Maryland high school football fans have a lot to look forward to as the 2024 season kicks off. The spotlight is on Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who topped the rankings last year during their impressive run to the Washington Catholic Athletic Association State Championship. The Falcons are opening this season with the same ambition, aiming for a repeat after claiming their first WCAC title since 2016.
Among the standout players for Our Lady of Mount Carmel is Faheem Delane, a defensive back who has committed to Ohio State University. He is one of nine players from the school with Division I commitments, which boosts their chances in the highly competitive WCAC.
Taking a closer look at the competition, St. Frances Academy is anticipated to be a major player again this year. They have a powerful defense, featuring SEC recruits like Blake Woodby and Bryce Deas, both heading to Auburn, as well as Zion Elee, a transfer recognized as one of the top junior defensive ends in the country. St. Frances recently won decisively against Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic, finishing at 44-16.
Another team to watch is Good Counsel, who has been a consistent threat in the league. With star players like Bud Coombs and quarterback Denzel Gardner, they are looking to reclaim their strength after narrowly losing to Good Counsel last season.
Other schools making headlines include Spalding, which has its sights set on a third consecutive Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship, following their recent victory over Ohio’s Archbishop Hoban with a score of 28-14. Rising star Malik Washington, the state’s top quarterback and a Maryland commit, continues to lead this powerhouse.
McDonogh is another team gaining traction, led by several strong prospects, including Brandon Finney, a defensive back committed to Oregon, showcasing their ongoing talent search to clinch their first championship since 2014.
The landscape of Maryland high school football appears dynamic as various teams gear up for a compelling season. As autumn approaches, the anticipation among non-stop rivalries and powerhouse matchups continues to build.
