Game of the Week: Sherwood at Magruder, 6:30Sherwood enters the season with 28 seniors, led by quarterback Zach Splain and a stingy defense, making the Warriors a preseason contender for the 4A championship as usual. But the Warriors, who only lost twice last season with both coming against Quince Orchard, are a little banged up to begin the season.
Magruder is coming off its first playoff performance in 14 years in which the Colonels won five straight to qualify for the postseason. The Colonels don't have starting quarterback Xavier Johnson but return 12 starters and the carried-over confidence from last season. The team is well ahead of where it began last year.
The Warriors ended Magruder's magical run last season, however, thumping the Colonels 24-8 in the first round of the 4A West playoffs. But this time, the two teams will be on Magruder's turf and, only to add to the intrigue, this is one of the county's best rivalries.
Another one you shouldn't miss: Springbrook at Gaithersburg, 6:30Springbrook feels much improved after a 5-5 season a year ago and is looking to quietly get back to being one of Montgomery County's elite programs. In order to do that, the Blue Devils need to beat one of the county's top teams, which they failed to do last season.
Gaithersburg is a prime chance in the teams' season premiers. The Blue Devils have third-year starting quarterback Phoenix Butler-Poole and 11 starters with plenty of speed surrounding him. Gaithersburg returns standout Sean Stanley and a three-headed running game that can churn out plenty of yardage. Gaiithersburg is also looking to make a statement that it's back in the title chase after missing the playoffs last year.
Three other games to watch:
Damascus at Kennedy, 6:30This should be a good early test to see how each team has rebounded from a season filled with turmoil. The two teams, which combined for a 21-4 record last year, have a combined 10 starters returning, including offense and defense, and each has a new head coach. Defending 3A state champion Damascus is now lead by former Quince Orchard offensive coordinator Eric Wallich while Kennedy has longtime Prince George's County coach Randolph Warren.
Northwood at Rockville, 6:30Northwood was one game away from reaching the 2A playoffs in just its second year in existence and the one game the Gladiators point to as keeping them out was a loss to Rockville, meaning revenge will be thick in the air. Rockville is looking to assert itself as one of the teams to beat in the 2A this season and to do that must take care of a Northwood team with only two returning starters.
Northwest at Whitman, 6:30Whitman reached the playoffs last season behind quarterback Anthony Young-Wiseman but lost 28 seniors to graduation. This game will be a test of how the newcomers have adapted thus far. Northwest, on the other hand, is a typically top-tier team looking to rebound from a year away from the postseason.
Remaining Schedule:Blair at Blake, 6:30The Blazers were winless last season and Blake won only three games, meaning each team is looking for a big bounce-back this season.
Poolesville at Brunswick, 7The Falcons are coming off a 3-7 season and turn to bruising running back Chase Beck to help them improve. Brunswick, from the Monocacy Valley Athletic League, was 2-8 last year and has a new head coach in Pat Foster and a spread offense.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase at Paint Branch, 6:30The Barons look towards returning starting quarterback Jake Boross and a more wide-open spread offense after a 2-8 season. Paint Branch is looking to make the playoffs after a going 7-3 last year and has a new quarterback under center in Eric Freniere.
Seneca Valley at Watkins Mill, 6:30The Eagles have a 3A state championship on their mind while Watkins Mill is trying to get back on the map under first-year head coach Joe Rydzewski.
Einstein at Wheaton, 6:30Both programs are trying to change their losing ways. Wheaton just wants a win after going 0-10 last season and Einstein is hoping an attitude overhaul will mean a better year than 3-7.
Churchill at Richard Montgomery, 6:30The debut of Richard Montgomery's beautiful turf field will come against a gritty Churchill team with experience. Chuchill is looking to contend while the Rockets are trying to make a u-turn after last year's 2-8 season.
Clarksburg at Walter Johnson at Clarksburg, 6:30The Coyotes are hoping for a date in the 2A state championships while the Wildcats are hoping to break a losing streak that has spanned more than 30 games.
Bonus game: Wootton vs. Quince Orchard at Richard Montgomery, Saturday, 6:30
While Friday night will kick off the Montgomery County season there's a
special treat on Saturday for those who are patient. The No. 1-ranked
team in the state and defending 4A state champion Quince Orchard will
get its chance to show its talent on Richard Montgomery's turf field.
Wootton, who is looking to get to the playoffs for the first time in
school history behind a senior-laden team, will hope to cool off the
Cougars' preseason hype.
By Ryan Mink:
rmink@digitalsports.comDigitalSports will try to provide as much coverage from the weekend's games as possible but we could use your help! Have your pictures and photo credit appear on DigitalSports by sending any photos you may take at a football game and they will be posted with you're team's game recap! Please indicate which game they are from and players in the picture if possible. Also email with scores, game stats and/or highlights!
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