10 cant-miss local high school games for Maryland fans

With the high school football season kicking off in earnest this weekend in the DMV, TSR takes a look at ten local matchups throughout the season that Maryland fans (and local football fans in general) should circle on their calendars.

10. Westminster vs. South Carroll, Nov. 6

This Carroll County rivalry is the regular-season finale for these two teams. Westminster got the best of South Carroll last season before the Cavaliers went on a run to the state 2A semi-finals where they fell to eventual 2A champions Douglas. South Carroll is a team that should be of particular interest for Terp fans this season, as they feature a pair of Maryland commits in senior defensive back Silas Kelly and offensive lineman Brian Plummer. The pair of Rivals 2-stars will look to lead the Cavaliers to M&T Bank Stadium and a state title this season.

9. Douglas vs. Riverdale Baptist, Sept. 11

Defending Maryland 2A champion Douglas will travel to Riverdale Baptist where they will face one of the top in-state private schools in the early season. Douglas features do-it-all Maryland commit Devin Butler, who last season played quarterback and defensive back for the Eagles, leading them to an undefeated season and their first-ever 2A state title. On offense, Butler will be tested by a pair of Big Ten commits in defensive backs Sir Patrick Scott (Michigan) and Zechariah McPhearson (Penn State). The Crusaders also feature one of the area's top underclassman athletes in Tariq Castro-Fields.

8. Bullis vs. Landon, Nov. 7

This Washington-area IAC rivalry hasn't been the most competitive in recent years, but this game is one Terp fans will want to circle as it will feature blue chip Maryland quarterback commit Dwayne Haskins Jr. as well as top Terps linebacker prospect Keith Simms. Haskins has carved up the IAC the past two seasons, and that's likely to continue during his senior campaign, but Maryland fans should be interested in seeing how Simms fairs against his good friend both in pass-rushing situations as well as dropping back into coverage.

7. Calvert Hall vs. Gonzaga, Aug. 29

The WCAC and MIAA will collide when these two teams face off in each team's season-opener. Calvert Hall is led by outside linebacker Tyshon Fogg on the defensive side of the ball. The four-star junior already has offers from Maryland, Michigan State and Rutgers of the Big Ten. On the other side of the ball, Fogg will have to get by the Purple Eagles junior offensive lineman Johnny Jordan, who already has an SEC offer from Kentucky and has drawn interest from the Terps.

6. Gilman vs. McDonogh, Nov. 7

One of the bigger rivalries in the Baltimore area, McDonogh and Gilman are two programs that have sent plenty of top talent to Maryland in recent years and feature a lot of beef on both sides of the ball. On the defensive line, the Greyhounds are led by Penn State commit Ellison Jordan, arguably the top D-lineman in the state. Gilman's defensive front also features sophomore Taron Vincent, son of former NFL defensive back Troy Vincent and already one of the most highly sought linemen in his class. On the offensive line, McDonogh is led by two of the top underclassmen in the country in junior Jordan McNair and sophomore PJ Mustipher. Both McNair (OT) and Mustipher (DT) are being heavily recruited by the Terps. Gilman quarterback Kasim Hill is another player to watch. This year's game will mark the 100th meeting between the two rivals. McDonogh upset Gilman last season, winning a second-straight MIAA title.

5. DeMatha vs St. John's, Oct. 3

The Stags come into this season as the No. 1-ranked team in the state of Maryland and a heavy favorite to win the WCAC. The Stags feature a trio of Terp commits on offense in Darryl Turner, Tino Ellis and Lorenzo Harrison. The Stags will feature junior Beau English under center at quarterback. The Rivals 2-star was recently on Maryland's campus and is high on the Terps. The center piece of DeMatha's offense is junior running back Anthony McFarland. The four-star prospect is currently the top-rated player in the 2017 class in the state of Maryland and has already earned offers from the likes of Maryland, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State. McFarland is arguably the most electric player in the country. On the other side of the ball, recent Ohio State decommit Terrell Hall of St. John's will look to shut down the Stags' offensive weapons. Hall is one of the top pass rushers in the country and along with teammate Aaron Hansford terrorizes opposing quarterbacks. Hall and Hansford were recently on Maryland's campus with other Terp commits.

4. Gilman vs. Good Counsel, Sept. 4

Another early-season MIAA vs. WCAC showdown, this game features two of the top 3 teams in the preseason Maryland rankings. The Falcons are led by Maryland commit, Rivals100 linebacker Keandre Jones, and are loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Along with Jones, the Falcons front seven also features Miami commit Izon Pulley, junior defensive end Joshua Paschal and junior linebacker Ayinde Eleye. They will look to get push up front and slow down Gilman's pair of running backs Antonio Dupree and Dorian Maddox. The Greyhounds shut out Good Counsel last season and the Falcons will be looking for revenge on their home turf.

3. Avalon vs. Bullis, Sept. 25

If you like offensive fireworks, this could be the game for you. Avalon features Trevon Diggs, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs. The four-star wide receiver/defensive back already has some acrobatic catches this season and caught a go-ahead touchdown in his team's season-opening win over St. Frances of Baltimore. Diggs will be tested on the offensive side of the ball, however, when the Black Knights face Bullis. The Bulldogs feature two of the top defensive backs in the area in Wisconsin commit Patrick Johnson and junior Damani Neal. Rated a three-star by Rivals, Neal already has offers from Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers and Wisconsin of the Big Ten. For Bullis, Haskins will look to get the ball into the hands of playmakers Johnson and Zack Hawkins.

2. Good Counsel vs. DeMatha, Nov. 6

This season's top can't-miss game featuring a pair of local teams pits DeMatha versus Good Counsel in a season-ending WCAC showdown. This game is loaded with Maryland commits as well as top Terp targets. Something for Maryland fans to watch out for is who steps up in the big game with the bright lights on. DeMatha upperclassmen like D.J. Turner and Tino Ellis and Terrance Davis will be looked upon to lead and make plays for the Stags on offense. While Keandre Jones and Travon Stott will be looked upon to step up for the Falcons defense. This game could very likely be the first of two between these rivals as it wouldn't be a surprise to see them meet again in the WCAC playoffs.

1. Miami Central vs. DeMatha, Aug. 29

How big is DeMatha's season-opener versus Miami Central? The game is being televised live by ESPN. It was also among Rivals' national can't-miss games. Miami Central features a pair of senior Florida State commits, a pair of junior Miami commits and a Florida commit. Central has speed and athleticism all over the field. Will DeMatha's playmakers step up and show the nation that DMV high school football is as good as any in the country? Or will a new playmaker emerge for the Stags? At receiver could Delante Hellams or his brother, freshman DeMarco Hellams, come up big on the national stage? Defensively, underclassman Chase Young and Austin Fontaine have had big offseasons. If the Stags can get by Miami Central and American Heritage (Fla.) down in the Sunshine State the following week, they have a chance to run the table and finish as the top team in the country.