Northwest High School

JSpiegelman

149d ago

In 2025, Montgomery County sent six teams into the state tournament, including Damascus in the 2A, Sherwood in the 3A, while Northwest, Blair, Churchill, and Richard Montgomery advanced in the highest class. Of these teams, both Sherwood and Churchill advanced to the championship game, with neither bringing home the title. With last spring marking the first time since 2021 no MCPS team won a state softball title, the question is, will any hoist the big trophy in 2026? Here are the ten teams from MCPS most likely to win the big game: 1. Damascus The Hornets’ 2025 season started very mercurially. Their 4-2 record to start the season included scoring double-digit runs in each of the wins, highlighted by a 19-0 opening day rout against Seneca Valley on opening day, but the squad gave up double-digit runs in each of the losses. After the rocky start, Damascus finished their season on an 8-1 run, including six additional double-digit offensive performances. The Hornets outscored Southern, Centennial, and Hereford 39-5 from the regional semifinals to the state quarterfinals, before a one run loss in the semifinals against Stephen Decatur. Damascus looks so good this coming spring because, after only losing senior Josie Hoffacker, they will return first-team all-MCPS nominee Brook Sell, Marymount University commit Kailyn Sheahin plus all-Met honorable mention Ana DiGiandomenico. This spring looks very bright in Damascus. 2. Churchill The Bulldogs opened their last campaign with a 3-3 record, including scoring 19 runs in a road game against Watkins Mill and a home game against Whitman, while also surrendering 20 on the road against Walter Johnson. From there, Churchill turned up their play, working towards a 10-7 regular season record. The team was one of the only of any sport in the state to play six playoff games, requiring a regional quarterfinal match all the way to the state championship. Churchill outscored opponents 41-5 in the first five playoff games, before an unfortunate end in the 4A championship, falling to Leonardtown 5-0. The loss of Villanova softball commit Maggie King will hurt this year’s squad, along with four other seniors, but they are set to be led by first-team all-division nominee Kai-En Hsu and honorable mention Jacqueline Le. 3. Walter Johnson The Wildcats opened their season dropping their first game, but they quickly turned it around with a seven game win streak. This impressive stretch started with a 26-0 blowout on the road against Gaithersburg, followed by a 20-3 win over Churchill and a 20-4 win at Whitman. However, the stretch quickly switched course, with Walter Johnson going on to lose four of their next five. After outsourcing Einstein and Springbrook 29-0 in their final two regular season games, WJ would fail to make it past the regional semifinals, as Churchill got their revenge in a 7-0 loss. Despite the unfortunate end to their season, the WIldcats look to be in prime position going into this season. After losing four seniors, they will return Ella Reynolds, the all-division player of the year and Emory University commit, along with two seniors and three sophomores who all made the division’s first team. 4. Northwest The Jaguars opened their season on a fourteen game win streak that included a 19-2 road win against Magruder, a 19-4 road win against Gaithersburg, and a 20-run shutout victory over Blake, also on the road. After this, Northwest dropped their final two games of the season, losing to Damascus and Churchill. After eliminating Frederick, Urbana, and Richard Montgomery from the playoffs, the Jaguars fell in their state semifinal game against Leonardtown, the future 4A state champions. While this year’s team will be without six members of last year’s state semifinalist team, head coach Mike Horton will look to bring his team back to the state bracket in the coming months. 5. Wootton The Patriots’ last season kicked off with a strong win over Einstein before the team dropped three of their next four. Following the slide, Wootton won five of their next six, including a 20-4 victory against Watkins Mill on the road, a 14-11 fight against Paint Branch, and a 17-0 home blowout over Northwood. The team went on to finish with an 8-7 regular season record, before beating Kennedy and Rockville in the regional bracket to win the region title. In the state quarterfinals, the Patriots had a tough seed, and were forced to face Sherwood, where they fell 15-0. The good news is that, after losing just three seniors, Wootton will return Bryn Priolo and Emily Liu, who were selected as first-team and honorable mentions to the all-division team, respectively. 6. Sherwood Last year’s 3A runner ups were the lone undefeated team from Montgomery County, finishing with 15 wins. In those 15, the Warriors plated at least 10 runs in 12 games, and at least 15 in seven. From the regional semifinals to the state quarterfinals, Ashley Barber-Strunk’s team outscored Atholton, Reservoir, and Wootton 35-0, before taking down the Dulaney Lions 2-0, punching their ticket to the big game. However, with the season on the line, Sherwood could not come through, falling 5-3 against the Chopticon Braves, ending their season. This year’s squad will be without several key members, including first-team all-met selection Keira Schlutz and first-team all MCPS nominee Avery Anderson, but all-division honorable mention Gabby Anderson will be returning as the team looks to make it back to the top of the state for the second time in three years 7. Quince Orchard The Cougars had a 4-3 start to their most recent campaign, including a 20-3 road win against Blake on opening day, plus a 13-4 road win over Seneca Valley and a 21-run shutout against Gaithersburg at home. After this start, Quince Orchard played six of their last seven games on the road, en route to a solid 10-5 regular season record. Despite this, QO would fall to the 9-9 Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons, who were coming off a 27-23 first round win over Whitman. Despite the untimely ending to their 2025 year, the Cougars will enter this season without just two members of last year’s campaign, as they look to win their first playoff game since 2024, or potentially, their first state semifinals since 1993. 8. Clarksburg The Coyotes had an impressive regular season campaign, scoring double-digit runs in ten games while surpassing the 20 run mark in three, in a season where the team finished 13-2. Despite such strong play before the playoffs, Clarksburg dropped their first game of postseason play in a 4-3 loss to the Urbana Hawks from Frederick County. After having success in the regular season, the team will lose Sommer Witz to Shepherd University and Gabby Encinas to Frostburg State. The remaining athletes will have a couple of big holes to fill before kicking off their season at home against Churchill. 9. Richard Montgomery To kick off last season, the Rockets opened with a 5-0 record that included four straight wins with over 16 runs scored. After the incredible start to their season, Richard Montgomery went on a 1-6 run that saw a 19-18 home loss against the Blair Blazers, a 23-0 win over Springbrook, which was immediately followed by a 17-run shutout loss to Clarksburg. Despite the rough patch, RM went on a four-game win streak to end their season 10-6. RM took down Einstein and Wheaton in the regional bracket, securing them the championship, before the Rockets fell to Northwest 15-3 in the state quarterfinals. 10. Blair Last Spring, the Blazers opened with a 9-6 home loss to the Churchill Bulldogs before going on a six game win streak, including a 15-0 win over Northwood and an incredible 19-18 victory on the road against Richard Montgomery. Blair slowed down a bit, finishing the regular season 11-5, but in their regional playoff games against Northwood and Laurel, the Blazers outscored the two 32-3 on the way to a regional championship. In the state bracket, their run was cut short in a 5-0 loss against Churchill, the second of the season. Additionally, this year’s team will be without an incredible nine athletes from last year’s squad, which could pose challenges for head coach Louis Hoelman, as the team looks to get back to the state semifinals for the first time in a decade.

