As the regular season closes its thrilling chapters, the gridiron in Montgomery County has witnessed awe-inspiring performances, historical achievements, and fierce battles. Let’s break down the latest rankings as we head into the high-stakes playoffs:

1. Quince Orchard Cougars (Last Week: 1) – 9-0 The Cougars displayed their dominance in a resounding 64-6 victory over Sherwood, completing another flawless regular season. Quarterback Nino Marzullo orchestrated the symphony with 232 total yards and 4 touchdowns. Quince Orchard’s 4th consecutive undefeated regular season and securing the top seed in the 4A playoffs make them the epitome of excellence. They will receive a bye in the 1st round.

2. Blake Bengals (Last Week: 2) – 9-0 History was etched as the Bengals celebrated their first undefeated season in school history with a convincing 34-7 win against Blair. Running Back Zandrew Kamara rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown, encapsulating their triumph. Blake locks in the #2 seed in the 4A/3A playoffs and a 1st round bye, marking a remarkable journey.

3. Churchill Bulldogs (Last Week: 3) – 8-1 The Bulldogs etched their names into the annals of glory with an exhilarating 32-30 victory over Walter Johnson. Running Back David Avit’s breathtaking performance amassed 304 all-purpose yards and 4 touchdowns. With their Congressional Cup win, Churchill claims the #2 seed in the 4A playoffs and prepares for the first-round showdown against Richard Montgomery.

4. Gaithersburg Trojans (Last Week: 4) – 8-1 The Trojans engaged in a high-scoring duel, triumphing over Richard Montgomery 48-37. Running Back Gideon Ituka’s sensational 382 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns set the field ablaze. Gaithersburg stakes its claim as the 3rd seed in the 4A West region and the 5th seed overall, poised for an exciting game against Clarksburg in the first round.

5. Northwest Jaguars (Last Week: 6) – 7-2 The Jaguars wrapped up the regular season in style, beating Einstein 38-6. Their solid performance earned them the #4 seed in the 4A West region, setting up a first-round clash with Seneca Valley. Northwest’s resilience shines through.

6. Walter Johnson Wildcats (Last Week: 5) – 7-2 In a heart-pounding clash with Churchill, the Wildcats came up just short, falling 32-30. Despite the loss, Walter Johnson secured the #1 seed in the 4A North region. Their upcoming playoff game against High Point from Prince George’s County promises more fireworks.

7. Sherwood Warriors (Last Week: 7) – 6-3 Sherwood faced a formidable Quince Orchard, suffering a 64-6 loss. Wide Receiver Alex Lacey’s 80-yard touchdown reception showcased their resilience. The Warriors prepare for the 4th seed challenge in the always competitive 3A West region, hosting South Hagerstown in the first round.

8. Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets (Last Week: 8) – 7-2 Damascus concluded the regular season with a commanding 28-9 victory over Wootton, exhibiting their relentless ground game with 241 rushing yards and a touchdown. As the #1 seed in 2A West and the 5th seed overall, the Hornets relish a well-deserved bye in the first round, poised for playoff glory.

9. Paint Branch Panthers (Last Week: NR) – 5-4 Paint Branch stormed back into the Top 10, grinding out a gritty 22-16 victory over BCC. Running Back Roman Spikes shone with 123 rushing yards and a touchdown, cementing their resurgence. The Panthers now prepare for the #2 seed in the 4A North region, hosting Northwestern from Prince George’s County in the first round of the playoffs.

10. BCC Barons (Last Week: 9) – 5-4 BCC fought valiantly but came up short against Paint Branch, falling 22-16. Quarterback Carson Griffey’s two rushing touchdowns demonstrated their offensive tenacity. The Barons secure the #3 seed in 4A North and gear up to host Wheaton in the first round of the playoffs on Friday.

As the playoffs loom on the horizon, the football fervor in Montgomery County remains unabated. These top-tier teams are poised to script their destinies as they embark on their postseason journeys, promising to deliver more unforgettable moments for MoCo Football.

Below you’ll see the most recent updates or final scores of the 2023 week 9 MCPS football games. The scores will be updated as we receive them. If a score isn’t listed, it’s because we haven’t yet received a report from the game that we can confirm. An ‘F’ signifies the score is confirmed as being final.

