After a season marked by close wins and losses, the varsity football team stands at 5-5, having showcased resilience and growth. Despite setbacks, standout performances on both offense and defense have propelled the team to a strong finish and earned them a spot in the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1989.
The season began with ups and downs, starting with a tough 31-6 loss to Churchill on Sept. 20. The Patriots rebounded the following week, edging out Gaithersburg 17-14. “Our defense came in strong, holding Gaithersburg down when it mattered most,” junior wide receiver Bryan Ngouzo said. A reliable playmaker, Ngouzo has tallied 676 receiving yards so far, ranking him among Maryland’s top receivers.
On Oct. 4, the team faced Walter Johnson in a nail-biter, ultimately falling 35-28. However, they bounced back just days later, grinding out a 17-13 win over Clarksburg. Sophomore quarterback Hunter Humphries has shined this season, amassing 1,939 passing yards to rank eighth in the state.
The Patriots found their stride on Oct. 18 with an explosive 50-3 victory over Watkins Mill. Key performances from Humphries, Ngouzo, and senior linebacker Tyler Siegel powered the win. Siegel, who has been a cornerstone on defense, recorded 85 tackles this season, placing him third in the division. “We knew Watkins Mill would be a chance to show our growth, and we gave it everything,” Siegel said.
The team’s resilience was tested again as they faced a series of challenging games. They lost a close 20-15 battle against Magruder on Oct. 24 and then faced a tough 53-13 defeat against powerhouse Damascus on Nov. 1. However, they rallied in their final home game, defeating Governor Thomas Johnson 35-21 on Nov. 8. Junior free safety Ashton Ingram emerged as a defensive playmaker with three interceptions, ranking eighth in the division.
On Nov. 14, the Patriots faced off against Magruder once more in the regional semi-final. The rainy, cold night saw a sluggish start as the Colonels scored first. However, the Patriots rallied, scoring 20 unanswered points, with Siegel taking charge. Siegel racked up over 200 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, leading the Patriots to victory. “I just saw green grass, and my amazing offensive linemen stepped up to the plate, creating massive holes for me,” Siegel said.
Head coach Ivan Hicks celebrated with the team, saying, “I’m so proud of the team, so proud of the season. I’m proud of the seniors; they’ve worked so hard to bring home this victory.”
Reflecting on his impressive season, Ngouzo credited his offseason work and guidance from seniors last year, who helped him develop as a player. “I put in the work during and after basketball season, training football as much as I could,” Ngouzo said.
Meanwhile, the JV football team faced a challenging season, starting strong with wins over Poolesville and Rockville but then experiencing a six-game losing streak. Their season ended with a tough 0-47 loss to Damascus. Most of the JV team consists of freshmen, providing hope for a bounce-back next year.
With a season of growth and gritty performances, the Patriots are looking to capitalize on this momentum as they advance to the state quarterfinals next week.