Northwest Jaguars (10-8 | 5-3) Defense shows up big as they defeat #5 Kennedy at Home in the Black Hole, 57-52. The Jaguars welcomed the #5 Kennedy Cavaliers to The Black Hole on Tuesday, a team that had won the previous 6 games with one of the county's top scorers, Gabe Colston (24.9 ppg). But for the second game in a row, the Jags Defense tightened around and slowed the top scorer to get the win. The first half saw the Cavaliers use their pressure defense, timely scoring, and work on the glass to hold control of the game, fighting off Jaguar runs throughout. Kennedy would hold as much as a 10 point lead late in the 2nd half and take a 6 point lead into half time, 28-22. The second half would be a different story. The Jaguars would come alive using ball and player movement to handle the Cavalier pressure creating open shots both inside and outside, and defensively keeping the Cavaliers away from the rim while contesting all shots that went up. At the end of 3, the Cavaliers were holding on to a 1 point lead, 42-41. The Cavaliers started the 4th quarter scoring the first 4 points but the Jags defense and offense would again lock in closing the game on a 16-6 run over the last 6 1/2 minutes. The Jaguars would outscore the Cavaliers 35-24 in the second half to get the win. The Jaguars were led by Senior Krishiv Ohri who dropped 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assist, and 2 blocks. Senior Kush Malhotra added 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assist while Junior Eric Odina chipped in with 8 points, a career high 13 rebounds, and 1 block. Sophomore Aaron Benjamin added 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assist, while Senior Jaylin Ouattara had 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assist, and 2 steals. The win bumps the Jags to 10-8 overall. and secures no lower than the 3 seed (and at least 1 home playoff game) in the 4A West Region I playoffs. They close to 1 1/2 games behind Seneca Valley, with whom the Jaguars play next for Senior Night, who holds the #2 seed and a 1st round bye.