Thursday’s Games:

Richard Montgomery 37 at Gaithersburg 48 F
Wootton 9 at Damascus 28 F
Whitman 7 at Springbrook 14 F

Friday’s Games:

Churchill 32 at Walter Johnson 30 F
Sherwood 6 at Quince Orchard 64 F
Paint Branch 22 at BCC 16 F
Blake 34 at Blair 7 F
Einstein 6 at Northwest 38 F
Seneca Valley 14 at Magruder 7 F
Northwood 20 at Rockville 56 F
Wheaton 49 at Kennedy 6 F
Watkins Mill 0 at Poolesville 15 F
Clarksburg 0 at Jefferson (WV) 54 F

Preview and predictions can be seen here.

In the world of high school football, it’s not uncommon to ponder the “what-ifs” and to wonder how the outcome of early-season matchups might differ if they were played later in the year. While it’s thrilling to have marquee matchups right out of the gate, teams often evolve and improve, making early-season assessments less reliable. Such is the case for Churchill and Walter Johnson, who squared off in Week 1 of the last two-year cycle. Last year, their opening encounter was marked by turnovers and a general sloppiness that clouded both teams’ true potential. Churchill, in particular, faced an uphill battle after that defeat, which led to a string of nine consecutive victories, with Running Back David Avit emerging as a star.

Had they met again later in the season or in the playoffs, the narrative might have been very different. This season, the eagerly awaited rematch is scheduled for the final week of the regular season. Both teams have had time to discover their identity, solidify their strengths, and understand what it takes to secure a victory. Barring any unforeseen twists, the better team should be evident on the field.

Apart from their rivalry and Congressional Cup implications, these teams have followed different paths this year. Walter Johnson’s shift to the 4A North region adds an intriguing layer to the comparison of their opponents and strength of schedule. In this regard, Churchill holds the upper hand with a lone blemish, a 35-0 loss to a dominant Quince Orchard. The Bulldogs put up a valiant fight, suggesting that the gap in talent wasn’t as vast as the score indicated. The Wildcats’ best win comes from a 15-point victory over Paint Branch. Common opponents muddy the waters further, with Churchill having more impressive wins against BCC and Wootton, while WJ showcased strength against Whitman and Richard Montgomery. However, a closer look reveals that WJ’s 22 points allowed to RM pale in comparison to Churchill’s 50, making the comparison a bit elusive.

This matchup promises to be a physical battle, with both teams relying heavily on their ground game. David Avit, a known force for Churchill, requires no introduction. For the Wildcats, Charlie Blessing, who recently returned, alongside Dylan Byrd, will aim to diversify the offensive attack. Expect a low-scoring affair, as both squads boast tenacious defenses built to stifle ball carriers. Churchill excels against the run but has shown vulnerability against the pass, while Walter Johnson’s defense is more versatile, but they haven’t encountered many high-caliber passing offenses aside from Richard Montgomery.

The key to victory likely lies in which team can establish their passing game effectively. Vasi Hallas, Churchill’s quarterback, has shown progress as the season has unfolded, and his ability to create plays and draw attention away from Avit makes him a significant asset. On the other hand, Walter Johnson’s Charlie Blessing, back from a two-game absence, struggled to ignite the offense in the previous encounter with Sherwood.

Considering these factors, Churchill holds the upper hand in this showdown. With an experienced and motivated team, the Bulldogs have been working relentlessly for this opportunity. While Walter Johnson boasts fine athletes, David Avit’s standout performance sets him apart. If both teams find offensive frustrations, Churchill appears better equipped to overcome the challenges. Expect a close contest throughout, with Churchill ultimately emerging as the victor.

Prediction: Churchill by 6

Richard Montgomery (3-5) at Gaithersburg (7-1): Air vs Ground: A high-scoring showdown awaits as Richard Montgomery’s Anthony “Air Attack” goes head-to-head with Gaithersburg’s “Gideon Ground n’ Pound.” While a repeat of last week’s 64-50 spectacle may be a tall order, the stage is set for an epic clash. RM’s Dixon has been in sensational form all season, but don’t sleep on Gaithersburg’s underrated defense, led by ballhawk Michael Nwaogwugwu. With the Trojans boasting a more balanced offense and the ability to control time of possession, the ingredients seem to favor Gaithersburg as they aim to secure the 3 seed and their best record in 13 years. Prediction: Gaithersburg by 13

