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2023 DMV Top Non-Conference Match-Ups

The border battle between Maryland and Virginia has been heating up in the past few years as fans on both sides of the Potomac eagerly anticipate these exciting games.

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Get ready for some intense high school football action as teams from Virginia and Maryland go head-to-head in non-conference matchups. The border battle between these two states is heating up, and fans on both sides of the Potomac eagerly anticipate these exciting games. Here are the non-conference games you want to take advantage of, brought to you by Sports Plug 757.

Game #1 – Maury (VA) versus Highland Springs (VA)

Friday: 9/8/2023 | Location: @ Maury HS, Norfolk, VA

Maury High School from Norfolk, Virginia, will face off against Highland Springs from Richmond, Virginia, in the first non-conference game of the season. This highly anticipated rematch between the two 5A powerhouse programs comes after Highland Springs defeated Maury in the 5A State Championship. Expect an exciting game between these two teams.

Key Players to Watch

  • Four Star (DL) Ari Watford (Maury): Ranked 1st in VA, Ranked 3rd at position in 2025 Class by 247 Sports.
  • Four Star (S) Kendall Daniels Jr. (Maury): Ranked 7th in VA, Ranked 18th at position in 2025 Class by 247 Sports.
  •  Three Star (WR) DaVontae Floyd (Maury): Duke Commit | Ranked 36th in VA by 247 Sports
  • Three Star (SS) Jaden Ratliff (Maury):  Recent Transfer from I.C. Norcom
  • Three Star (QB) Khristian Martin (Highland Springs): Maryland Commit | Ranked 35th in VA, Ranked 69th at position in Nation by 247 Sports
  • Three Star (ATH) Noah Jenkins (Highland Springs): Virginia Tech Commit | Ranked 24th in VA

Game #2 – Freedom (VA) versus Dematha Catholic (MD)

Friday: 9/8/2023 | Location: @ Freedom HS, Woodbridge, VA

Freedom High School from Woodbridge, Virginia, is set to compete against the Maryland Juggernaut Dematha Catholic from Hyattsville. This highly anticipated two-game series features two formidable teams, with Freedom High School currently holding the top spot in Virginia’s rankings. Meanwhile, Dematha is ranked 56th in the Nation and an impressive 3rd in Maryland. Stay tuned for an exciting display of talent and competition between these two teams.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (DL) Emmett Laws (DeMatha): Virginia Tech Commit | Ranked 24th in MD, Ranked 72nd at position in the Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (OL) Mason Lindsay (DeMatha): Pittsburg Commit | Ranked 33rd in MD, Ranked 93rd at position in the Nation by 247 Sports.
  •  Three Star (OL) Terez Davis (DeMatha): Virginia Tech Commit | Ranked 34th in MD, Ranked 97th at position in the Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (ATH) Kameron Courtney (Freedom): Indiana Commit | Ranked 21st in VA by 247 Sports.
  • (QB) Tristan Evans-Trujillo (Freedom): In a remarkable season, he achieved a new state record of 61 touchdown passes. His accuracy was exceptional, with a completion rate of nearly 70% on his passes. Combining his passing and rushing efforts, he amassed 3,563 passing yards and 74 touchdowns.

Game #3 – Oscar Smith (VA) versus Phoebus (VA)

Friday: 9/1/2023 | Location: Oscar Smith HS, Chesapeake, VA

The series to break the tie is Rounding out 5A State Runner-Ups Oscar Smith Tigers facing off against 4A State Champions Phoebus Phantoms in a matchup that will have the State talking. Both teams have shut out both games, splitting the series 1-1. Expect passionate fan support and an electric atmosphere as these teams battle for 757 bragging rights.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (DL) Anthony Reddick (Phoebus): Maryland Commit | Ranked 19th in MD, Ranked 64th at position in the Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Two Star (DL) Taysean Stevenson (Phoebus): ODU Commit | Ranked 51st in VA by 247 Sports.
  • (DB) Richardo Underwood (Phoebus): Going into the season, Underwood is expected to be an impact player in the secondary.
  • (RB) Davion Roberts (Phoebus): Roberts’s bullish play will significantly influence the Phantom’s run game.
  • Three Star (DL) Jamauri Knox (Oscar Smith): 2x 6A State Champion, 3x 1st Team All-Region & 1st Team All-state Honors
  • (RB) Isaac Huffman (Oscar Smith): In the first game of the season against Hermitage, he had 18 carries for 104 yards and three TDs.
  • (RB) Transfer Brandon Nesbit Jr (Oscar Smith): In his first game as a Tiger, he had eight carries for 63 yards and a touchdown.
  • (DB) Jahmari Deloatch (Oscar Smith): Highly recruited FBS Athlete with tremendous upside.
  • (LB) Jerrod Wilson (Oscar Smith): Defensive Leader who is a constant disrupter.

Game #4 – Stone Bridge (VA) versus Quince Orchard (MD)

Friday: 9/14/2023 | Location: Quince Orchard HS, Gaithersburg, MD

The battle for the DMV can be summed up between two teams just outside the 495 beltway who are well-coached programs. The DMV area has been wanting for cross-state high school football battles. This game will not disappoint as Maryland powerhouse and back-to-back State Champions cross into Virginia.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (SS) Myles Turpin (Stone Bridge): Wake Forrest Commit | Ranked 34th in VA by 247 Sports.
  • (OG) Kadin Zlacki (Stone Bridge): Morgan St Commit | The 6’7 300lb Lineman has a 79”wingspan.
  • (WR) Na’eem Gladding (Stone Bridge): Recent Transfer from Christ The King Regional in Middle Village, NY
  • Three Star (DL) Xavier Gilliam | Recent Transfer from Wilde Lake | Penn State Commit | Ranked 19th in MD, Ranked 45th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (DL) Jaylen Harvey (Quince Orchard): Ranked 9th in MD, Ranked 29th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (DB) Shae Terry (Quince Orchard): Ranked 39th in MD by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (RB) Iverson Howard (Quince Orchard): Ranked 10th in MD by 247 Sports.