Northwest senior, Jaylin Ouattara sank four free-throws in the overtime period to secure the win over the Wootton Patriots. NW improves to 5-3 in the County North Division. Wootton drops to 1-6 in the West. HOW IT HAPPENED Solid shooting in the 1st half gave Northwest the lead, 26-20 A balanced Jaguar offense was led by Kush Malhorta with 7 points and reserve guard, Trey Goodlow (8pts). Goodlow hit two consecutive three pointers in the 2nd period. Wootton came out in the 3rd quarter with an intense man-to-man defense that led to five steals, two by sophomore guard Ted Jeong. Jeong also had his way downhill to the basket forcing three Jaguar fouls. Jeong hit all six foul shots. For the period, Wootton sank 12 fouls shots out of 15 attempts to take the lead, 41-39. In the 4th quarter, Patriot senior guard, Chase Mitchell score 12 points, including a three pointer near the mid-court line. Jaguars were able to penetrate near the basket as forward Krisiv Ohri tossed in six points. At the end of regulation, the score was knotted at 53. Wootton was led in scoring by senior guard, Chase Mitchell with 21 points. Jeong added 12. Ohori led Northwest with 16 points. Guards Malhorta and Ouattara added 13 and 11 points respectively. NEXT GAMES: Wootton plays a makeup game at Quince Orchard on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tip-off is slated for 12 NOON. Northwest returns home to take on Kennedy on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Northwest Jaguars (8-6 | 5-2) made it 2-0 this week winning their 5th straight MCPS North Division game and winners of 7 of their last 9 games by defeating Clarksburg (1-13 | 0-7). The Jaguars took control of the game right out of the gate getting out to an 18 - 4 lead with balanced scoring and swarming defense. Clarksburg would continue to fight and hang around as they would cut the lead to 9 at the end of the 1st quarter and 7 points at the end of the half. The Jaguars would reassert themselves in the 3rd quarter, limiting the Coyotes to only 12 points while offensively exploding for 23 points. The Jags would carry the momentum through the 4th quarter closing the game, winning by 15 points while also putting up a season high 81 points. The Jaguars were led by Seniors Kush Malhotra & Krishiv Ohri. Malhotra dropped a career high 23 points to go along with 4 rebounds, 2 assist, and 2 steals while Ohri post his 2nd double-double in a row with a career high 19 points to go with 10 rebounds, 2 assist, and 1 steal. Justin Harris ('26) added 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Aaron Benjamin ('28) chipped in with 11 points. Senior Jaylin Ouattara added 5 rebounds, 4 assist, and 3 steals while Henry Hecklinger '28 added 4 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assist. With the win, the Jags gain a game on Seneca Valley (9-5) who lost to Poolesville last night and Thomas Johnson (10-5) who did not play. 2 Games separate the Jags (5-2) from MCPS North Division leader Poolesville (7-0).

MoCo Hoops was back in action Wednesday Evening, returning from 12 days off due to snow and ice that left the area in a stand still. Due to unforeseen circumstances at Watkins Mill just hours before tip off, the Northwest Jaguars (7-6 | 4-2) returned to the Black Hole to face off against the Watkins Mill Wolverines (4-9 | 1-5) defeating them for the second time this season 68-64. As expected, the 1st quarter for both teams was sluggish and sloppy leading to numerous empty possessions and missed shots. The Wolverines would get on the board first going up 5-0 before the Jaguars would respond with a 6-0 run of their own. The 2 teams would close the 1st quarter deadlocked at 10. The offenses would begin to open up in the 2nd as WM would take a 30-26 lead into the half. In the 3rd, the Jags defense would settle in and clamp down on WM. The Wolverines would get their 1st basket of the half at the 4:27 mark and endure a 11-2 run out of the gate. The Jags would hold a 2 point lead going into the 4th. In the 4th, the Jaguars defense and offense would hit their stride at the same time. A 16-6 run in the 1st 4 minutes would give the Jags a 12 point cushion that they would ride out for the remainder of the game. A last second 3pt would cut the final deficit from 7 to 4. The Jaguars were led by Seniors Jaylin Ouattara & Krishiv Ohri who both had double doubles. Ouattara had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assist, and 4 steals while Ohri had 12 points and a career high 15 rebounds to go along with 4 assist, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Justin Harris ('26) added 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Kush Malhotra ('26) & Henry Hecklinger ('28) chipped in with 6 points each. Malhotra added 5 rebounds and 3 assist while Hecklinger added 4 rebounds, respectively. With the win, the Jags keep pace with the other region leaders...Seneca Valley (9-4) and Thomas Johnson (10-5) hold the top 2 spots in the 4A West Region I, with the Jags close behind at 7-6. 2 Games separate the Jags (4-2) from MCPS North Division leader Poolesville (6-0).