Sherwood (6-2) at Quince Orchard (8-0): Unexpected Showdown: While this matchup may have flown under the radar this season, don’t be too quick to dismiss Sherwood’s chances against an undefeated Quince Orchard on paper. After a closer-than-expected contest against Northwest, QO may have some adjustments to make. The teams haven’t faced each other for nine years, and that adds an element of intrigue. Sherwood could make things interesting early, but Quince Orchard is poised to take control as the game progresses. Prediction: Quince Orchard by 35

Paint Branch (4-4) at BCC (5-3): Rivalry Renewed: These teams are set to meet again in two weeks, and this game will determine who secures home field advantage in that rematch. After PB’s recent win over Blair and BCC’s close victory over the same opponent, it’s evident this will be a fiercely competitive matchup. Although this marks the first meeting in nine years, BCC, under Coach Minturn, has transformed into a more competitive force. With strong showings from both their offense and defense, BCC holds the edge in what promises to be a tight contest. Prediction: BCC by 8

Blake (8-0) at Blair (2-6): Making History: Blake has the opportunity to etch their names in the record books this week by pursuing their first undefeated season and a new school wins record. But don’t underestimate Blair’s determination to play spoiler. The Blazers, despite a challenging season, possess the talent to shake things up. However, with Blake’s exceptional form and focus, they should maintain their winning streak if they stay locked in. Prediction: Blake by 13

Einstein (5-3) at Northwest (6-2): Rise of a New Star: Get ready to remember the name Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson (JVN). Making his first career start against Quince Orchard, he showcased an impressive performance alongside his supporting cast. With no word on David Davis’s return, JVN offers Northwest fans a glimmer of hope. Einstein’s strong defense could pose challenges, but the Jags will be eager to rebound and regain their winning ways with unyielding intensity. Prediction: Northwest by 10

Wootton (4-4) at Damascus (6-2): A Tough Assignment: While an upset here could alter the playoff landscape, Damascus appears far from vulnerable. The Hornets have been steadily improving week by week, and their defense looks poised for another standout performance. Wootton faces a daunting task as they take on a formidable Damascus squad. Prediction: Damascus by 28

Seneca Valley (3-5) at Magruder (5-3): Surprise Showdown: Magruder, under Coach Fowle’s guidance, has been on the rise, securing their third winning season in four years. Despite traditionally being placed above Magruder’s tier, Seneca Valley has had some offensive struggles recently. The Colonels might just have what it takes to hold Seneca Valley in check and potentially steal a low-scoring affair. However, SV’s resilience could ultimately see them through. Prediction: Seneca Valley by 6

Whitman (4-4) at Springbrook (2-6): Remarkable Turnaround: From a 23-game losing streak to a likely winning season, Coach Pierce and his players at Whitman deserve accolades. While Springbrook will put up a fight, Whitman holds the edge as the better team and will aim to secure this crucial win. Prediction: Whitman by 20

Northwood (0-8) at Rockville (2-6): Breaking the Streak: Despite their poor record, Rockville possesses the talent to outmatch Northwood, who are looking to avoid a winless season. Rockville is favored to extend Northwood’s losing streak. Prediction: Rockville by 30

Wheaton (1-7) at Kennedy (0-8): Battle for a Win: Kennedy’s struggles this season place them at the bottom of the county. Wheaton, with one win against winless Northwood, holds a slight advantage. While it’s a chance for the Cavaliers, Wheaton’s advantage should see them through in the end. Prediction: Wheaton by 14

Watkins Mill (1-7) at Poolesville (0-8): Last Chance for a Win: It’s now or never for Poolesville, who hope to avoid a winless season. Watkins Mill won’t go down without a fight, but Poolesville should have enough in the tank to secure a much-needed victory. Prediction: Poolesville by 16

Clarksburg (3-5) at Jefferson (6-2): Out-of-State Challenge: In a unique inter-state matchup, Clarksburg faces Jefferson, a West Virginia school not far from the region. While Jefferson has had strong showings this season, Clarksburg’s efforts to improve this year may not be enough to overcome the out-of-state challengers. Prediction: Jefferson by 21

1. Quince Orchard Cougars (Last Week: 1) – Perfect at 8-0: The Cougars added another thrilling chapter to their rivalry with a resounding 34-21 victory over Northwest. In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, Wide Receiver Tavahri Groves stole the show with 155 yards of total offense and 2 touchdowns. With an unblemished record, Quince Orchard has its sights set on securing home field advantage for the playoffs as they gear up to face Sherwood in the regular season finale this Friday.

