What to watch out for this week in Montgomery County

The first week is now in the books. Week 1 consisted of scrimmages but here comes the real deal. It’s been a long time since Montgomery County football has been played and it’s about to happen this Friday. This is a preview of all the action <strong>Quince Orchard @ Northwest</strong> One of the best rivalries in the county continues as QO and Northwest matchup. Both of these teams are two of the most talented teams in the county. This will be the game filled with the most college prospects we’ll see in this shortened season. QO has most of their top guys back while Northwest has lost some. Expect QO to take revenge after last season’s playoff game. QO player to watch: [player_tooltip player_id="90271" first="Demeioun" last="Robinson"]- Robinson is one of the best edges in the country. He is fantastic against the run and the pass. Expect Robinson to put on a clinic this Friday. Northwest player to watch: [player_tooltip player_id="90409" first="BJ" last="Howard"]- Howard is a special talent. Despite his lack of size Howard comes downfield hard and is a very physical defensive back. Howard is also very versatile as he is also a very explosive player on the offensive end. With the ball in his hand, he is a threat to score every time. Howard needs to be a key factor if Northwest is to pull this upset off. <strong>Paint Branch @ Richard Montgomery</strong> This is a game between two teams that have been fighting to be considered amongst the elite programs in the county. Both of these teams are well-coached and have talent that will impress coaches, fans, and spectators alike. Both teams were very impressive in the scrimmages and this is an opportunity for both of these teams to make their mark. Paint Branch player to watch: Adrian Coker- Coker is a 2-way lineman. Coker is physical on the offensive end and finishes his blocks. On the defensive end, Coker may be even better. He has the ability to line up in the interior and on the edge. He has a knack for getting after the passer. He is able to rush the passer and make tackles for loss against the run. Look for him to have a big impact on this game Richard Montgomery player to watch: [player_tooltip player_id="90392" first="Xavier" last="Ricks"]- Ricks is a stud. He can do it all. He is an impact player on special teams as he can return any kick or punt back to the house. He is an impact receiver as he’s a real deep threat that can take the top off. He also has the ability to take short slants and make them long gains as well. Finally, he is an impact player on defense as well. he is a safety that has the ability to cover and play the run. Expect Ricks will be all over the field Friday. <strong>Damascus @ Sherwood</strong> Two of the most storied programs in Montgomery County will meet Friday. Both of these teams are always some of the best in this county and this season should be no exception. Both of these teams will have something to prove so there should be fireworks. Damascus player to watch: [player_tooltip player_id="90389" first="Inumidun" last="Ayo-Durojaiye"]- Ayp-Durojaiye is a great defensive back. He has amazing football instincts and always seems to make the right play. He is a ballhawk and always a threat to intercept deep passes. He is also physical and willing to come down and make a big hit or make a stop in the run game. Expect him to be a key part of what Damascus does with their defense this season. Sherwood player to watch: Tommy Yates- Yates is a mean physical offensive lineman. Yates makes sure to finish his blocks and looks to knock his opponents off their feet. He is great at turning defenders to make a hole for the ball carrier. He is an intelligent and mean offensive lineman which is any coach’s dream. <strong>Blair @ Rockville </strong> Traditionally this wouldn’t be viewed as a game to watch but it is. Blair has been on the rise and has developed into a solid program. Rockville is coming off a very strong season and they hope to keep their momentum going into this season. Blair player to watch: Brian Williams- Williams is a physical back. He breaks tackles and is not afraid of contact. He runs hard downfield and makes a cut when needed. He is exactly the type of back any coach wants. He runs hard and smart. Expect Williams to get a very big workload this week. Rockville player to watch: Okeyo Ayungo- Ayungo is an all-county defensive back. The scary part is that may not even be his best position. Ayungo is a receiver that can make tough catches and come down with contested balls. He is also a red-zone threat as he always finds a way to get open or come down with the ball in the end zone. Rockville would be wise to get Ayungo the ball early and often.