It was a tough start to the season for the Northwest Jaguars MBB Team. After opening the season with a rout of Northwood on the road, the Jags would go on to drop 5 straight games against teams with combined records of 50-13. 4 of those games were heartbreaking as the Jags either held the leads late in the games (Richard Montgomery, Seneca Valley, Poolesville) or at halftime (Magruder). Things would begin to turn around at the Overlea Holiday Invitational, as the Jags split their games with C. MIlton Wright and North Harford. The win Vs. North Harford would spark the Jags to 4 straight wins...all by over 8 points and 3 of which against Division Teams. A loss to 4A state finalist Whitman would end the run but the Jags would bounce back on the road, winning at B-CC in Overtime (a rematch from the Capitol Hoops Summer League Playoffs) and at rival Quince Orchard. The Jaguars now hold a 7-7 overall record and 3-2 division record, are winners of 6 of 8 and are back in in the thick of the division race and 1 of 2 top seeds in the 4A West Region I. Additionally, the Jags have had some stellar performances during this run. In their win vs. Damascus, they held the Hornets to 2 points in the 4th quarter in a 12 point division win at home. Seniors Jaylin Ouattara (20 pts Vs. B-CC, 30 pts Vs. Blake), Kush Malhotra (20 pts Vs. B-CC), and Justin Harris (20 pts Vs. Watkins Mill) notched season and career high point totals. Ouattara also notched a career high 14 rebounds vs. Clarksburg. Seniors Krishiv Ohri (career high 11 reb Vs. Damascus, 9 reb Vs. Clarksburg, and 8 reb Vs. B-CC) and Joe Massong (8 reb Vs. Clarksburg), and Sophomore Henry Hecklinger (8 reb Vs. Damascus & Watkins Mill) have hit the glass hard. Defense has also taken a step in the right direction as 5 players have nabbed at least 3 steals (Notably Ouattara with 5 Vs. Blake, Malhotra with 6 Vs. Watkins MIll, Hecklinger with 4 Vs. North Harford and 3 Vs. Damascus) while Ohri and Massong have also defended the rim (Ohri with 4 Blocks Vs. Blake and Poolesville and Massong with 3 blks Vs. Clarksburg). The Jags hope to keep this momentum rolling as they (and the rest of the county) hope to return to action Friday, January 30th after a week off due to snow and ice.

The Jaguars MBB team (6-6 | 3-2) fell short in Germantown to Blake (11-1 | 4-1), 77-65. The loss drops the Jag's record to 6-6 (7-7 Overall with Holiday Event Play). In front of an amazing crowd at The Black Hole the Jags and Bengals squared off in a rematch of last year's County Championship. Unfortunately for the Jags, the Bengals would take control of the game early and jump out to a 21-4 score to end the 1st. The Jags would get going in the 2nd Qtr behind swarming and tough defense and relentless attacks to the rim. They would close to the gap to as much as 6 before a last second jumper by Blake would give the Bengals a 31-23 lead going into the half. The 3rd and 4th quarter would be a back and forth affair between the 2 teams as the Bengals would hold the Jags off as Northwest would close to the deficit to as much as 5 before the Bengals reasserted themselves and stretch the lead back out...closing the game and winning 77-65. Fueling the Bengal's win was hot shooting from 3pt as Christian Kennard hit all 7 3pts for Blake. The Jags were also outrebounded 39-24. The Jaguars were led by Jaylin Ouattara '26 who had a career high 30 points, 5 rebounds. 2 assist, and 5 steals. Krishiv Ohri '26 added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Justin Harris '27 and Kush Malhotra '26 both added 8 points. Malhotra also added a team high 7 assist. Even though the Jags loss drops them to 6-6 on the season, they are still winners of 5 of their last 7 games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxuqwYivFOc 🏀🏀 MOCO GAME OF THE WEEK 
🆚 Blake Bengals vs Northwest Jaguars
 📍Germantown, MD (Northwest HS) 📝Zay Millz (MFVAllSportsNetwork) Today we headed to Germantown Md to see a matchup between (7-6) Northwest Jags and MoCo’s power house Blake Bengals (9-4) 1st quarter - Blake started off hot with scoring from Blake’s #11 and #1, dominating the broads and steals leading 14-4 to start off. Blake would continue the run leading 21-4 at the end of quarter 2nd quarter - Started off the same with Blake in the driver seat scoring all around playing as the more physical team. But Northwest #11 and #1 would score some buckets to push the score to a 12 point game. With 2 minutes left , a deep 3 by Jaguar’s #2, it would be a 8 point game under a minute to go. Northwest would have momentum going into the half down 23-31. 3rd quarter - Quarter would start off with Northwest on fire going on a 6-2 run with scoring from #11 before the Bengals would gain control mid 3rd and continue their momentum with a 49-37 lead going in to 4th quarter. 4th quarter - Northwest’s #1 would go crazy with constant steals and And 1 plays while Blake got control the lead at 12 mid-quarter. Blake’s #1 and #4 would get some excellent mid range shots and #11 from Blake would get a huge slam dunk to continue the lead as the game would conclude with two minutes to go. Number 1 would hit 2 night-closing 3s to close out the game and #55 from Blake would put the nail coffin as Blake would win 77-65 MFV Game mvps - Blake’s # 1 and #11 APOLOGIES as rosters were not available to me.