2. Blake Bengals (Last Week: 3) – Chasing Perfection at 8-0: The Bengals maintained their unprecedented run, delivering a shutout performance with a commanding 40-0 win over Northwood. Quarterback Stephen Gyermeh showcased his skills, passing for 205 yards and securing 3 touchdowns. Blake is now on the cusp of an undefeated season as they head to Silver Spring to take on Blair.

3. Churchill Bulldogs (Last Week: 4) – Surviving a Shootout at 7-1: In a high-scoring showdown, the Bulldogs narrowly survived a fierce challenge from Richard Montgomery, emerging with a 64-50 victory. Running Back David Avit was the standout of the night, amassing a staggering 480 yards of total offense and notching 6 touchdowns. As the regular season concludes, Churchill sets its sights on a critical matchup against Walter Johnson, where playoff seeding and the Congressional Cup are up for grabs.

4. Gaithersburg Trojans (Last Week: 6) – Charging Ahead at 7-1: The Trojans continued their impressive run, overcoming Rockville with a convincing 48-21 victory. Gaithersburg now braces for a season-defining clash against Richard Montgomery this Thursday, with the possibility of securing a 2 seed in the playoffs hanging in the balance.

5. Walter Johnson Wildcats (Last Week: 2) – Defensive Battle at 7-1: In a hard-fought contest, the Wildcats fell short against Sherwood in a defensive showdown, finishing with a score of 14-10. Walter Johnson is eager to bounce back as they take on Churchill, with playoff seeding and the Congressional Cup on the line in this pivotal Friday night clash in Bethesda.

6. Northwest Jaguars (Last Week: 5) – Tough Loss at 6-2: The Jaguars suffered a setback in their clash with Quince Orchard, culminating in a challenging 34-21 defeat. Running back Tony Berry showed his mettle with 3 touchdowns in the loss. As the regular season concludes, Northwest readies to host Einstein.

7. Sherwood Warriors (Last Week: 7) – Giant Killers at 6-2: Sherwood earned a monumental victory, halting Walter Johnson’s undefeated run with a tenacious 14-10 win. The Warriors now set their sights on a season-defining clash against Quince Orchard, where playoff implications are on the line.

8. Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets (Last Week: 8) – Defensive Dominance at 6-2: The Swarmin’ Hornets pitched another shutout, blanking Seneca Valley with a 21-0 victory. Damascus is on the path to securing the #1 seed in 2A West as they prepare to host Wootton this Friday night.

9. BCC Barons (Last Week: 9) – Rivalry Triumph at 5-3: The Barons left no room for doubt as they defeated Whitman with a commanding 42-7 score. Running Back Nelson Smith played a pivotal role with 109 yards of total offense, 2 touchdowns, and even a sack on defense. BCC is ready for another showdown, hosting Paint Branch in a potential playoff preview.

10. Magruder Colonels (Last Week: 10) – Earning Victories at 5-3: The Colonels demonstrated their mettle with a hard-fought 20-13 win over Wootton. Running Back Marcus McCritty emerged as a key contributor, rushing for 105 yards and securing 1 touchdown. Magruder closes out the season with a home game against Seneca Valley, aiming to finish on a high note.

Below you’ll see the most recent updates or final scores of the 2023 week 8 MCPS football games. The scores will be updated as we receive them. If a score isn’t listed, it’s because we haven’t yet received a report from the game that we can confirm. An ‘F’ signifies the score is confirmed as being final.

Thursday’s Games:

Walter Johnson 10 at Sherwood 14 F
Damascus 21 at Seneca Valley 0 F
BCC 42 at Whitman 7 F

Friday’s Games:

Quince Orchard 34 at Northwest 21 F
Churchill 64 at Richard Montgomery 50 F
Blair 19 at Paint Branch 35 F
Rockville 21 at Gaithersburg 48 F
Blake 40 at Northwood 0 F
Magruder 20 at Wootton 13 F
Einstein 35 at Wheaton 0 F
Poolesville 10 at Clarksburg 24 F
Kennedy 0 at Springbrook 42 F
Chesapeake-AA 49 at Watkins Mill 6 F

Preview and predictions for the week can be found here.

This week’s matchups offer a blend of history and rivalries!

