Quince Orchard Defeats Northwest, 28-14, in Montgomery County, Md., High School Football

In Cody Schecter's two weeks as No. 15 Quince Orchard's starting quarterback, the senior has been forced to learn as much as possible about running the offense, while relying on his previous experience -- which came as a freshman on junior varsity -- to help him during games.

Suffice it to say, he's a work in progress.

As a defensive back, however, Schecter feels at ease, and it was on that side of the ball that he made his biggest impact last night in the Cougars' 28-14 home win over Northwest, which saw its playoff hopes fade away.

"That's pretty much my love, defense," Schecter said. "It's just natural. I'd rather give the hit than take it."

No hit was needed when Schecter read Northwest's play early in the second quarter of a scoreless game.

Quince Orchard Coach Dave Mencarini said his team prepared for the Jaguars' unbalanced formations this past week, and apparently Schecter paid attention.

"I just read their tight end screen," Schecter said, "and grabbed it and saw green grass and took it home."

After that 43-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Cougars (8-1, 5-0 Montgomery 4A West) controlled almost the entire game, taking a 28-0 lead before the Jaguars (5-4, 3-2) scored two late touchdowns.

"It was a seesaw, defensive battle," Northwest Coach Andrew Fields said, "and that [interception return] was kind of the spark that got their fire going. And we could never recover from it. We had opportunities to, but we just couldn't take advantage of it."

Quince Orchard's defense finished with one fumble recovery and three interceptions, including one by Mitch Carney in the Cougars' end zone during the third quarter.

At quarterback, Schecter completed 3 of 8 passes for 18 yards and ran for a four-yard touchdown. It was his second start since taking over for junior Kevin Adams in a loss to unbeaten Sherwood.

Adams, who broke his collarbone, could be back for the second week of the playoffs, but Mencarini and Schecter said they're prepared if Adams is out for the season.

It helps to have senior running back Dawuan Genies, who racked up 95 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.

"When we have to throw, we'll throw," Schecter said. "But it's good getting to hand off to backs knowing they'll do something good with it."

No. 15 Quince Orchard 28 Northwest 14

Hawkins Returns: Quince Orchard senior RB/CB Travis Hawkins, who sprained his ankle two weeks ago, returned last night on defense only and could be back on offense for the playoffs. Hawkins committed to Maryland on Thursday and Terrapins Coach Ralph Friedgen was in attendance last night.

Silver Lining: After missing the playoffs for the second straight season, Northwest can look forward to the return of three of its top players, all juniors: quarterback Jarrhett Butler, running back Hassan Dixon and linebacker David Katembwe.