The Jaguars MBB team (6-5 | 3-2) got their 2nd win in a row and 5th win in 6 games with a road rivalry win at Quince Orchard (3-8 | 0-5), 61-51. This win improves the Jag's road record to 4-2 and improves on the trend of margin of victory. 6 of the team's 7 wins (includes Holiday Event win vs. North Harford) have been by 8 or more points In front of an amazing crowd at QO with JagsNation and QO's Red Army well-represented, the opening quarter was a back and forth affair with both teams fighting to gain control. QO would hold as much as a 4 point lead but would take a 1 point lead into the 2nd Qtr, 15-14. The Jags would get going in the 2nd Qtr forcing 8 QO turnovers and attacking the rim relentlessly. The Jags would outscore QO 22-7 in the quarter and take a 14 point lead into halftime. QO would cut into the lead in the 3rd as the Jags offense would go cold as the Cougars gained momentum and would outscore the Jags 13-4 in the quarter and head into the final quarter only down 5. The Cougars would push the deficit down to as little as 3 points before the Jags defense and offense would regain definitive control of the game and close it out, winning 61-51. Despite the Cougars hitting 7/18 shots from 3pt vs. the Jags 3/12, the Jaguars shot 44% from the field while keeping QO at 38%. The Jags also had a decisive edge on the boards 33 to 20, while only allowing 2 offensive rebounds for the entire game. The Jaguars were led by Justin Harris ‘27 who had a team high 15 points and 7 rebounds. Jaylin Ouattara '26 (12 points | 7 rebounds | 3 assist | 2 steals) & Kush Malhotra '26 (14 points (2/4 3pt) 2reb | 2 assist | 2 steals) were also key in the win. Krishiv Ohri '26 (4pts | 5reb | 4ast | 2stls), Henry Hecklinger '28 (2pts | 5reb | 2 stls | 1 blk), and Trey Goodlow III '28 (5pts (2/2 FG) 1ast) also chipped in, in the win. With the win, the Jags improve to 6-5 overall (3rd Overall in the MCPS West Region I) behind Seneca Valley (8-3) and Thomas Johnson (7-4).

The Jaguars MBB team (5-5 | 3-2) bounced back Friday Night in Bethesda vs. B-CC Barons (5-5 | 3-2) with a 72-69 Overtime Win. The Jags have won 5 of their last 6 while also closing out a week in which they won 2 of 3 games in a 5 day span! Out of the gate, and through the first half, both teams played a tough defensive game as the Barons took a 27-25 lead into the half. Things opened up in the 2nd half as B-CC began knocking down shots. They would outscore the Jags 20-12 in the frame and take a 10 point lead into the 4th. The Jags would immediately respond in the 4th quarter with a 9-0 run behind swarming, aggressive defense. The 2 teams would continue to battle leading to the Jags being down 2 with just over 5 seconds left and the ball on the baseline. Justin Harris ‘27, would get the handoff from Krishiv Ohri ‘26 after the inbounds and drive into the paint, knocking down a 6 foot jumper to send the game into overtime. B-CC would get the 1st basket in overtime but that would prove to be their last lead in the game as the Jags would win the extra period and take the game. Despite being out-rebounded and having 9 fewer shots from the FT line, The Jaguars forced 23 turnovers while only giving up 10. The Jaguars were led by Seniors Jaylin Ouattara (20pts | 6reb | 6ast | 4stls) & Kush Malhotra (20pts (4/8 3pt) 3reb | 6ast | 3stls). Krishiv Ohri ('26) chipped in with 10 points and 8 rebounds, 4 assist, and 3 steals. Justin Harris ‘27 & Henry Hecklinger ‘28 both had 7 points a piece. With the win, the Jags improve to 5-5 overall (3rd Overall in the MCPS West Region I) behind Seneca Valley (7-3) and Thomas Johnson (6-4).

