A 2025 Montgomery County Football Preseason Primer: The Wait Is Nearly OverBy High School Football Analyst Damon D. Anderson
We are almost past the dark days. Footballs are beginning to fly through the humid summer air, the pads are emerging from the storage bins, and the sun is lowering a bit early. Conditioning and scrimmages will follow shortly, and before you know it, September 5th will arrive, bringing with it the spectacular return of MoCo football.
The plots in Montgomery County are gradually coming to life on their own. The off-season has been quite quiet. Because there are only two head coaching changes in the entire county, continuity is maintained, which is exactly what many programs need. A few are focusing on the peak state title or nothing, while some are trying to rebuild and others are aiming for the playoffs.
Naturally, the Quince Orchard Cougars won that summit last December, giving MoCo its 55th state championship. The bullseye is right on their back as usual. However, more teams are aiming for success in 2025. A change in mindset is beginning to emerge: some candidates schedule formidable opponents from outside the county to hone their skills, while others aim for victories and prestige against similarly rehabilitating programs. Even though the postseason picture may be unclear, every game counts, and as early as Week 1, the foundation for November will begin to take shape.
We’re touring the county region by region this month, beginning with the flagship division, 4A West. This area has long been QO’s territory and is home to the current state champs. 13 years in a row as the top seed. A dynastic hold. But the field is exploding with ambition beneath the Cougars’ shadow. Is it possible to compel a shakeup? Let’s examine each program in alphabetical order.
Churchill Bulldogs
Joe Rydzewski, head coach (6th season) 2024 Record: 6-5
As 2025 approaches, the question is: Is Churchill prepared to transition from a courageous upstart to a permanent member of the county’s Elite 6? There is a huge void left by the departure of quarterback Vasi Hallas, who contributed around 75% of the Bulldogs’ 2024 offense. However, a transfer may have brought assistance: Wootton’s junior QBHunter Humphries boasts big-game experience and a live arm. The return of RB Noah Zheng (5.6 yards per run) will provide him with help and balance.
However, the cupboard isn’t completely stocked both defensively and outside. We’ll have to come up with new names. A poor start is likely because there aren’t many gimme games scheduled, but don’t anticipate this staff to freak out. They have demonstrated their ability to make things better.
Week 3 Key Game: Walter JohnsonForecast: 6-3
Clarksburg Coyotes
Head Coach: Brandon Martin (2024) for the second season Record: 4-6
Quietly, Clarksburg is on the rise. The Coyotes have a new swagger on the field a year after Coach Martin started the turnaround. Although some important seniors are gone, the program has depth for the first time in a long time because to their 2025 roster, which consists of a combination of skilled call-ups from a promising JV team and seasoned returners.
Only Sherwood and QO seem to be out of reach, but the schedule is workable. The excitement will build quickly if they can steal a victory from Damascus or Seneca Valley. Once more, this team is on the verge of being irrelevant.
Key Match: Seneca Valley vs. Week 1Forecast: 5–4
Gaithersburg Trojans
Shawn Prather is the third-season head coach.2024 Record: 3–7
Gaithersburg has not fared well in the years following Gideon Ituka. In the absence of its previous workhorse, the offense has had difficulty defining its identity. However, the components for a reconstruction are in place. Last year’s JV team showed some promise, and Coach Prather is starting his third year.
There are opportunities to stack wins elsewhere, but QO and Northwest feel like uphill battles on the schedule. The Trojans might return to postseason contention if they can score points on a regular basis.
Week 7 Key Game: Richard MontgomeryForecast: 4-5
Walter Johnson Wildcats
Aaron Fiddler is the head coach for the third season.2024 Record: 5–6
One of the biggest tales of MoCo football in the 2020s has been the ascent of WJ. However, as success increases, so do expectations and rapidly catching up rivals. The Wildcats struggled in 2024 after setting a record in 2023, and 2025 seems to be a make-or-break year for their standing in the top division.
Perhaps the best signal-caller in the county, quarterback Jake Forburger is a true talent. But he’ll need assistance. WJ needs to get back on track in the trenches and on defense if they want to advance. If things don’t work out, this squad has a high ceiling but a low floor.
Crucial Match: Week 3 against ChurchillForecast: 5–4
Richard Montgomery Rockets
Nicholas Coates, head coach, third season, 2024 Record: 2–8
The days of RM being a reliable playoff threat are long gone. The Rockets are still attempting to establish themselves in a competitive area under Coach Coates. They have a chance to stay because of their division alignment and accommodating schedule.500, but there are still a lot of unanswered issues about this club on both sides of the ball.
Talent is being developed, and there is a chance to play spoiler and steal some victories. However, it appears like RM is now rebuilding more than reloading.
Week 4 at Clarksburg is the key game.Forecast: 3-6
Northwest Jaguars
Head Coach: David Riggio (first season, interim)2024 Record: 9-3
Bucky Clipper’s abrupt departure has caused a hiccup for a program that was already undergoing change. Don’t discount the Jags, though. The coaching staff remains largely intact, and the new interim head coach,David Riggio, is a young, energetic alum with something to prove.
QBJayden Vongprachanh-Nelsonreturns and will be the centerpiece. The skill talent is always there at Northwest, and their mentality us against the world is more than just talk. Expect a team that plays fast, plays angry, and plays to win. Even in flux, the Jags are a problem.
Key Game:Week 4 vs. Paint BranchForecast: 7-2
Quince Orchard Cougars
Head Coach:John Kelley (12th season)2024 Score: 13-0
The dynasty rolls on. The Iverson Howard era may be over, but the standards in Gaithersburg haven t changed. QO will again field one of the deepest, most physical, and most disciplined teams in the state.
All eyes are on transfer QBWill Drakefordto steer the ship offensively, but it s the defense that will dictate how far this team goes early on. With a loaded D-line and playmakers in the secondary likeRico Jackson, this unit might be the best in the Kelley era.
The goal is clear: win a fourth title in five years and cement the dynasty. Anything less will feel like failure.
Key Game:Week 3 vs. Stone Bridge (VA)Prediction:8-1
Seneca Valley Screaming Eagles
Head Coach:Quinton Cosby (3rd season)2024 Record:7-4
Seneca Valley remains a puzzle. They ve shown flashes of returning to prominence, but every time they seem poised to take that next step, something stalls. Talent tends to leak to Northwest, and that has hampered depth.
Still, this is a proud program with tradition, and Coach Cosby has them competing. The schedule isn t easy, but they ve pulled off surprises before. If things break right, SV could find themselves in the thick of things come playoff time.
Key Game:Week 5 @ Walter JohnsonPrediction:6-3
Final Thought
The winds of change may be gentle, but they re blowing through MoCo. QO remains the measuring stick, but the middle of the pack is swelling with contenders. The 4A West feels deeper than it s been in a while, and while the Cougars sit on the throne, the rest are sharpening swords.
One month out, the picture is fuzzy but not for long. The pads will start popping soon. And when they do, every team in the county has the same chance: one Friday night at a time.
Next week: We shift our spotlight north and take a look at the 4A North region, where Paint Branch, Blake, Blair and company are making noise of their own.
