Maryland high school football fans have a lot to look forward to in 2024, with a packed schedule of big games featuring some of the state’s top teams. According to the MaxPreps preseason rankings, 16 of Maryland’s top 21 teams will be facing off in some highly anticipated matchups throughout the season. Let’s take a closer look at eight of the biggest games on the schedule and the key players to watch out for.
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Good Counsel at DeMatha
The No. 1 ranked Good Counsel will take on the No. 3 ranked DeMatha on October 18th in what is sure to be a thrilling matchup. Good Counsel finished the 2023 season with a 10-1 record, including two victories over DeMatha. Led by senior S Faheem Delane and senior WR DaMarion Fowlkes, Good Counsel will be looking to maintain their dominance. DeMatha, on the other hand, will be seeking redemption after their two losses to Good Counsel last season. Keep an eye on senior RB Bud Coombs and junior WR Lavar Keys as they lead DeMatha into battle. -
McDonogh at Archbishop Spalding
On September 13th, the No. 7 ranked McDonogh will face off against the No. 4 ranked Archbishop Spalding in what promises to be a competitive game. Spalding, coming off a 10-2 season, will be led by senior QB Malik Washington. McDonogh, with a 7-3 record last year, will look to senior CB Brandon Finney and senior Jeff Exinor Jr. to make an impact on the field. -
Gonzaga at St. John’s
Two WCAC rivals, Gonzaga and St. John’s, will clash on November 9th in a highly anticipated showdown. Last year’s matchup went to overtime, with St. John’s emerging victorious. Look out for senior S Kainoa Winston leading Gonzaga and senior S Tariq Hayer leading St. John’s in what is sure to be a closely contested game. -
Loyola Blakefield at Concordia Prep
On September 28th, Loyola Blakefield will take on Concordia Prep in a matchup that promises to be intense. Concordia Prep, coming off an 11-1 season, will be led by senior edge rusher Sidney Stewart. Loyola Blakefield, with a 7-4 record last year, will look to junior CB Khary Adams to make an impact on the field. -
Patuxent at Huntingtown
Calvert County rivals Patuxent and Huntingtown will face off on September 28th in what is expected to be a close game. With both teams accustomed to playing each other tough, this matchup is one to watch. Keep an eye on senior DL Evan Powell leading Huntingtown and the Patuxent team looking to continue their winning streak against their rivals. -
Mount St. Joseph at Calvert Hall
Baltimore city and MIAA A Conference rivals Mount St. Joseph and Calvert Hall will meet on September 28th in what promises to be a competitive game. Look out for senior CB Angelo Ross leading Mount St. Joseph and senior DL Asaiah Hamond leading Calvert Hall as they battle it out on the field. -
Milford Mill at Oakdale
In a season opener on September 6th, Milford Mill will take on Oakdale in a rematch from last year. Oakdale emerged victorious in their previous matchup and went on to win the MPSSAA Class 3A state championship. Keep an eye on senior OL Amory Hills leading Milford Mill as they seek redemption in this highly anticipated game. - Fort Hill at Dunbar
Fort Hill, with a history of state championships, will face off against Dunbar, a powerhouse in Baltimore, on September 13th. Both teams had impressive seasons last year and will be looking to continue their winning ways. Watch out for senior OL Joshua Blackston leading Dunbar in what is sure to be a hard-fought battle.
With these exciting matchups on the schedule, Maryland high school football fans are in for a treat in 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars and catch all the action as these top teams go head-to-head on the gridiron.