On December 23rd the M&D Winter HS Showcase took place. Teams throughout the state competed in field and track events. 32 schools competed in total. On the girls side Hereford HS in Baltimore County won by a landslide with 73 points. Hereford had high placements in almost all events. Olivia Clark 4th place in the 400m winning 5 points. Kylie Jacobson 3rd place in the 800m winning 6 points. Dempsey Nelson 2nd place 8 points and Charlie Brill 3rd place 6 points in the 1 mile. Eliza Fox 3rd place in the high jump earning 6 points.Maddie Drylie 2nd place earning 8 points and Belinda Wines 6th place earning 3 points. Hereford’s relays did amazing, 1st place in the girls 4x400 and 2nd place in both the 4x200 and 4x800. Congratulations to Hereford for their landslide win! 2nd place was Northwest in Montgomery County 41.5 points. 3rd place was Broadneck in Anne Arundel County 40 points. 4th place was Howard in Howard County 36 points 5th place was Governor Thomas Johnson in Frederick County 33 points. On the boys side Northwest HS in Montgomery County won with a total of 62 points. William Rivers 7th place in the 60m earning 2 points. Nathaniel Hewitt 5th place earning 4 points and Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson 6th place earning 3 points in the 60m hurdles. Christopher Davis 8tn place in the 200m earning 1 point. Tyler Hall 1st place in the 400m earning 10 points. Richard Harris 2nd place in the 800m earning 8 points. Paul Ryoo 4th place in the long jump earning 5 points. Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson 2nd place earning 8 points and Yao Ballogou 4th place earning 5 points in the triple jump. 1st place in the 4x400 earning 10 points and 3rd place in the 4x800 earning 6 points. Congratulations to Northwest for their win. 2nd place was Dunbar in Baltimore County 57 points 3rd place was Dulaney in Baltimore County 47 points 4th place was Milford Mill in Baltimore County 33 points 5th Broadneck in Anne Arundel County 31 points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30GhJeRhfk

0-0. 4-2 Northwest wins in pks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs-Ktjk973s&t=1116s

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Photo courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios After six games, Damascus field hockey remains atop the North division in Montgomery County with a 3-0 record, and has assumed a 5-1 record overall. On Saturday, the Hornets only added onto that dominant resume, defeating division opponent Northwest in controlling fashion, 8-0. It didn’t take long for Damascus to assert its presence. Quickly establishing possession in their attacking end, the Hornets drew a penalty and capitalized on the ensuing shot just under two minutes into the action. But things had only just gotten started. A turnover on the following faceoff granted Damascus a prime counterattacking opportunity, and it had numbers to show for. Though the possession resulted in a giveaway deep in Jaguars territory, it set up a long sequence of attacking events in the offensive zone. Eventually, the Hornets’ sheer power and technique with the ball proved too much for Northwest to handle. A Damascus attacker charged right through the teeth of the defense before spinning with the ball in her possession and unleashing a point-blank shot on net. Though the attempt was saved, it was quickly corralled by another Damascus attacker and shoved into the back of the cage. By the end of the first quarter, the Hornets had already stacked together four goals, and looked to be the dominant force it was made out to be. It was clear that Northwest needed a response, and quickly, if it wanted to salvage any hope of a comeback. Instead, things turned more sour. The Jaguars struggled to make inroads in the offensive end. Any time a pass was attempted to the flanks to spark an attack, a Hornet midfielder was there to swipe the ball away and head in the other direction. Meanwhile, multiple Jaguar defensive fouls gave Damascus repeated looks at the cage, and it continued to pepper the outmatched Northwest goalkeeper with shots on penalty corners. Almost four minutes into the second frame, the Hornets finally broke through for its first score of the quarter. By halftime, the game was already 7-0 and out of the reach of Northwest, who has only captured a win over Gaithersburg this season — an 8-0 victory on opening night. Meanwhile, looking ahead for Damascus, contests against Whitman and Einstein in three and four weeks time, respectively, should serve as massive measuring sticks heading into what should be a tightly contested postseason landscape in Montgomery County.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T9AVSEwEdE

THANK YOU THURSDAY HONOREE: Coach CJ Jenkins TEAM: Northwest Jaguars Meeting this gentleman this past 24-25 🏀🏀 season, wanted to give honor and thanks to Coach Calvin CJ Jenkins, who became the new varsity head basketball coach at Northwest HS in Germantown, Maryland early 2024. He is an alumni of Northwest, class of 2002 and holds records for NSU Men’s Basketball. But that’s not the reason he’s being mentioned. Coach Jenkins, by MFV’s observation brings a fatherly like style to his leadership of the team. You will observe the team responding to him like he is a father figure. When he’s coaching, he’ll tell you when you’re doing something wrong but have your back when there’s something he perceives is done wrong. He will speak up for you or to you, but in a manner of respect. You can see he treats his players like their his own children and has the support system of his wife and mom as he’s out there working. I was glad to witness his playoff run last season, and he handled the loss with class. Looking forward to see how he builds his team this upcoming season. THANK YOU Coach CJ for taking the time out to develop your “sons” while being a standup coach of discipline and poise. We appreciate what you do representing Northwest athletics, MoCo Sports, and the DMV Sports Community at large. Much more success to you.

