We are about three weeks away from the first sounds of formal workouts and the end of our preseason coverage of Montgomery County. Today, we focus on the final five programs that are still awaiting their turn; four are in Poolesville and the redesigned 3A West, and the fifth is flying solo in 2A. In actuality, instability, inconsistency, and introspection are disproportionately present in this group. 2025 is seen by some as a fresh start. For others, it’s simply about surviving.
3A WEST
Josh Klotz, head coach (5th season)2024 Record: 7–4.Key Match: Westminster versus. Week 6Forecasted Score: 6-3
In Damascus, discussing a “reset year” seems odd. The Hornets, meanwhile, are the only enduring challenger who seems like they’re venturing into unfamiliar territory. The current squad is essentially a blank slate, despite the fact that this program is just a few seasons away from dominating 3A and even further away from its pre-2019 dominance. This is a transitional year due to significant departures, a few difficult moves, and a 2025 class that never really showed its mettle. However, that might be precisely what this application requires.
Although there isn’t a clear star in the making, early reports indicate that involvement has increased. In a time when roster attrition is killing programs all over the state, that in and of itself is encouraging. As he begins his fifth season, coach Klotz has the chance to develop fresh leadership, reshape the Hornets’ identity, and possibly regain the competitive edge that has been lacking in recent defeats.
Regardless of the final record, the program might be headed in the right path if they play tough and with heart, if they lose close rather than giving up too soon. When Westminster arrives in town in Week 6, we’ll know more.
Obadele Brown, head coach (4th season)2024 Score: 1–9 (forfeit victory)Week 8 at Centennial is the key game. The projected record is 1–8.
The tale isn’t always about football. The Northwood program is experiencing a profound crisis of identity that extends well beyond Friday night activities. It’s terrible that the new Woodward campus lacks functional sports facilities. Since 2021, Northwood has failed to win a game on the pitch, and the decline has been unavoidable.
They still fight, though. Even though the product on the field hasn’t improved yet, that speaks volumes about this team’s perseverance. The Gladiators will once more rely on schedule relief this autumn in an attempt to put an end to the drought; while Pikesville and Centennial are theoretically beatable, in reality, even that is far from certain. Nevertheless, any victory would be a positive step. For now, their greatest achievement may be simply fielding a team every week.
Alimamy Kallay, head coach (2nd season)2024 Score: 6-4Key Match: Damascus vs. Week 5Forecasted Score: 5–4
In this group, the Rams are the only MoCo team that seems to be working. Under first-year head coach Alimamy Kallay, Rockville won six games the previous season. Although they lost star quarterback Nicky Holloway, Kobe Johnson, a transfer from Springbrook, could help keep the offense running.
Although they probably won’t be world-beaters, this team is capable, agile, and in a good position to defeat the teams they should. They will be put to the test by the games against Damascus, Sherwood, and Seneca Valley, but the Rams should easily earn another postseason berth. They are still among the top middle class programs in MoCo, but it’s unclear if they will be able to make an impact in November.
Chad Wilson is the third-season head coach.2024 Record: 0–10Week 3 at Kennedy is the key game.Record Projected: 1–8
There are still Wolverines in the wild. Watkins Mill used to be able to beat anybody in MoCo, but that was not so long ago. However, those times now seem like a fever dream. Depth is a major problem; the JV squad didn’t win a game last autumn, and the program hasn’t won in the last two years.
There are several causes for the waning optimism. Seniors who have played a lot of snaps, quarterback Jeremiah Sparkman and running back Kayon Prather, are hoped to at least keep the Wolverines in games. However, internal momentum and surrounding talent continue to be significant obstacles. Watkins Mill is making an effort to turn things around, but it’s difficult to see any sort of comeback until they begin to win a lot of games against schools like Kennedy and Northwood.
2A WEST
Head Coach: Third Season Brian Tupa2024 Record: 1–8Crucial Match: Week 3 against WheatonRecord Projected: 3-6
Poolesville, a small, remote public school with little football history and even less recent success, is now well aware of who they are. Nevertheless, following a 2023 season in which they were physically outmatched in the majority of games, the Falcons have made a sincere attempt to schedule more realistically. The Middletowns and Walkersvilles have vanished, replaced by defeatable county rivals.
Of the lower-tier clubs, Poolesville may have the best chance of making noticeable advancement this autumn. It would be a huge mental lift to have a couple victories, particularly against programs like Wheaton or Kennedy. Any other information would be helpful.
However, they are not helped by the regional setup. They re surrounded by established Howard County powers like Oakland Mills, Glenelg, and River Hill. Even if the Falcons get to 3-6, it s hard to imagine them surviving long past Week 10.
Regional Outlook
3A West:Linganore and Oakdale are again your likely finalists. Frederick County dominance isn t new, and until a MoCo team proves otherwise, the top of the bracket runs through Route 144. Damascus will have a shot to change that narrative especially with Oakdale on the regular-season schedule but it s a tall ask. Rockville might win a few games. Northwood and Watkins Mill? Not built for this fight.
2A West:Poolesville s region isbrutal. Oakland Mills is a buzzsaw, Howard is well-coached, and Glenelg still has enough meat on the lines to grind out playoff wins. Unless something dramatically changes, the Falcons aren t escaping the first round.
Final Thoughts:
As we close the book on this year s preseason previews, it s hard not to reflect on the widening chasm between Montgomery County s top-tier programs and its stragglers. There s undeniable talent across the area, but it s more isolated than ever. Cultural investment, coaching stability, and school support remain the dividing lines, and many of these final five are still trying to find their footing on all three fronts.
But practice begins soon. And in this game, everyone starts even. The question is, who can make the most of it?
