C.H. Flowers at Suitland
What: Maryland 4A South Region final.
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
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Records: Jaguars 10-1, Rams 10-1.
What to watch: Suitland held Flowers to a season-low 157 yards rushing in a 22-18 victory Oct. 23. The Rams did it by using a backup linebacker at nose tackle and taking away the Jaguars' running lanes. Other opponents followed Suitland's strategy later in the season, so the Rams might need to come up with a new wrinkle this week.
Who to watch: LB Navorro Bowman leads Suitland in tackles and RB Brandon McRae leads Flowers with 1,419 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. But keep an eye on Jaguars QB Evan McCollough, who threw a game-winning 66-yard touchdown pass to beat Eleanor Roosevelt in the regional semifinal and has come up with a handful of big plays when needed this season.
Douglass at Gwynn Park
What: Maryland 3A East Region final.
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Records: Eagles 9-2, Yellow Jackets 11-0.
What to watch: Whether Douglass can move the ball and avoid costly mistakes. Gwynn Park controlled the teams' first meeting, a 28-6 victory on Oct. 30, taking an early lead and forcing the Eagles to throw the ball an uncharacteristic 11 times. By contrast, Douglass QB Davon Gray attempted just one pass -- an incompletion -- in a 36-26 victory over Long Reach this past Saturday.
Who to watch: Gwynn Park RBs Joel Ellerbe, Regis Austin and Lorenzo Dixon share playing time and have combined for 24 touchdowns this season. Douglass defensive linemen Patrick Mimms and Thomas Claggett lead a tough front that will have to limit the Yellow Jackets' rushing ability.
Friendly at Potomac
What: Maryland 2A South Region final.
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Records: Patriots 7-3, Wolverines 11-0.
What to watch: Two teams that feature wide-open offenses. Potomac QB James Nickens has passed for 1,456 yards and 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Friendly QB Joe Haden has passed for 1,795 yards and 14 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, but was just 5-of-17 for 60 yards and two interceptions in a 36-6 loss to Potomac on Sept. 11. He will need to be better this week if the Patriots are to fare better.