Back to school commercials are starting to show up which means it’s only a matter of time before hallways and classrooms are filled with students again. But it also means Friday Night Lights aren’t far out! The cornerstone of high school sports, football brings entire communities together cheering on their respective schools, filling them with a sense of pride that only the people around them can understand. Here in Maryland, and in Montgomery County, that is no exception. From getting polls on a few coaches across the county, I have compiled a Way-Too-Early rankings of the top 10 teams in MCPS. 1. Quince Orchard (13-0) - QO has been Montgomery County’s power for the longest time, and that doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. Coming off a 13-0 season in which it scored 39.7 ppg and allowed 6.7 ppg, the Cougars won its sixth state title in school history and its third in four years. Although they do lose their top rusher in Iverson Howard, they return senior WR Mason Mizzer so he’ll be a reliable target for whoever takes QB’s TJ Jackson’s role. The defense loses a few guys but does return DLs Kacey Gilliam and Jahiem Bond. It should be another fun and exciting season for HC John Kelly and the Cougars, who have averaged 11 wins during his 11 seasons at the helm. A week 2 matchup at Paint Branch will set the tone early. Speaking of Paint Branch… 2. Paint Branch (9-2) - The Panthers will look to continue their success of last season in which they had an unbeaten regular season, but had an abrupt end to their year in the first round of states. Rising junior RB Alijah Bah (1,299 yards, 21 TDs) will lead the offensive charge, and top two receivers Michael Boateng and Joshua Biando return. On defense, Kaden Chapman returns on a unit that allowed 11.4 ppg, but does lose a few key players. They open their season at home against Quince Orchard and later in September face Northwest, who they beat for the first time in school history last year. 3. Sherwood (10-3) - QB Matthew Larsen threw for 1,612 yards and a 17-9 TD-INT ratio as a sophomore last year, leading the Warriors to the state semifinals. They fell to defeat three times, but they were to the top teams in the state. Leading rusher Ryan Johnson is back for his senior season, and although they lose their top three receivers, Preston Hamrick – who averaged 11.6 yards per catch as a sophomore – will be a reliable option for Larsen. On defense, the losses Michael Robles (7 sacks, 13 TFLs), Jaden Nix (6 ints), and Khalil Wilson (5 ints) will hurt, but senior Jefferson Serkfem (64 tackles and 17 TFLs) will no doubt be up to the task of leading this unit. Mark your calendars for September 26, as the Warriors will play host to rival Blake, an always exciting matchup. Last time they hosted the Bengals, they suffered their first defeat to them since 2019. It should be a raucous environment. 4. Northwest (9-3) - Rising senior QB Jayden Vongprachahn-Nelson (1,355/13-2 td-int) will look to lead the Jaguars to another successful campaign and perhaps lead his team to its first state title since 2014. It won’t be an easy task as they lose their top rusher and top two receivers from last year. Which skill players step up this season will be interesting to watch. Nearly everyone on defense departs, but they do return junior Eric Odina (2 sacks in 1 game) and Corky Lynch (2 ints). Do it all athlete Aaron “Tank” Rivers will surely have an expanded role this year. They host Paint Branch in late September and travel to Quince Orchard in October. 5. Bethesda-Chevy Chase (8-4) - Coming off its best season in years, the Barons will look to continue their success under second year head coach Matt Schwartzback. They return top rusher Gabe Eisler (766 yards/5.6 avg/9 tds) and two of last year’s top four receivers in Andre Ekani and Nathan David who both will look to step up and be a reliable passing option for whoever starts at QB. The defense saw three players record double-digit TFLs last season, and now all three of them depart. Deandre Blakeney was productive as a sophomore (4.5 TFLs) and Eisner was impactful as a DB (3 INTs). How B-CC continues to build with a boatload of seniors departing will be fascinating to watch. 6. Blake (9-3) - The big question will be at QB, as Kirby Matson departs after starting the past three seasons as the leader of the offense. Receivers Kai Cooper, Zaire Richardson, and Joey Faunteroy also graduated so it will be a very different offense this fall. The defense held opponents to 11 ppg and they return three starters from last year who received All-Division recognition. The defense figures to be the strength this year as the Bengals and head coach Bryon Marshall will determine who takes over at QB. Watch for WR/CB Tatum Bell. 7. Blair (8-4) - The Blazers bounced back after a 3 win campaign in 2023. RB Junior Rodriguez was their top offensive contributor as he tallied 695 yards on the ground with 13 tds. He returns. Jayden Parker is also back for his senior season as the WR had 266 yards (9.9 avg) with 4 tds. Jacob Zirin seems like the player to replace Dylan Rinaldi at the QB position. The defense loses four players who made All-Division a year ago so it will be interesting to monitor who steps up this year. An early matchup at B-CC will be something to watch out for (the Barons knocked the Blazers out of the regionals). 8. Seneca Valley (7-4) - The Screamin’ Eagles had an impressive season and will look to continue that and go even further after losing in the regionals to Northwest. 9. Damascus (7-4) - Much like Seneca Valley, Damascus is one of the more storied programs in Maryland that seems to have consistent success year in and year out. They will look to have better success in the postseason after losing early in the regionals. 10. Churchill (7-5) - The Bulldogs struggled early (1-3) but were able to regroup and finished their season winning 4 out of their last 5 games. Losing QB Vasi Hallas will be tough, for fortunately RB Noah Zhang is back (491 yards/5.6 avg) to carry some of the load. The majority of their receiving corps is gone as well, so it will be an opportunity for many to take advantage. On defense, David Skopec was a force as a sophomore last year (3 TFLs/3 sacks). Zhang was also a factor on the defense (2 sacks). The Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum from the end of last year into this fall.

