Maryland High School Football Season Kicks Off with Thrilling Rankings and Rivalries

In Maryland, high school football is shaping up to be exciting as the new season kicks off with the first SBLive Maryland Top 25 High School Football Rankings for 2024. After a strong performance last season, Our Lady of Mount Carmel takes the top spot, having claimed the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title for the first time since 2016. With nine players committed to Division I schools, including Faheem Delane, this Olney team is ready to defend their championship.

Meanwhile, St. Frances Academy from Baltimore is coming off a solid victory against Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic, winning 44-16. The Panthers sport one of the best defensive lineups in the nation, featuring Blake Woodby and Bryce Deas, both committed to Auburn University. They are set to tackle a challenging national schedule, traveling over 8,000 miles.

This season, the competition is fierce. Good Counsel looks to reclaim their dominance in the WCAC after a close loss in the finals last year. Their offensive line is boosted by senior running back Bud Coombs and quarterback Denzel Gardner. Archbishop Spalding, having won back-to-back MIAA A Conference titles, is aiming for a third straight, led by top quarterback Malik Washington.

Over in Class 4A, Quince Orchard aims for their third title in four seasons, with standout players like Iverson Howard and Aydan West focused on making a deep playoff run. McDonogh also shows promise, competing fiercely in the MIAA A Conference, hoping to capture their first championship since 2014.

The excitement continues with Calvert Hall, who is eyeing their first title since 2021 thanks to their skilled offensive line. Other contenders like Henry A. Wise and The Bears, despite some challenges, remain as threats in their respective leagues.

In short, this football season in Maryland is set to be thrilling, with teams eager to battle for titles and showcase their talent, pushing each other to new heights. Keep an eye out for the emerging stars as they strive for greatness on the field.