Week 7 MPSSAA Football Games to Watch

Northwest at Quince Orchard

The two top teams in the 4A West standings square off in this showdown. Quince Orchard is in first place with a 5-1 record, and a point average of 8.50, while Northwest has overcome two losses to be second place with a 7.67 point average.

Quince Orchard lost their season opener to Damascus, but haven't been tested since. They have outscored their opponents 248-50 during this five game winning streak, with the closest game being a 42-12 victory over Gaithersburg.

Northwest has dropped contests to Seneca Valley and Sherwood, but handed previously undefeated Richard Montgomery their first loss of 2015 last week, winning 29-12. The Jaguars' defense has been excellent so far, only allowing more than 20 points in one game this year, and averaging 12 points allowed per game.

These two teams played twice last year. Quince Orchard beat Northwest 52-27 in the regular season, but Northwest won in the 4A West regional final 28-21. This game is scheduled to take place this Friday at 6:30.

Wise at Eleanor Roosevelt

Wise looks to remain undefeated but will get a tough test from Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Pumas became 6-0 last week by beating previously undefeated DuVal 42-7. The Wise defense has only allowed 20 points this season, and has recorded three shutouts. The offense has scored over 40 points in each of their past five games.

Eleanor Roosevelt lost their first game of the season to Riverdale Baptist, but have since reeled off five straight wins against Prince George's County opposition. Their most impressive win came last week when they topped Bowie, who had not lost a game up to that point, 33-24.

This fixture went to overtime last year, with Eleanor Roosevelt winning 26-20. It is scheduled to be played this Saturday at 2:00.

Dunbar at Mervo

Mervo shut out Patterson in a battle of Baltimore City unbeatens, but the Mustangs' schedule is not letting up. This week they host Dunbar, who is 4-1 this year.

Mervo shocked a lot of people when they went undefeated in the regular season in 2014. An early statement win they had in that campaign was a 14-8 win over Dunbar on the road. This year the Mustangs will be looking to beat the Poets again on the strength of their defense, which has not allowed more than 10 points in a game this year.

Despite losing to Mervo last year, Dunbar ended up having more postseason success, making the MPSSAA 2A state finals. The Poets currently occupy the fourth and final playoff spot in the 2A North region, but New Town, who is 4-1, is right behind them. A win over Mervo would go a long way because of the added points Dunbar would get for beating a bigger school.

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 6:00 tomorrow.

Hereford at Western Tech

This 2A North battle could have big playoff implications for both Baltimore County squads.

Western Tech, who missed the playoffs last year, is currently in a comfortable postseason position. The Wolverines are 5-1 this year and sitting third in the region's playoff standings. They are on a three game winning streak, beating Randallstown, Forest Park and Sparrows Point. The Wolverines are looking to avenge a 49-30 loss they suffered last year against Hereford.

Losses to North Harford and Eastern Tech means that Hereford currently does not have one of the playoff spots in the 2A North. A third loss would put the Bulls' postseason chances in serious jeopardy, but this has been Hereford's situation since Week 3 when they were 1-2. The team has responded extremely well to the pressure, beating Randallstown, Owings Mills and Chesapeake-BC to get back in the hunt.

Western Tech hosts Hereford this Saturday at 1:00.

North Harford at Fallston

This is a match up of two teams who are currently both on the outside looking in on the playoffs. A win for either of these teams would catapult them either into a playoff spot, or get them very close.

North Harford is currently fifth in the 3A North standings. The team has lost an early season 36-30 battle with South Carroll, and a 21-19 decision against Havre de Grace last week. The lost to Havre de Grace snapped a three game win streak for the Hawks, who had beaten Patterson Mill, Winters Mill and Edgewood since the South Carroll loss. With a tough slate of opponents to finish the season in Bel Air, C. Milton Wright and Aberdeen, North Harford could really use a win over Fallston.

Fallston is 3-3 and is also fifth in their region, the 2A East. The Cougars scored early season wins over Joppatowne and Rising Sun. Two weeks ago, they shut out C. Milton Wright 14-0. Last week, they suffered a 42-28 loss against Aberdeen. This game against North Harford represents a big chance for Fallston to improve their playoff chances because of North Harford being in the 3A classification, and Fallston residing in 2A.

These two teams square off this Friday night at 7:00.
October 15th, 2015By: Wick Eisenberg

County Sports Zone provides the schedules, scores and standings for 208 public high schools across Maryland, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
We post the score of every game - varsity, junior varsity, freshman - by 11 o’clock every night.