Games to Watch

All times p.m.

Aug. 29

W. Springfield at Stone Bridge, 7:30

In a 56-36 season-opening win last year, Stone Bridge rallied from a 17-0 deficit with a 42-point third quarter. The Bulldogs went on to win the Virginia AAA Division 5 title; West Springfield advanced to the Division 6 Northern Region championship game.

Sept. 5

Arundel at Broadneck, 6:30

Two of Broadneck's three losses last season came via blowout by the Wildcats. They're again favored to be the top two teams in the county, and each is hoping to set the tone against its biggest rival.

Good Counsel at Dunbar, 7

This is the second meeting in a two-year contract between this WCAC power and the DCIAA's preeminent program. Good Counsel won last year, 38-12.

North Stafford at Gar-Field, 7:30

North Stafford Coach Joe Mangano returns to Gar-Field less than nine months after he resigned as head coach of the Indians, whom he led to consecutive playoff berths in four years at the school.

Sept. 12

Lackey at Patuxent, 7

The Panthers' prominent wideouts, Justin Ford and Eric Farmer, hung 41 points on Lackey's defense last season. Don't think the Chargers have forgotten.

Sept. 19

Old Mill at Meade, 6:45

Meade transfer QB Raymond Cotton, an Auburn recruit, will face his first major test against the Patriots.

Sept. 26

Briar Woods at Broad Run, 7:30

Two of the top teams in the Dulles District battle it out in a league opener that also is an Ashburn rivalry.

Oct. 2

DeMatha at Good Counsel, 6:30

No team in the area has been more dominant than five-time defending WCAC champion DeMatha, and nobody has played the Stags tougher in recent years than the Falcons. This game was moved up to a Thursday night to air on ESPN2.

Oct. 3

Quince Orchard at Gaithersburg, 6:30

Gaithersburg began last season 4-0 before losing, 20-13, to Quince Orchard, the eventual Maryland 4A state champion. The loss began the Trojans' 2-4 skid to end the season.

Oct. 11

Eleanor Roosevelt at Suitland, 2

Loaded with talent, Roosevelt is eager to bounce back from the forfeits of last season with first-year coach Tom Green, a former Suitland assistant. The Rams are a combined 45-7 the past four seasons.

Oct. 17

Woodbridge at Forest Park, 7:30

This likely is a showdown of the Cardinal District's top teams. Woodbridge is the favorite to win the district, but Forest Park is coming off a school-record five wins last season.

Oct. 24

Seneca Valley at Damascus, 6:30

Seldom do homecoming games carry much drama, but this one pits two of Montgomery County's top programs and could have major playoff implications.

Oakton at Westfield, 7:30

Westfield has lost six games in six years, and four have been to Oakton. Westfield is coming off a 15-0 season, but Oakton is considered the Concorde District favorite.

Oct. 25

River Hill at Wilde Lake, 1

Few in Howard County have found success thwarting the Hawks, but Wilde Lake may have the best chance.

Oct. 31

Sherando at Millbrook, 7

A crowd of about 6,000 watched these two teams battle last season, and the rivals are expected to once again battle for district and region supremacy.

Nov. 7

Broad Run at Park View, 7:30

These teams were each 9-0 last year when they met for the district crown, with Broad Run claiming the win. Park View exacted revenge the next weekend in the Region II playoffs to add more fuel to the rivalry.

Nov. 8

Douglass at Gwynn Park, 2

These Prince George's County rivals have experienced plenty of success in recent years and have plenty of top players this season. It wraps up a challenging schedule for both teams.

Linganore at Urbana

Linganore, which had its undefeated season spoiled by Urbana in the 2007 regular season finale, brings back a trio of offensive stars to face the perennial MVAL Chesapeake power.