By Damon D. Anderson, Senior High School Football Analyst
Another summer week is behind us, and with it, another step closer to the return of high school football in Maryland. As the temperature sizzles and camp visits are in high gear, coaches across the state are already scheming, players are grinding, and programs are plotting their climb. Today, we turn our attention to the 4A/3A classification, a class that’s often overlooked in the shadow of 4A’s giants and 3A’s traditionals, but one that still contains intrigue, storylines, and real playoff potential.
There are seven Montgomery County teams in 4A/3A, two tucked into the West region and five down south. Some have pedigree, others are rebuilding, and at least one has a real shot to make a run. Let’s break it down region by region:
4A/3A West: Waiting for a Breakout
Magruder
Head Coach: Ray Fowle (12th season)
2024 Record: 5-6
Key Game: Week 2 vs. Clarksburg
Record Prediction: 4-5
If consistency is a virtue, then Magruder is a model citizen. The Colonels have settled comfortably into their role: feisty, physical, and always good for 4-6 wins. Coach Fowle has turned Magruder into a tough out, but the ceiling remains capped until they uncover some top end talent.
This year’s team figures to be more of the same, solid against their peers, overmatched against the elites. Sherwood, Blake, and Damascus are probably out of reach, but a middle-tier slate offers a chance to secure another playoff berth. They won’t sneak up on anyone, but they won’t go quietly either.
Wootton
Head Coach: Patrick Bernardo (1st season)
2024 Record: 6-6
Key Game: Week 1 @ Rockville
Record Prediction: 2-7
The coaching carousel turned abruptly in Rockville as Coach Hicks stepped away, and with him went the Patriots’ biggest weapons, QB Hunter Humphries and WR Bryan Ngouzo, who are now at Churchill. In steps alum Patrick Bernardo, full of energy and with a collegiate coaching résumé, but this first year looks like a reset more than a continuation.
There’s still pride in this program, and the hope is to lay foundational bricks. But a brutal schedule and depleted roster means wins may be few and far between. Patience will be key in Year 1.
The Field (West Region Outlook)
Frederick County’s usual suspects, Frederick, Urbana, TJ, and Tuscarora, bring tradition, though recent results have been mixed. Frederick is capable of a deep run if they catch fire, while Urbana is usually a step behind but still formidable. South Hagerstown rarely threatens, and Marriotts Ridge (Howard County) may be the region’s true sleeper after a solid 2024.
The West was down last year, and it may be again. Expect parity more than power. Sherwood and Blake aren’t lurking here, meaning Magruder or even Wootton could sneak into a favorable playoff matchup if the seeding gods smile.
4A/3A South: MoCo’s Best Hope Lies Here
Sherwood
Head Coach: Pat Cilento (3rd season, 5th overall)
2024 Record: 10-3
Key Game: Week 4 vs. Blake
Record Prediction: 7-2
Sherwood has the look of a regional favorite. After a breakout 2024, the Warriors return rising junior QB Matthew Larsen, All-County D-lineman Jefferson Serkfem, and Northwest bounce back Jaylen Mahoney, forming one of MoCo’s nastiest defensive fronts. The challenge will be rebuilding chemistry around them, especially on offense, where Sherwood loses nearly all of its skill production.
Still, if they hit their stride by October, Sherwood could be dangerous. A manageable schedule means they’ll enter the postseason battle-tested but not worn out. They’ve got enough pedigree and returning firepower to carry MoCo’s 4A/3A flag deep into November.
Whitman
Head Coach: Sean Pierce (4th season)
2024 Record: 6-5
Key Game: Week 2 vs. Blake
Record Prediction: 6-3
If you’re betting on a breakout, look no further than the Vikings. After years in the basement, Whitman finally has traction. Senior RB Dylan Byrd returns as the focal point, and a physically tough defense is now accompanied by meaningful depth.
The key? Win a rivalry game. BCC, Churchill, WJ, beat just one and Whitman earns its respect. They came close against Blake last season, and they’ll get another crack in Week 2. If the pass game develops and the lines hold up, Whitman could be the biggest surprise in MoCo.
Springbrook
Head Coach: Akiel Russell (3rd season)
2024 Record: 5-5
Key Game: Week 5 @ Whitman
Record Prediction: 5-4
Don’t overlook Springbrook. Coach Russell has breathed life into a program that had been dormant for a decade. The Blue Devils are big, physical, and hungry. Capable of bullying lesser opponents and eyeing an upset or two if the breaks go their way.
With a soft opening schedule and plenty of returning contributors, they’ll be gunning for another winning season. They may not scare the elites, but they’re a serious playoff team in this class.
Einstein
Head Coach: Tracey Martin (2nd season)
2024 Record: 3-7
Key Game: Week 1 @ Springbrook
Record Prediction: 4-5
Einstein’s record doesn’t tell the full story. The Titans were outgunned last year, yes, but they showed moments of fight. Now, with a more navigable schedule and a second year under Coach Martin, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
If they can control games against the bottom of the division, they’ll be in the playoff hunt. But their ability to rise above the lower tier remains an open question.
Kennedy
Head Coach: Jacquis McCray (3rd season)
2024 Record: 1-9
Key Game: Week 3 vs. Watkins Mill
Record Prediction: 2-7
Kennedy remains in developmental mode, but Coach McCray is planting seeds. There’s chatter around the program about a talented young QB and some skill players to watch. The challenge will be turning flashes into full games.
Another step forward is the goal, climb the standings, stay competitive, and maybe pull an upset. Anything more than two wins would be a significant leap forward.
The Field (South Region Outlook):
Oxon Hill and Potomac (PG) are the outsiders here, but they’re anything but afterthoughts. Both have had strong stretches in the last decade and likely enter as slight favorites against most MoCo squads not named Sherwood.
Sherwood remains the best hope for a deep run, while Whitman and Springbrook could find themselves fighting for home playoff games. The bottom half, Einstein and Kennedy, will need to take advantage of weak schedules to stay relevant. The good news? There’s no powerhouse team to knock you out early. The door is open, someone just needs to step through it.
Final Word: Who Can Make a Run?
This year’s 4A/3A MoCo field may not have a QO-level juggernaut, but there’s depth, intrigue, and maybe one sleeping giant. Sherwood looks primed for another strong season. Whitman could emerge from the shadows. Springbrook is steady. Magruder is dependable. And if the rest can steal a win here or there, the playoffs could feature plenty of familiar faces.
The margin between 5-4 and 3-6 is razor-thin in this class. Every possession, every rep, every week will count. August will be here soon, and so will the answers.