Quince Orchard (7-0) at Northwest (6-1): Battle of Rivals- Friday night lights will blaze as the undefeated Quince Orchard Cougars prepare to face the once-mighty Northwest Jaguars, now looking rather vulnerable. Last week’s stumble against Churchill showcased Northwest’s weaknesses, leaving them in a precarious position. However, in the world of high school football, history often repeats itself. A decade ago, an underdog Northwest team, fresh off a narrow defeat to Clarksburg, ambushed the then-undefeated Cougars to steal their championship dreams. Could history favor the Jaguars again?

Antonio Berry, a force to be reckoned with, has the potential to ignite the Jaguar offense, while David Davis stands ready to test the Cougars’ defensive mettle. Quince Orchard’s running game hasn’t been as dominant against strong defenses, but the exceptional quarterback play has compensated. However, a patchy offense and complacency from their previous win could tip the scales in favor of the Jaguars. But, let’s not forget that Northwest has grappled with inconsistency in recent weeks. The last time they won against Quince Orchard at home was in 2006. Can they engineer a similar miracle on Friday night? The Cougars, with a perfect season at stake, stand ready to pounce. Prediction: Quince Orchard by 18.

Walter Johnson (7-0) at Sherwood (5-2): Clash in Olney- In what promises to be a defining matchup, the undefeated Walter Johnson Wildcats will lock horns with the formidable Sherwood Warriors. This marks the first meeting between the two teams in the 21st century, setting the stage for a showdown with significant playoff implications. Sherwood has bolstered their passing game by promoting freshman Matthew Larsen from JV, but they’ll still heavily rely on Van Mahoney to pierce through the Wildcats’ staunch defense. Meanwhile, Walter Johnson boasts a dual-threat ground game that will pose a challenge for Sherwood’s defense. As we await this epic confrontation, it’s clear that both teams are on the cusp of greatness. Can Walter Johnson extend their perfect streak, or will Sherwood emerge as the dark horse of the season? Prediction: Walter Johnson by 16.

Damascus (5-2) at Seneca Valley (3-4): Rivalry Renewed- A once-dominant rivalry has evolved since the pandemic, now featuring two teams aiming to regain their former glory. Damascus, seeking the top seed in the 2A West, squares off against Seneca Valley, intent on avoiding their fourth losing season in history. Expect a gritty slugfest, as both schools possess the talent and determination to compete fiercely. Michael Cooley is poised to make significant plays on both sides of the ball for Damascus, while Seneca Valley is desperate to upset their archrivals. In a clash where pride is on the line, Damascus holds the edge. Prediction: Damascus by 3.

Whitman (4-3) at BCC (4-3): Rivalry Renewed- Two teams riding high after recent victories will collide in this spirited rivalry match. BCC is eager to secure a signature win, potentially sealing the 2 seed in the 4A North, while Whitman aims to secure the highest possible seed in their region. This promises to be a highly competitive game, with Whitman giving it their all. However, BCC’s steadfast defense has shone throughout the season, making them favorites to contain the Vikings. The Barons look to maintain their impressive defensive record and clinch a critical win in this fierce showdown. Prediction: BCC by 10.

Churchill (6-1) at Richard Montgomery (3-4): David vs. Goliath- Churchill’s remarkable season has been the talk of the town, but Richard Montgomery, determined to play spoiler, stands in their way. The Rockets possess the potential to challenge an unprepared opponent. However, Churchill, aware of the danger, is unlikely to underestimate their opponents. David Avit is poised for another standout performance. As Richard Montgomery strives for an upset, Churchill, with their eyes on a championship, remains the favorite. Prediction: Churchill by 18.

Blair (2-5) at Paint Branch (3-4): Mental Toughness Matters- In a matchup where talent and strategy may take a backseat to mental toughness, Blair and Paint Branch collide in a battle for pride and a home game in Week 10. Both teams have shown resilience, keeping games competitive and making the outcome uncertain. Blair’s tenacity, demonstrated by close matches with strong opponents, and Paint Branch’s improvements, despite key injuries, hint at an unpredictable clash. Mental fortitude will likely be the decisive factor. Prediction: Blair by 2.

Rockville (2-5) at Gaithersburg (6-1): Trojans Aim High- Fresh off an impressive victory over Seneca Valley, the Gaithersburg Trojans aim for the 2 or 3 seed in the West as they face the spirited Rockville Rams. Gaithersburg’s Gideon Ituka has been a force to be reckoned with, and Rockville may struggle to contain him. Prediction: Gaithersburg by 27.