The softball offseason is upon us, with awards and championships being handed out to the game’s most deserved winners and teams. In Montgomery County, several schools had great seasons, but these four stand out. They all won their regional titles and carried that success into state semifinals/finals appearances, with one making its first state title in program history. Here is a 2026 lookout for four of Montgomery County’s top softball teams. Churchill: After reaching the program’s first state championship, how do the Bulldogs look to continue that success? They were led by one of the best pitchers in the county in Maggie King, who won back-to-back MCPS Softball Player of the Year titles. Freshman catcher Kai-En Hsu was also a big contributor, as she led the team in RBIs, which earned her First-Team All Division honors. She was also impressive on the mound, being the No.2 starter behind King. Originally slated to start in center, she volunteered as catcher as it was a position of struggle early in the season. Her efforts of learning a new position took the Bulldogs to the “next level,” as head coach Andrew Sonnabend described it. Along with King, Churchill loses ⅔ of its outfield with Ceci Bernstein and Zoe Kospsidas departing. They also lose four-year varsity player and captain Natalie Gumagay, so her leadership and experience will certainly be missed. But Hsu returns for her sophomore year (will probably be the ace), as do rising seniors Leah Sonnabend and Jacqueline Le, who was an honorable mention for All-Division. Netah Shekel and Aysha Gilmetdinova are star basketball players who contributed to the softball team as freshman last year, and will be worth keeping an eye on. “I think that both of them, they can really show that they're not just basketball players who play softball, but indeed just athletes,” said coach Sonnabend. With the success of 2025 now a part of Churchill softball history, the Bulldogs will look to continue its ascent and add its first state championship banner. Damascus: The Swarmin’ Hornets made it all the way to the state semifinals in search of its fifth state title, but unfortunately fell to Stephen Decatur. The good news is that much of the production that was shown on the field returns as infielder Josie Hoffacker is the team’s lone departure. Though her contributions offensively and defensively will be missed, the return of All-County members Ana DiGiandomenico, Amaya Hammond, Brooke Sell, Katelynn Doyle, Kailyn Sheahin and Aislinn Sell (2A/3A Division Pitcher of the Year) will have Damascus in a good position to make another run. “We will look to build on our success by continuing much of what worked for us this year both offensively and defensively,” said head coach Liz Gall. “Additionally, we continue to emphasize having fun and growing our mental game while working hard to be successful.” That approach has so far worked as they have two regional championships, one county championship, and two state semifinal appearances in two years under Gall. Despite making the move to Class 3A, Liz Gall looks to return to the semifinals and beyond and deliver the Hornets’ its fifth state championship. Sherwood: After winning the state final last year, Sherwood once again had an outstanding regular season with hopes of making it a repeat. Though they fell just short of back-to-back titles, they remain a forced to be reckoned with as the eight time state champions are always a threat to go a major run. They do lose First Team All-MET infielder Keira Schultz, outfielders Avery Anderson and Rylie Friend, but do return Reagan Corb and Gabby Anderson who were All-Division honorees. In total they lose six seniors, but head coach Ashley Barber-Strunk looks for the returnees to take the next step in leadership. “It is now their time to lead, prove what they can do and come back to see what we are capable of.” Rising seniors along with Corb include Faith Goolsby, Sydney Gould, and Sophia Salcedo. “The goal is to build each day once the team is made and to just get better little by little and if we can do that, we can do anything!” Northwest: The Jaguars went on an incredible 14-0 run before losing their first game of the season. They won the regional title and county championship and made it to the Class 4A state semifinals before losing to Leonardtown. Senior Yasmin Qassis was recognized as the 4A West Division Player of the Year. Fellow seniors Aubrey Cammuso, Erin DeLand, and Callie Tomaszewski also got All-Division recognition. Despite the losses, Northwest does bring back star quality players including rising sophomore Nala Johnson who struck out over 100 batters in her freshman season. Ali Porter is back for catching duties so the battery will look to continue the success from last year. Both received All-Division honors. Outfielder Lucy McNulty is the other impact player who received All-Division recognition. The Jaguars will look to build on last year’s success and make a run to its second state championship victory.