Welcome to the Montgomery County weekly sports roundup. My name is Danielle Allentuck, and I’m excited to share what’s happening in local sports this week. Emphasizing our commitment to the community, this roundup highlights significant games, events, and athletes originating from Montgomery County. As we delve into this week’s sports slate, I invite you to share any local stories or athletes you’d like us to cover. Email me at danielle.allentuck@thebanner.com.
High School Football: The Showdown at Quince Orchard
This Friday night, the spotlight will shine on two elite high school football programs as the Sherwood Warriors (5-0) travel to face the Quince Orchard Cougars (5-0) at 6:30 p.m. Both teams are reigning division champions, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the season.
Sherwood has displayed dominance throughout the season, winning five games by an overwhelming total score of 186-19, including three shutouts. Their defense has been a brick wall, making it nearly impossible for opponents to penetrate. On the other hand, Quince Orchard flaunts a talented roster led by quarterback Will Drakeford. With the Cougars’ strong defensive line, they will need to rise to the occasion against Sherwood’s formidable ground game.
As Quince Orchard’s head coach John Kelley expressed, games between undefeated teams elevate the intensity for players and coaches alike. “It’s not often that you get teams that are both 5-0 playing each other,” he noted. “It’s a great opportunity for us to focus on self-improvement and perform well on Friday.”
High School Flag Football: Seneca Valley at Clarksburg
In addition to the highly anticipated football game, Wednesday also marks an essential matchup in high school flag football, featuring Clarksburg hosting Seneca Valley at 4:30 p.m. Clarksburg, under the leadership of returning star Aysia Jones-Robinson, has remained undefeated following last year’s impressive championship run, when they claimed the state title at M&T Bank Stadium.
As a powerhouse in this rising sport, Clarksburg aims to maintain momentum heading into the postseason, with this matchup serving as one of their final preparations. With Seneca Valley’s 4-3 record, they aim to disrupt Clarksburg’s undefeated streak, adding stakes to what already promises to be a thrilling encounter.
NFL: Montgomery County Stars Electrify the League
As we look to the professional level, Sunday’s clash between the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. features several local stars from Montgomery County. The Patriots boast Gaithersburg’s own Stefon Diggs and Rockville’s Mack Hollins, both contributing significantly to the team’s offensive strategies.
Diggs, a product of Good Counsel High School and the University of Maryland, has shown remarkable depth as a receiver. His ability to make critical catches has made him invaluable to his team. Meanwhile, Hollins is capitalizing on his opportunities to make strides within the Patriots’ offensive setup.
On the opposing side, Saints’ defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who hails from Damascus, adds local flair to the New Orleans lineup. Bresee has been making headlines following a key fourth-quarter forced fumble that contributed to the Saints’ first win of the season last week.
AHL Hockey: Patrick Giles Takes the Ice
Turning our focus to the ice, Patrick Giles is set to make an impact in the American Hockey League (AHL) as the season kicks off this weekend. The Chevy Chase native and Landon School alum will suit up for the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, in their first game against Bakersfield on Saturday at 9 p.m. EST.
Giles made his NHL debut last season, where he played 17 games for both the Florida Panthers and the Sharks. He scored one goal, showcasing his potential on a larger stage. As the AHL season begins, Giles will be looking to build on that experience and make an impression in his ongoing career.
Mountain Biking: MoCo Epic Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary
For those looking for a more adventurous weekend, the MoCo Epic mountain biking race is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Scheduled for Saturday, the event caters to riders of various skill levels, offering clinics, family rides, and a community dinner. The races, covering distances from 10 to 100 miles, and including adaptive options, begin on Sunday at 8 a.m.
Not only does this event provide a fantastic opportunity for local cyclists to compete and connect with the community, but proceeds from the rides are reinvested into the upkeep and creation of local trails, promoting environmental sustainability and outdoor activity.
Engaging with the Community
As we kick off another exciting week of sports in Montgomery County, it’s crucial to foster a strong connection between the community and its athletes. High school games, professional players, and community events all serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent and enthusiasm that extends throughout the area.
I encourage you to reach out with suggestions for athletes and events to be featured in future roundups. Sharing your thoughts can help spotlight more local talent and stories worth telling in Montgomery County sports.
In summary, whether you’re a fan of high school football, flag football, professional NFL action, AHL hockey, or mountain biking, there’s plenty to support this week in Montgomery County. Let’s rally together to elevate and celebrate our athletes and events as they showcase their skills and dedication on local, national, and international stages. Looking forward to witnessing the excitement unfold!
