After seven weeks of play in Maryland, the playoff picture is taking shape. Here’s a look at the regions.
4A West » Quince Orchard (7-0) is a lock. Sherwood (6-1) can clinch a slot with a win this week over Richard Montgomery (2-5). Gaithersburg (5-2) and Northwest (4-3) have the No. 3 and 4 slots. But both have tough games remaining. In Week 9, Gaithersburg plays Sherwood, while Northwest faces QO. If either loses, Wootton (4-3) or Whitman (4-3) could jump into contention by winning out. Wootton has the best chance of doing that as it plays Magruder (3-4), Churchill (3-4), and Richard Montgomery. Whitman plays Sherwood in Week 10.
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4A South » In a topsy-turvy region, turned upside down by forfeits to Eleanor Roosevelt and Flowers, Suitland (7-0) is a lock and Parkdale (6-1) is in the No. 2 slot. Oxon Hill (5-2) and Bowie (5-2) are in the next two slots, but have tough schedules coming in. Bladensburg (4-3), Flowers (4-3), and Wise (4-3) are waiting for the leaders to fall.
3A West » Kennedy (5-2) went a long way toward earning a playoff slot with Friday’s 43-21 win over Seneca Valley (6-1). With wins over Northwood (3-4), Blair (0-9), and Wheaton (0-9), Kennedy will likely clinch a slot, but nothing is given in a region which could have five teams finish at 8-2 to better. Frederick (6-1) is a strong bet to secure a slot. Damascus (6-1), Seneca Valley (6-1), and Paint Branch (5-2) are in the mix. Damascus plays Seneca Friday. Paint Branch plays Damascus in Week 10.
3A South » Friendly (7-0) and Westlake (7-0) appear bound for the region title game. Largo (3-4) and Potomac (3-4) are in the No. 6 and No. 8 positions, but can’t be counted out.
2A West » In its second season of varsity football, Clarksburg (7-0) has already clinched a slot and can secure the No. 1 seed with a win Friday at Einstein (2-5). Rockville (3-3) and Northwood (3-4) are among six teams fighting for the other three berths.
2A South » In a highly-competitive region that includes Patuxent (7-0) and River Hill (7-0), perennial playoff teams Gwynn Park (5-2) and Douglass (4-3), currently No. 4 and No. 6, have lots of work to do to clinch slots.
1A South » Surrattsville (6-1) is a lock. Forestville (2-4) will have to win out and get help.
