Top Games Maryland Fans Are Waiting to See — WHO YOU GOT?

Maryland — Despite not being viewed as a traditional football blue-blood state, Maryland has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to make major impacts at the next level and beyond. For a state of its size, it ranks among the strongest per-capita producers of FBS athletes and high-level football talent, with several schools nationally ranked inside the top 500.

From the powerhouse programs to the battle-tested contenders in the MIAA and MPSSAA, these matchups are loaded with storylines that real fans live for. Whether it’s tradition, elite coaching, or future college stars, these are the games that matter.

McDonogh School vs Mount St. Joseph (MIAA-A)

This matchup still carries real weight. Mount St. Joseph is always just one strong recruiting class away from jumping back into serious contention, while McDonogh continues to show why it remains a consistent Top 3 program in the MIAA-A. In a conference this competitive, momentum can shift fast, and games can flip from one season to the next.

Don’t let last year’s score fool you; this is still a real matchup that Maryland football fans pay attention to.

Both McDonogh School and Mount St. Joseph have secured several high-major athletic commitments:

McDonogh School 

• Nick Abrams II (LB): A 4-star McDonogh linebacker and one of the state’s highest-rated recruits, signing to the University of Georgia.
• Joseph Buchanan (DL): A highly touted 4-star McDonogh defensive lineman signed to Virginia Tech.

Mount St. Joseph

• Xavier Myers (DB/ATH): A standout football prospect who signed with Boston College.
• Carlos Shird (DL): A highly ranked defensive lineman who signed with Kent State University.

 

John Carroll vs Boys Latin (MIAA-B)

This is a true MIAA-B battle between two competitive private school programs that consistently contend for playoff positioning. Both bring disciplined coaching, balanced rosters, and the development of college-level talent, making this a gritty, physical matchup.

John Carroll’s identity is built on its ground game, highlighted by producing standout back Roman Hemby, a former Maryland Terrapins football commit who later transferred to the Indiana Hoosiers and was part of a national championship run, and is a 2026 NFL Draft Prospect.

Meanwhile, Boys’ Latin counters with efficiency and big-play ability, which is why this matchup is always tougher than it looks.

John Carroll has a major athletic commitment:

• Sean Tatum (OL): A high-profile 6’4″, 320-pound interior offensive lineman who officially signed to the University of Miami over Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn.

 

Churchill vs CH Flowers (4A CLASS)

This matchup brings together two very different football identities in Maryland 4A. Charles Herbert Flowers High School (commonly known as CH Flowers) consistently represents Prince George’s County’s speed and athleticism, while Winston Churchill High School represents Montgomery County’s discipline and structure. Even though these programs don’t meet every year, this is the type of matchup fans want because it’s style vs style.

CH Flowers has a major athletic commitment:

Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical vs North Point (4A/3A CLASS)

This matchup features a clash of styles between Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School football (Mervo) and North Point High School football. Mervo brings speed, athleticism, and explosive playmakers capable of changing the game quickly, while North Point relies on physicality, discipline, and a strong run game to control tempo.

The key will be pace; if North Point slows it down, they gain the edge. If Mervo turns it into a fast, high-energy game, their athletes can take over.

This is a true swing matchup that can go either way depending on who controls the flow.

Both Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical and North Point have secured several high-major athletic commitments:

North Point

• Jordan Taylor (CB): An elite cornerback who officially signed with the University of Maryland. He joins an elite 2026 class of hometown stars looking to stay at home and build.
• Jacob Tuiasosopo (DL): While part of an earlier cycle, Tuiasosopo has established himself as a dominant defensive lineman at North Point, leaving with a State Championship Title. He officially signed with the University of Maine.

Mervo-Tech 

• Brian Guerrero (DE): After transferring from Edgewood HS, Guerrero transferred to Mervo and became a Top 5 pass rusher and State Champion with 17.5 sacks. He officially committed and signed with Merrimack College. 

Great Mills vs Old Mill (4A/3A CLASS)

• Malachi Harris (ATH): A versatile standout who has officially signed with Old Dominion University

Milford Mill vs Linganore (3A CLASS)

This matchup features a strong contrast between Milford Mill Academy’s speed and explosive playmaking and Linganore High School’s disciplined, balanced approach.

