Sherwood at #1 Oakdale: Sherwood is riding high after dispatching South Hagerstown, and Running Back Van Mahoney had a standout performance. Now, they face the undefeated Oakdale Bears, a team that checks all the boxes for a state championship contender. Oakdale is the favorite, but in the unpredictable world of high school football, upsets can happen. Could the Warriors shock the world? Prediction: Sherwood by 1
2A West
- #4 Walkersville at #1 Damascus: The Walkersville faithful have vivid memories of a painful 2017 loss to Damascus, and they’ll look for redemption in the Hornets’ Nest. With All-County Athlete Michael Cooley getting healthier each week, the Swarmin’ Hornets appear poised to break Walkersville’s hearts once again. Prediction: Damascus by 8
Round 2 of the high school football playoffs is a stage for redemption, history-making, and heart-stopping moments. These young athletes continue to inspire, and we’re in for a treat as we watch their journeys unfold. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride.
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Results of first round Maryland high school football playoff games can be seen below. Scores will be updated as we receive them (an F will signify the score is final).
Thursday games 11/2
Richard Montgomery 12 at Churchill 41 F
Clarksburg 6 at Gaithersburg 21 F
Seneca Valley 0 at Northwest 36 F
Springbrook 6 at Whitman 23 F
South Hagerstown 7 at Sherwood 36 F
Rockville 6 at Linganore 63 F
Friday games 11/3
High Point 12 at Walter Johnson 61 F
Northwestern-PG 0 at Paint Branch 42 F
Tuscarora 25 at Magruder 42 F
Thomas Johnson 14 at Wootton 20 F
Watkins Mill 0 at Urbana 47 F
Northwood 0 at Einstein 52 F
Kennedy 0 at Suitland 45 F
Poolesville 0 at Walkersville 55 F
Wheaton 0, BCC 45 F
Saturday game 11/4
Blair 35 at Laurel 10
Compare the results to our predictions for the week, which can be seen here.
Results of first round Maryland high school football playoff games can be seen below. Scores will be updated as we receive them (an F will signify the score is final).
Thursday games 11/2
Richard Montgomery 12 at Churchill 41 F
Clarksburg 6 at Gaithersburg 21 F
Seneca Valley 0 at Northwest 36 F
Springbrook 6 at Whitman 23 F
South Hagerstown 7 at Sherwood 36 F
Rockville 6 at Linganore 63 F
Friday games 11/3
High Point 12 at Walter Johnson 61 F
Northwestern-PG 0 at Paint Branch 42 F
Tuscarora 25 at Magruder 42 F
Thomas Johnson 14 at Wootton 20 F
Watkins Mill 0 at Urbana 47 F
Northwood 0 at Einstein 52 F
Kennedy 0 at Suitland 45 F
Poolesville 0 at Walkersville 55 F
Wheaton 0, BCC 45 F
Compare the results to our predictions for the week, which can be seen here.
The playoff season is here, and the gridiron is set to sizzle with intense matchups. Let’s break down the thrilling contests and offer some predictions for the first round of the MPSSAA football playoffs.
4A West
#7 Richard Montgomery (3-6) at #2 Churchill (8-1): There’s no playing to lose or avoiding competition, and Churchill finds itself facing a resilient Richard Montgomery. RM, led by QB Anthony Dixon, has shown sparks of brilliance. But Churchill, boasting superstar running back David Avit, is all about stability and a ground game that leaves defenses in shambles. With factors like the weather turning colder and home-field advantage, Churchill is poised for success. Prediction: Churchill by 22
#6 Clarksburg (3-6) at #3 Gaithersburg (8-1): Gaithersburg took control in their earlier Week 1 matchup, and it’s safe to assume they’ve improved since then. The highlight will be watching Gideon Ituka closing in on 2,500 rushing yards this season. Prediction: Gaithersburg by 35
#5 Seneca Valley (4-5) at #4 Northwest (7-2): A rematch for the King’s Trophy, but the recent performances hint at a decisive victory for the Jaguars. Seneca Valley’s offense has slowed down, while Northwest remains a formidable force. Prediction: Northwest by 27
4A North
#8 High Point (0-9) at #1 Walter Johnson (7-2): Walter Johnson’s recent close games should toughen them for the playoffs, but this won’t be much of a challenge. High Point has struggled to stay competitive all season, and WJ can probably rest starters early. Prediction: WJ by 49
#7 Northwestern (0-9) at #2 Paint Branch (5-4)
Paint Branch faced stiff competition for a winning record, but now they get a break. Northwestern hasn’t scored a point all season and is arguably weaker than Northwood, whom Paint Branch dominated. Prediction: Paint Branch by 59
#6 Wheaton (2-7) at #3 BCC (5-4): Wheaton, under first-year HC Matt Schwartzback, has shown potential but isn’t ready to compete with BCC. Expect the Barons to secure a comfortable win and set their sights on a potential rematch with Paint Branch. Prediction: BCC by 36
#5 Blair (2-7) at #4 Laurel (4-4): This rematch from 2021 looks different this year. Despite Laurel’s slightly better record, Blair seems like the better team, having faced tougher opponents. Provided Blair remains focused and ready to compete, they should emerge victorious. Prediction: Blair by 22
4A-3A West
#7 Tuscarora (1-8) at #2 Magruder (5-4): Tuscarora’s challenging season aligns with expectations. Magruder should handle this contest with ease. Prediction: Magruder by 34
#6 Watkins Mill (1-8) at #3 Urbana (4-5): Urbana, while not as strong as last year, holds the upper hand. The ‘Rines face a tough test. Prediction: Urbana by 32
#5 Thomas Johnson (2-7) at #4 Wootton (4-5): It’s a Patriots vs. Patriots showdown, but Thomas Johnson’s recent struggles suggest that Wootton’s defense will rule the day. Prediction: Wootton by 17
4A-3A South
#1 Blake BYE
#7 Kennedy (0-9) at #2 Suitland (7-2): It’s a tough end to the season for Kennedy, who has found victories elusive. A challenging season for the Cavaliers comes to a close. Prediction: Suitland by 60
#6 Northwood (0-9) at #3 Einstein (5-4): Einstein emerged victorious in their regular-season matchup, and the trend is likely to continue in this contest. Northwood has shown improvement but faces a formidable opponent. Prediction: Einstein by 35
#5 Springbrook (3-6) at #4 Whitman (4-5): Whitman seeks to break a playoff dry spell dating back to 1978, and it might just be their moment. In a rematch from last week, with home-field advantage, the Vikes should edge out a win. Prediction: Whitman by 6
3A West
#7 Rockville (3-6) at #2 Linganore (8-1): A third consecutive playoff clash between Rockville and Linganore, but history suggests that the result is unlikely to change. Rockville’s speed and skill can’t compensate for their lack of trench play. Prediction: Linganore by 40
#5 South Hagerstown (5-4) at #4 Sherwood (6-3): South Hagerstown’s struggles against winning opponents don’t bode well. Sherwood, battle-tested and at home, seems well-prepared for this matchup. Prediction: Sherwood by 31
2A West
#1 Damascus BYE
#5 Poolesville (1-8) at #4 Walkersville (4-5): This three-year playoff rivalry now seems less intriguing. Walkersville’s earlier win and their superior record make them the favorites. Prediction: Walkersville by 42
As the excitement builds and the playoffs unfold, the stage is set for thrilling action on the high school football scene. Strap in for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the postseason, where dreams will be made and memories etched in the hearts of these young student athletes.