Game #5 – Varina (VA) versus Freedom (VA)

Friday: 8/31/2023 | Location: @ Varina HS, Richmond, VA

The Varina vs. Freedom matchup in the Richmond Area is an exciting game. Despite Varina’s young line and the graduation of QB Myles Derricott and TE/LB Kavion Keyes, their offense can still score points. On the other hand, Freedom enters the game as the top-ranked team in the State and is determined to defend their 6A State Championship title.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (WR) Eric Smith (Varina): Liberty Commit | Ranked 25th in VA by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (WR) Lamar Booker (Varina): Ranked 31st in VA by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (ATH) Kameron Courtney (Freedom): Indiana Commit | Ranked 21st in VA by 247 Sports.
  • (QB) Tristan Evans-Trujillo (Freedom): In a remarkable season, he achieved a new state record of 61 touchdown passes. His accuracy was exceptional, with a completion rate of nearly 70% on his passes. Combining his passing and rushing efforts, he amassed 3,563 passing yards and 74 touchdowns.

Game #6 – Salem (VA) versus Liberty Christian (VA) 

Friday: 8/25/2023 | Location: @ Salem HS, Salem, VA

Both teams display elite talent on both sides of the ball, with many players already locked in to play at Power 5 programs next year. This is a game about dominance in Virginia. This game will be heavily watched, with Life Christian Academy ranked 15th in the State and Salem at 25th.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Four Star (RB) Peyton Lewis (Salem): Tennessee Commit | Ranked 4th in VA, Ranked 11th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Four Star (LB) Chris Cole (Salem): Ranked 1st in VA, Ranked 6th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Four Star (LB) Jaylen Gilchrist (Salem): Ranked 2nd in VA, Ranked 1st at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Four Star (RB) Gideon Davidson (Life Christian Academy): Clemson Commit | Ranked 3rd in VA, Ranked 3rd at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (DL) Marcellus Nash (Life Christian Academy): JMU Commit | Ranked 33rd in VA by 247 Sports.

Game #7 – Miramar (FL) versus Highland Springs (VA)

Friday: 8/25/2023 | Location: @ Miramar HS, Miramar, FL

Kicking off the non-conference series, Highland Springs from Virginia squares off against Miramar from Florida. Both teams have a history of success and are eager to showcase their talent nationally.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (QB) Khristian Martin (Highland Springs): Maryland Commit | Ranked 35th in VA, Ranked 69th at position in Nation by 247 Sports
  • Three Star (ATH) Noah Jenkins (Highland Springs): Virginia Tech Commit | Ranked 24th in VA

Game #8 – Dinwiddie (VA) versus Maury (VA)

Friday: 9/15/2023 | Location: @ Dinwiddie HS, Dinwiddie, VA

This is a David and Goliath Match-up between 1A State Champs Dinwiddie Generals and 5A State Runner-Ups Maury Commanders. Both teams have a great chance of returning back to the Virginia State Championships.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • Three Star (ATH) Harry Dalton III (Dinwiddie): Ranked 12th in VA, Ranked 52nd at position in 2025 Class by 247 Sports | 1x State Champion
  • (LB) Se’Von McDowell (Dinwiddie): Coastal Carolina Commit | 1x State Champion
  • (RB) Raphael Tucker (Dinwiddie): All-Metro, All-State, All-Region Honors |1x State Champion
  • Four Star (DL) Ari Watford (Maury): Ranked 1st in VA, Ranked 3rd at position in 2025 Class by 247 Sports.
  • Four Star (S) Kendall Daniels Jr. (Maury): Ranked 7th in VA, Ranked 18th at position in 2025 Class by 247 Sports.
  •  Three Star (WR) DaVontae Floyd (Maury): Duke Commit | Ranked 36th in VA by 247 Sports
  • Three Star (SS) Jaden Ratliff (Maury):  Recent Transfer from I.C. Norcom

Game #9 – South County (VA) verse Quince Orchard (MD)

Friday: 9/2/2023 | Location: @ South County HS, Lorton, VA

For the second time, Quince Orchard will play their non-conference game in Virginia, facing off against South County, just outside the Beltway. South County’s QB Jordan Dennis has put up over 5,500 passing yards and 66 touchdowns in two seasons. Quince Orchard’s secondary will be challenged.

Key Players to Watch

While these games feature talented rosters on both sides, a few players stand out as ones to keep an eye on:

  • (QB) Jordan Dennis (South County): The All-District Honors and 6A State Runner-Up with 25 TD, 1905 Yds, 211 Yds/game.
  • (LB) Evan Song (South County): All-District and 6A State Runner-Up
  • Three Star (DL) Xavier Gilliam | Recent Transfer from Wilde Lake | Penn State Commit | Ranked 19th in MD, Ranked 45th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (DL) Jaylen Harvey (Quince Orchard): Ranked 9th in MD, Ranked 29th at his position in Nation by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (DB) Shae Terry (Quince Orchard): Ranked 39th in MD by 247 Sports.
  • Three Star (RB) Iverson Howard (Quince Orchard): Ranked 10th in MD by 247 Sports.

A Regional Rivalry Renewed

The Virginia vs. Maryland non-conference matchups are not only about football; they’re about tradition, pride, and the chance to prove regional superiority. These games often preview the talent and determination that both states bring to the field, only highlighting the strength of the DMV. Whether you’re cheering for Virginia or Maryland, one thing’s sure: these non-conference battles will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final whistle.

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