Milford Mill relies on athleticism and big plays to quickly swing momentum, often turning games into fast-paced scoring battles. Linganore, on the other hand, focuses on execution, physical line play, and controlling the tempo to wear teams down over four quarters.  The difference comes down to pace; if the game speeds up, Milford Mill has the edge. If it slows down and becomes more structured, Linganore is in control.

This is a high-level matchup where explosiveness meets discipline, making it one of those games that can go either way depending on who dictates the flow.

• Damon Ferguson Jr. (RB/CB): One of the top-ranked prospects in Maryland for 2026, he secured major offers from multiple Power 4 schools, including Maryland, but signed with the University of Pittsburgh.
• Koby Sarkodie (S): A standout defensive back who has garnered significant national attention, ultimately signing with North Carolina State.
• Ky’ree Murphy (CB), a transfer from St. Frances Academy, made a big impact at Milford Mill. He ultimately signed with Wofford.
• Tj Turner (WR/DB): Turner signed with Towson University.
• Jordan Ford (DB): Officially signed with UAlbany Football, rounding out the dynamic class of defensive backs at Milford.

Oakdale vs South River (3ACLASS)

Guilford Park vs Edgewood (3A CLASS)

This matchup features two rising Maryland programs looking to build consistency. Guilford Park High School football brings speed and playmaking, while Edgewood High School football relies on athleticism, physicality, and speed.

Guilford Park looks to create big plays and momentum, while Edgewood aims to control the game with steady execution and momentum swings. It comes down to explosiveness vs consistency; whoever controls the ball and flow going into the 4th quarter takes the edge.  A competitive matchup with both big hits, excitement, and teams that have a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove themselves.

St. Charles vs Westminster (3A CLASS)

This matchup features two competitive Maryland programs with different approaches to the game. St. Charles High School football brings athleticism and offensive playmaking, while Westminster High School football relies on discipline, physicality, and structured execution.

St. Charles looks to push the pace and create big plays, using speed to generate momentum. Westminster, on the other hand, prefers a more controlled, physical game, focusing on limiting mistakes and wearing teams down. The key is tempo; fast favors St. Charles, while a slower, grind-it-out game favors Westminster.

This is a balanced matchup where execution and consistency will determine the outcome.

Westminster has several major athletic commitments:

Westminster

• Kise Flannery (QB): A high-IQ signal caller heading to Harvard, Flannery is recognized for his pocket presence and academic excellence, fitting the mold of a classic Harvard quarterback.
• Marc Antunes & Mac Fitzgerald: This duo is staying together at Boston College will be special. Antunes brings physicality as a versatile FB/LB hybrid, while Fitzgerald provides a shutdown presence in the secondary as a defensive back.
• Isaiah Simmons: A dynamic athlete known for his versatility, Simmons project as an explosive playmaker for UMass Minutemen’s offense or special teams units.
• Seamus Henry: Another Ivy League pledge, Henry joins the Brown University program, likely as a disciplined defensive anchor known for his technique and intelligence on the field.
• Jayden Martinez: Martinez brings a high motor and physical style of play to the University of Miami (OH).
• Orion Fernandez: Fernandez has secured his future at the FCS level with the Stonehill, where his consistency and leadership in the Westminster huddle are expected to translate well to the Northeast Conference.

Huntingtown vs Wicomico (2A CLASS)

This matchup features two strong Maryland programs with playoff experience and contrasting styles. Huntingtown High School football brings discipline, balance, and physical execution, while Wicomico High School football relies on speed, athleticism, and big-play potential.

Huntingtown looks to control the tempo and wear teams down with a steady, structured approach, while Wicomico aims to create momentum with explosive plays and quick scoring drives. The key comes down to pace; if Huntingtown slows it down, they gain the edge. If Wicomico speeds it up, their playmakers can take over.

This is a competitive, playoff-type matchup where execution vs explosiveness will decide the outcome.

Oakland Mills vs Glenelg (2A CLASS)

This matchup features two competitive Howard County programs with contrasting styles. Oakland Mills High School football brings speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability, while Glenelg High School football relies on discipline, structure, and balanced execution.

