Inevitable: Cougars Capture 4A State Crown

November 9, 2025 – By Mason Holstein. All photos by @shotby.holstein on Instagram

After a long season, the Quince Orchard Cougars and the Wise Pumas met again in Annapolis for a state title rematch. Just like last year, and the 4th time in 5 years, the Cougars emerged victorious in Annapolis to remain the top dog in the state. This time, it was a hard-fought game that came down to the last snap, finishing 26-21.

The game started slowly for both star-studded teams; the first major play came on an interception by the Cougars’ Camden Taylor. This would be the start of a strong half of defense for QO, as Jahiem Bond made an early impact with a tackle for loss on star running back Kameron Parker. After a Wise punt, QO’s Jake Bumgardner hauled in a long pass to set up the Cougars on the 1-yard line. Will Drakeford snuck across the line to give the cougars an early 7-0 lead. 

For the third straight game, Quince Orchards’ special teams forced a turnover, giving the offense excellent field position. The Cougars capitalized, as Drakeford connected with Rafferty Bankert for a touchdown to push the lead to 14-0.

With halftime approaching, Wise needed momentum. The pumas chewed up a large chunk of the clock and capped off the drive with a touchdown pass from Eric Wedge to Sergio Torrico. Wedge and Torrico each made key plays. Wedge delivered several big throws, and Torrico hauled in multiple passes alongside fellow receiver Zorian Gray-Vest. Kameron Parker was also a force, ripping off several long runs and making key catches out of the backfield for the Pumas. 

Coming out of halftime, both offenses looked for rhythm after stalling repeatedly in the first half. QO opened the half with a touchdown pass from Drakeford to Bond, pushing the lead to 20-7. Bond impacted all three phases of the game and showed up wherever QO needed the help. Wise would answer when Kameron Parker returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. Following the fast Wise touchdown, QO quickly returned the favor with Drakeford scrambling in his second of the day. The scoring would not stop there, as Wise running back Kameron Parker added his second touchdown of the day with a long run right after the kickoff. 

On the following drive, the defenses tightened, and the Cougars’ defensive line began to dominate. The combo of Jahiem Bond, Kacey Gilliam, and Urijah Lyles would be too much for the Wise offensive line to handle, which led to two stalled drives and tackles for loss for the three. 

Wise received the ball down five with two minutes remaining on their own 25-yard line. After two incompletions, the Pumas found themselves in their own half with no timeouts left and facing a third-and-10. Senior Kacey Gilliam delivered a crucial sack that set up a fourth and long for Wise. The final dagger would be on the last pass attempt of the game for Wise. The Cougar defensive line got through first to force an early dump-off pass to Les Williams, who attempted to spin out of multiple tackles. In a last-ditch attempt, he lateralled the ball back to wide receiver Zorian Gray-Vest, who would get chased from behind by Diego Rodriguez to seal the game.

After a season marked by costly injuries, dramatic wins, and narrow escapes, the Cougars finished where many expected—on top. Quince Orchard claimed the 4A state title, earning back-to-back championships.

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