DMV high school football rankings (9/12/24)

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Here are our top 25 high school football teams from the D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia areas. List comprised by the DC News Now sports department. Updated as of Thursday at 5 p.m.

1. Madison (2-0) – Last week: 4

It’s been quite the start to the season for Madison. After blanking Stone Bridge 17-0 in week one, they earned a convincing 36-15 win over Lake Braddock this past week, earning them our No. 1 overall ranking.

2. Friendship Collegiate (2-0) – Last week: 5

Friendship Collegiate may not have had the buzz it deserved heading into the season. The Knights looked the part with a 14-0 win over a strong Flowers team in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

3. Quince Orchard (1-0) – Last week: 6

Quince Orchard manhandled South County. If they were taking out their frustrations from last year’s early playoff exit and snapping of their win streak, it worked.

4. Good Counsel (1-1) – Last week: 1

Andy Stefanelli’s team may still be the most talented in the DMV this year, but after a tough loss on the road to DePaul Catholic in New Jersey, we’ll drop the Falcons down. They’ll have plenty of opportunities to rise back up to No. 1.

5. DeMatha (1-1) – Last week: 2

After losing in week one to Archbishop Spalding, a very strong team just outside of our viewing area, DeMatha shut out Mt. Zion Prep 48-0. The Stags are firmly in our top five right now and could rise in the weeks ahead.

6. St. John’s (0-2) – Last week: 3

After suffering a week one loss to Roman Catholic from Pennsylvania, the Cadets responded with a 42-0 win over Lewis J. Bennett from New York.

7. Hayfield (1-0) – Last week: 8

Things are off to a good start for head coach Darryl Overton in his new stomping grounds. Hayfield rolled over a good West Springfield team, 48-7, in week one.

8. Gonzaga (2-0) – Last week: 9

Randy Trivers always has his team ready to go. Gonzaga is out to a 2-0 start with a 41-0 win over Fordham Prep.

9. Battlefield (2-0) – Last week: 13

Battlefield always seems to start strong against a weak schedule. We’ll see if they can keep it going and remain in our top ten.

10. C.H. Flowers (0-1) – Last week: 7

Flowers is still a championship contender in Maryland, but a 14-0 loss to Friendship nearly drops them out of our top ten.

11. Wise (0-1) – Last week: 11

In what you might consider an impressive loss, Wise fell on the road at Maury, 20-14. It was the first game for new head coach, former coordinator Steve Rapp. The Pumas appear to be in good hands.

12. Northwest (1-0) – Last week: 14

Bucky Clipper and the Jaguars put the state on notice in last year’s playoffs and this year they’re trying to finish the job. A 70-0 win over Watkins Mill to start things off lands them at No. 12.

13. Lake Braddock (1-1) – Last week: 10

Make no mistake, Lake Braddock is a contender in northern Virginia. They lost a tough one to Madison, 36-15.

14. Riverdale Baptist (2-0) – Last week: 19

Riverdale Baptist did not play this week. The team is filled with talent and will be put to the ultimate test this week against Good Counsel.

15. Dunbar (2-0) – Last week: 17

Dunbar appears to be a big threat to win it all in the District this year. The Crimson Tide crushed Suitland in impressive fashion.

16. Stone Bridge (0-2) – Last week: 12

The Kedric Golston era has begun with an 0-2 record, but like last year, it’s a brutal schedule for Stone Bridge. After losing to Madison in week one, they took a very impressive Dunbar (MD) team to the brink, falling 14-8.

17. Bishop McNamara (1-0) – Last week: 18

McNamara had a bye this week after picking up a win in week one. The Mustangs could really make some noise this year.

18. Patriot (1-0) – Last week: 21

Patriot is another team in this zone of our rankings coming off of a bye. The Pioneers had an impressive win over Westfield in week one. They will be a squad to keep an eye on too.

19. Linganore (1-0) – Last week: 24

Rick Conner and the Lancers are our early season favorite to be the top team in Frederick County, Maryland.

20. South County (1-1) – Last week: 16

It’s not easy to face an angry, hungry Quince Orchard team. South County has learned that two straight years now. The Stallions still remain in our top 20.

21. Washington-Liberty (2-0) – Last week: honorable mention

Washington-Liberty looks like quite the sleeper. A 46-3 win over Annandale helps the Generals rise into our rankings.

22. Maret (0-0) – Last week: 22

Maret’s game was canceled this week. They have yet to play this season.

23. Bell (2-0) – Last week: honorable mention

Bell is out to a 2-0 start and will face Roosevelt (DC) in our game of the week on Friday.

24. Damascus (1-0) – Last week: honorable mention

Highlighted by a 99-yard Michael Cooley touchdown run, Damascus enters our rankings after a 14-0 win over Einstein. The Swarmin’ Hornets will need to keep it up hosting Northwest on Friday.

25. John Champe (2-0) – Last week: honorable mention

John Champe stormed back to earn a thrilling 26-23 win over Lightridge. That earns the Knights a spot in our rankings.

Honorable mention:

Oakdale (0-1), Georgetown Prep (1-1), Seneca Valley (1-0), Eleanor Roosevelt (1-0), Blake (1-0), Langley (2-0), Chantilly (2-0), Urbana (1-0), Middletown (1-0), West Springfield (0-1)

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