Blake (7-0) at Northwood (0-7): Blake’s Breather Following their latest victory, the undefeated Blake Bengals look to stay healthy as they face the winless Northwood Gladiators. This game seems like a respite for Blake. Prediction: Blake by 45.

Magruder (4-3) at Wootton (4-3): Seeding Battle- A significant battle for seeding in the 4A/3A West unfolds as Magruder faces Wootton. These evenly matched teams are ready for a slugfest, with Magruder seeking revenge for last year’s early exit. Expect a contest driven by strong defenses. Prediction: Wootton by 8.

Einstein (4-3) at Wheaton (1-6): Titans look for the 3 Seed- Einstein, consistent and reliable, looks to secure their fifth winning season in the last seven years as they face Wheaton. The race for playoff seeding is on. Prediction: Einstein by 27.

Poolesville (0-7) at Clarksburg (2-5): Seeking That Elusive Win- Poolesville, winless but showing signs of improvement, faces Clarksburg in a game with potential for an upset. Clarksburg is looking for their third win, but Poolesville might finally put it all together and clinch their first victory. Prediction: Poolesville by 7.

Kennedy (0-7) at Springbrook (1-6): Seeking Redemption- Former contenders for home playoff games, Kennedy and Springbrook have taken a step back this year. Springbrook appears more competitive, and they should secure an on-field win. Prediction: Springbrook by 29.

Chesapeake-AA (5-2) at Watkins Mill (1-6): A Step Up in Class- Chesapeake-AA, a solid Anne Arundel County team, faces Watkins Mill. The visitors appear to be the stronger team, making them the favorites. Prediction: Chesapeake by 28.

Northwest (6-0) at Churchill (5-1): Huge seeding battle in the 4A West and the teams involved should also pay mind to the Gburg-SV game. If Gaithersburg wins, the Trojans should be favored to win out the rest of the season finishing 8-1. Thus, assuming NW loses to QO next week, the loser of this game has a very real shot of falling down to the 4 seed and likely meeting QO Week 11. If Churchill pulls this off, suddenly the path to returning to the state reseeding just got a lot easier (obviously them beating NW would mean they have a clear path to advancing no matter what, but never bank on beating the Jags twice). Northwest hasn’t quite looked like their dominant selves the last couple weeks, they did start well against PB but cooled off and PB made it too close for comfort before the Jags got an insurance score. But Churchill hasn’t exactly fully played their best ball either the last couple weeks, and will need to come out swinging to pull this one off. This doesn’t look like a great matchup for the Dawgs as NW’s D-Line should limit Avit and Churchill’s pass defense is not great. Churchill will need to execute near-flawless in the passing game. Overall we think the Bulldogs keep it very close, but the Jags stay one step  ahead in a classic. Prediction: Northwest by 8

Paint Branch (3-3) at Blake (6-0): Once Blake beat Sherwood, without a whole lot of quality opponents on the Bengals’ schedule many immediately turned their eyes to this matchup. Blake has only beaten PB 3 times in the last 20 years, and are on a 10-year losing streak. If there was any time to get back in the win column, it’s now as PB is reeling having not been able to put it all together against their quality foes. However, our gut doesn’t like Blake in this one. Chalk it up to the Panthers being more battle tested and showing signs of improvement against Northwest. Prediction: Paint Branch by 6 

Gaithersburg (5-1) at Seneca Valley (3-3): The classic old rivalry. This is looking to be the most competitive matchup in the series in a very long time, and with huge seeding implications as mentioned above. If Gburg can win out, they should get the 3 or even 2 seed and avoid QO who gave them their lone loss. SV will need to win out to stay in the hunt for a home game Week 10. Although SV has the worse record, they’ve indubitably had the much harder schedule and have had some valiant performances. Their defense has been excellent, giving both David Avit and Iverson Howard a difficult time. Can they put a cap on another top RB in Ituka? We think SV being battle tested will prove to be the difference in this one, Prediction: SV by 12

Quince Orchard (6-0) at Richard Montgomery (3-3): QO’s offense took a step back last week in terms of execution. Luckily for them, they should be primed for a bounceback against RM’s defense. RM does get on the scoreboard though with their QB play. Prediction: QO by 49

Walter Johnson (6-0) at Wheaton (1-5): WJ cruises to what has to be a record 7-0 start. They will look to sharpen up for two big games to end the regular season. Prediction: WJ by 42

