But stopping there would’ve sold Blount — a 5-foot-11, 215-pound, pass-catching, run-blocking, faster-than-you’d-think running back — well short. “His go-to move is to run through somebody’s face,” Riggs said.

With sophomore running back Breyon Williams joining the mix — “He’s got like this Derrick Henry stiff arm,” Riggs said — the Cadets have discovered a world of possibilities.

“It’s like thunder, then lightning, then thunder again,” St. John’s Coach Pat Ward said of his backfield.

The trio’s versatility has made the No. 4 Cadets, who are 2-1 after Saturday’s 42-28 win over Gray Collegiate (S.C.), threats to three-peat in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. It has also let offensive coordinator Antwon Bailey get creative.

Occasionally, all three of the “sparks” — the Cadets have dubbed the position as a mix of running back, slot receiver and occasional quarterback — see the field simultaneously. They also run behind one of the area’s fiercest offensive lines, to which Riggs brings donuts to as a sign of gratitude.

“I don’t feel like teams are ready for what we can bring for a whole game,” Blount said. “We can rotate guys and nobody’s going to be gassed. … Running alongside them is a dream.”

Undefeated Blake happy to get physical

For the first time in program history, Blake is 3-0. The Silver Spring school, opened in 1998, has been edging toward this kind of success for some time and flirted with the upper levels of the Montgomery County hierarchy last fall with an 8-4 campaign.

But it took an experienced, physical group to set the mark this year as the Bengals earned comfortable wins over Whitman, Kennedy and Einstein. Coach Bryon Marshall, in his second year at the helm, has watched the weaknesses of last season evolve into strengths.

“We’re both experienced and young because last year we had a bunch of sophomores out there playing. I think that’s a great combination to have,” Marshall said.

He is proudest of his team’s physicality, in part because it’s a trait that’s hard to teach. Marshall believes in the idea that it is bred by confidence: If you know where you are and what you’re supposed to be doing on the field, you are more likely to play with physicality.

“You become more aggressive when you know that you’re doing your job,” Marshall said.

Perhaps the example of this theory is junior running back Jeremiah Seaton, a punishing and skilled playmaker. On Thursday night, Seaton terrorized the Titans, finishing with 27 carries for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He also became the program’s all-time touchdowns leader with 23.

“A lot of the success so far comes down to us playing as a time and working to build those team bonds,” Seaton said.

This weekend, Blake will get a true road test when it travels to Sherwood on Friday night. Last fall, the Warriors beat the Bengals on a miraculous, last-second touchdown.

“We want to come out and play our game from the start,” Seaton said. “We’re looking to play another physical game.”

Brosnan Dukes, Dunbar: The junior quarterback’s passing was on fire all Friday night against Bell, highlighted by an 82-yard touchdown pass, followed by another 50-yard pass to seal a 46-18 win.

Collin Lewis, Chesapeake: Not only did the senior run the ball 18 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the Cougars’ win over C.M. Wright, but he also scooped up an onside kick and returned it for a touchdown.

Colin Reynolds, Georgetown Prep: The senior running back scored all four touchdowns for the Little Hoyas on Friday night, including the overtime game-winner against Woodberry Forest.

Calum O’Shea, Battlefield: The sophomore quarterback accounted for six touchdowns in the Bobcats’ 56-0 romp over Woodbridge.

No. 9 Friendship Collegiate at H.D. Woodson, Friday, 6 p.m.

Blake at Sherwood, Friday, 6:30

Calvert Hall at No. 5 Archbishop Spalding, Friday, 7 p.m.

Suitland at Bladensburg, Friday, 7 p.m.

Riverside wins in all shapes and sizes

Riverside has experienced the thrill of victory in many ways early this season. The Rams have a blowout, a double-overtime thriller, a one-point victory courtesy of a game-winning touchdown run and a come-from-behind win — all in the span of a month.

The Rams have emerged unscathed through it all — one of the few unbeaten teams remaining in Loudoun County. For Coach Ernie Porter, the Rams’ recent experience in late-game scenarios has been valuable.

“We’ve had some close games from different scenarios, and I think it’ll help us later down the road,” Porter said. “Now, the kids believe that they can come back, and so they’ve definitely got that confidence.”

That confidence wasn’t always a part of the Riverside program earlier in Porter’s tenure. The Rams finished 2-8 last season, often falling into early holes; Porter said the team would then stop fighting.

This year, the Rams have brought the fight late — which bodes well for a team with visions of a state playoff berth and at least a seven-win season. Porter has watched from the sideline as the Rams have crawled back to beat Broad Run with seconds left on the clock and emerged victorious over a tough Heritage team in extra time.

“This year, our kids are really believing,” Porter said. “It’s huge, it’s a big difference from the last couple years because they believe they can play with anyone.”

Suitland finds comfort away from home

On track for its best season since 2019, Suitland is doing it without home-field advantage.

As their campus is being rebuilt, the Rams (3-0) hop on buses every afternoon for a 15-minute ride to Forestville’s field for practice. The situation has created logistical challenges for team management, including field maintenance and evening lighting. And so far, Suitland has played only away games.

“It’s a little frustrating because we know how strong the Suitland community is, so if we had one game [at home], everybody’s going to show up,” senior linebacker Daniel Atsou said. “But we’re actively going out there every single practice, every single day. We just want more.”

The Rams are no strangers to adversity, but this season they’re learning that winning comes with its own battles. Coach Ian Hale knows many of his veteran players aren’t used to the pressure that comes with keeping a winning streak alive.

“Some of the challenges are just getting these guys acclimated and accustomed to winning and what comes along with it,” Hale said. “[We’re working on] guys not getting complacent … guys not taking their position or influence for granted.”

After their 27-8 win over Oxon Hill on Friday, Suitland appears to be hitting its stride. It will try to remain undefeated at Bladensburg on Friday before finally hosting its first home game Sept. 30 against DuVal.