Oakland Mills looks to create big plays and build momentum quickly, using its athletes to open up the game. Glenelg, on the other hand, aims to control tempo with consistency and physical play, limiting mistakes and wearing teams down. The key is tempo; if the game speeds up, Oakland Mills has the edge. If it slows down and becomes more controlled, Glenelg takes control.

This is a well-matched local battle where execution vs explosiveness will decide the outcome.

Calvert vs Dunbar (2A/1A CLASS)

This matchup brings together two very different Maryland football identities. Calvert High School football relies on discipline, structure, and physical play, while Paul Laurence Dunbar High School football is known for elite athleticism, speed, and big-play ability.

Calvert looks to control the game with execution and a balanced approach, trying to slow things down and limit mistakes. Dunbar, on the other hand, thrives on explosive plays and momentum, capable of changing the game quickly with its athletes. The key is tempo; if Calvert turns it into a controlled, physical game, they gain the edge. If Dunbar opens it up, their speed can take over.

This is a classic discipline-vs-explosiveness matchup, where whoever dictates the pace will likely come out on top.

Elkton vs Middletown (2A/1A CLASS)

This matchup features two solid Maryland programs with different strengths and approaches. Elkton High School football brings grit, effort, and physical play, while Middletown High School football is known for discipline, balance, and consistent execution.

Elkton looks to compete with toughness and energy, often relying on defense and momentum to stay in games. Middletown, on the other hand, aims to control the tempo with a structured, balanced attack, limiting mistakes and wearing teams down.  The key is execution vs effort; if Elkton can create momentum and force mistakes, they can compete. If Middletown plays clean and controlled, they usually take the edge.

This is a competitive matchup where discipline and consistency will likely decide the outcome.

Middletown has several major athletic commitments:

Middletown

• Brittin Poffenbarger (QB): Poffenbarger is a prototypical pocket passer with an elite pedigree. Known for his arm talent and poise under pressure, he has signed with the University of Maryland.
• Derrick “JD” Singletary (DE): A disruptive force on the edge with physical prowess. Singletary signed with Rice University. 
• Laaren Cornwell (DB): Cornwell brings length and a “ball-hawk” mentality to Central Michigan‘s secondary. 
• Jordan Vann (ATH): A high-impact “flip” from Virginia, Vann is a dynamic athlete who can change a game in multiple phases. He is heading to Michigan State University, where his explosive speed and playmaking ability will make him a versatile weapon. 

This matchup features a clash between a state powerhouse and a rising contender. Fort Hill High School football is known for its championship pedigree, physical dominance, and disciplined execution, while Patuxent High School football is known for toughness, balance, and steady improvement.

Fort Hill’s identity is built on controlling the game in the trenches, using a powerful run game and strong defense to wear teams down. Patuxent looks to compete with balance and effort, trying to stay consistent and capitalize on opportunities. The key is physicality and execution, if Fort Hill establishes control early, they take over. If Patuxent can stay disciplined and keep it close, they have a chance to compete.

This is a classic powerhouse vs challenger matchup, where experience and toughness will likely decide the outcome.

Fort Hill and Patuxent have secured several high-major athletic commitments:

Fort Hill

• Braelyn Younger (ATH/RB): The 2025 Co-Area Player of the Year signed with the University at Albany after rushing for 2,224 yards tieing a school record with 35 touchdowns as a junior.

Patuxent

• Teagan Cox (OL): A standout offensive lineman who recently signed with the University of Maryland.
• Jah Dixon (OL): A fellow lineman for the Panthers who has also signed with the University of Maryland.

Havre De Grace vs Perryville (1A CLASS)

This matchup features a Harford County 1A program known for its deep playoff runs versus a Cecil County program that demands attention. This battle brings toughness and pride every time they meet. Havre de Grace High School football relies on discipline, effort, and steady execution, while Perryville High School football brings physical play and competitive energy.

Havre de Grace looks to control the game with structure and consistency, focusing on limiting mistakes. Perryville, on the other hand, aims to match physicality and create momentum, often feeding off energy and big moments.  The key is execution vs intensity; if Havre de Grace plays clean and controlled, they gain the edge. If Perryville brings energy and physicality, they can make it a battle.

This is a hard-fought local matchup where effort and fundamentals will decide the outcome.