BCC (3-3) at Blair (2-4): This season has been tough for Blair, who still has PB and Blake on the schedule. The Blazers offense got terrorized by WJ’s D in the second half, and with BCC having some solid performances on that side of the ball, We think the Barons can make a statement here. Prediction: BCC by 21

Poolesville (0-6) at Sherwood (4-2): Fun fact, this is the first ever meeting between the two schools in MPSSAA history, quite impressive considering both schools have been around for over a century. West meets east, and Sherwood looks to have the decisive advantage as the Warriors need to stack up as many wins as possible for playoff seeding. The good news for Poolesville is that they’ll have the opportunity to get in the win column the final two weeks against Clarksburg and WM. Prediction: Sherwood by 32

Damascus (4-2) at Clarksburg (2-4): A hard dose of reality for Damascus last week, but the Hornets still have a lot to play for and ultimately a lot of good should come out of that tight game. Michael Cooley is back and the Hornets will be primed to bounce back big against a less talented Clarksburg. Prediction: Damascus by 33

Rockville (2-4) at Magruder (3-3): This should be a competitive game between two feisty teams. Rockville needs to pick up all the wins it can to have a shot at avoiding Oakdale/Linganore, which have defeated them the last 3 years, in Week 10. In matchups of this caliber, though, We have typically found Magruder to be the safe bet. Prediction: Magruder by 4

Wootton (3-3) at Watkins Mill (1-5): Big time win for Wootton last week. The Patriots should do more of the same this week.Prediction: Wootton by 32

Kennedy (0-6) at Whitman (3-3): With this game as well as Springbrook still on the schedule, Whitman has a real shot of finishing with a winning record. Which is a huge feat for a team that started this season having lost 23 in a row. Prediction: Whitman by 48

Northwood (0-6) at Einstein (3-3): Northwood squandered what was looking like a real good shot to break their losing streak. Now they will likely have to wait until next year as Einstein should have little trouble. Prediction: Einstein by 49

Springbrook (1-5) at Winters Mill (6-0): Fun fact, this is the first time ever that Winters Mill has started 6-0. They should be good enough to handle a Springbrook team that has yet to win a game on the field. Prediction: Winters Mill by 20

1. (LW 1) Quince Orchard 6-0: The Cougars handed out their 5th shutout of the season, beating Seneca Valley 28-0. Running Back Iverson Howard had 125 yards of total offense and 1 touchdown in the win. Quince Orchard will travel to Richard Montgomery on Friday.

2. Northwest (LW 2) 6-0: The Jaguars defeated Paint Branch 28-13.  Northwest had 201 passing yards and 2 touchdowns as a team.  The Jags will travel to Potomac to take on Churchill in a huge matchup next.

3. (LW 4) Walter Johnson 6-0: The Wildcats took out Blair 40-14. As a team Walter Johnson had 231 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.  WJ will travel to Wheaton on Friday.

4. (LW 5) Blake 6-0: The Bengals beatdown Watkins Mill 52-3. Quarterback Kirby Matson accounted for 111 yards of total offense and 2 touchdowns.  Blake will host Paint Branch in a big rivalry matchup.

5.  (LW 6) Churchill 5-1: The Bulldogs shutout rival Whitman 31-0. Churchill will host Northwest in a big time matchup.

6.  (LW 7) Gaithersburg 5-1: The Trojans took out Magruder 42-19. Running Back Gideon Ituka rushed for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Gaithersburg will travel to Seneca Valley in one of MoCo’s most historical rivalries.

7. (LW 8) Sherwood 4-2: The Warriors ended their losing streak by taking out Damascus 28-21.  Running Back Van Mahoney accounted for 4 touchdowns. Sherwood will host Poolesville next.

8. (LW 3) Damascus 4-2: The Swarmin’ Hornets fell to Sherwood in a tough game 28-21. Damasus will travel to Clarksburg this Friday.

9. (LW 9) Paint Branch 3-3: The Panthers lost to Northwest 28-13. Running Back Roman Spikes ran for 2 touchdowns in the loss. Paint Branch will travel to Blake in a huge Northeast Consortium matchup.

10. (LW 10) Seneca Valley 3-3: The Screaming Eagles played tough vs Quince Orchard but fell 28-0. Seneca Valley will host Gaithersburg in a classic MoCo matchup this Friday.