Defensive powerhouses face off as Chesapeake visits Northeast, kickoff set for 6:00 p.m.
The stage is set for a high-stakes Anne Arundel County high school football matchup this Friday night, as the Chesapeake Cougars make the drive across town to take on the Northeast Eagles. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m., and with both defenses known for keeping opponents out of the end zone – Chesapeake allowing just 7.3 points per game and Northeast 14 – spectators can expect every point to be hard-earned.
The Cougars (5-1) come into this game riding high after a 10-0 shutout victory over Severn Run, rebounding from their only loss of the season with a strong defensive statement. The Eagles (4-2), meanwhile, are fresh off a dominant 56-7 win over Centennial, marking their fourth straight home victory and their most explosive offensive performance of the year.
Northeast quarterback Kyle Townsend was electric in last week’s win, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes, and adding two rushing scores of his own. When Townsend is on, the Eagles are tough to beat – they’re undefeated when his passer rating tops 100. Running back Ben Gonzales added to the offensive onslaught, racking up 110 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, helping Northeast post a season-high 251 rushing yards.
Last season, the Cougars came out on top in a 31-13 victory over the Eagles, continuing their dominance in the storied “Dena Bowl” rivalry. In fact, Northeast hasn’t defeated Chesapeake since 2019, when they edged out a 9-7 defensive battle. With both teams fielding strong defensive squads once again, fans can expect another tense, down-to-the-wire contest.
Chesapeake, though, knows how to handle the Eagles. The Cougars took last year’s meeting in convincing fashion, and their defense remains as disciplined and dangerous as ever. Both teams have proven they can shut opponents down, so this week’s matchup could come down to who blinks first.
Will the Cougars continue their winning ways, or will the Eagles soar to another home victory? Fans won’t want to miss this Friday night clash of county rivals — where pride, playoff positioning, and bragging rights are all on the line.
Tickets to Dena Bowl are $6 each and must be purchased online. Check back with Real Pasadena for a game recap and final score.
Dena Bowl Scores By Year:
2019: NHS 9, CHS 7
2020: [not played]
2021: CHS 55, NHS 12
2022: CHS 34, NHS 7
2023: CHS 21, NHS 14
2024: CHS 31, NHS 13
