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MSB Weekly Magazine – 2026-10-11

By Brian Hradsky October 11, 2026
Maryland Sports Blog Weekly Magazine

Maryland’s Weekly Sports Magazine • October 4 – October 11, 2026

Maryland Sports Blog Weekly

NFL Power Rankings: 49ers Take No. 1 as Week 5 Arrives

Four games have provided enough evidence to start separating legitimate Super Bowl contenders from teams living off preseason expectations. The San Francisco 49ers, Kansas…

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Brian’s Take: The Week That Was

Brian's Take recaps 20 MSB opinion takes published during the week. These are the key conclusions from MSB's reporting, analysis and game coverage.

1

Jackson Holliday’s Injury-Plagued 2026 Season Leaves Orioles Wanting More: MSB Grade C+

Jackson Holliday's 2026 season was disappointing, but MSB is not ready to label it alarming. It is difficult to judge a young hitter's power and consistency when he underwent right hamate surgery before the season, experienced setbacks during rehabilitation and eventually required surgery on his left wrist after playing through discomfort. The injuries likely prevented Holliday from ever truly getting up to full speed, and his declining exit velocity and hard-hit rate provide additional reason to wonder how much his physical condition affected his production. At the same time, 2027 needs to be different. Holliday has now accumulated three seasons of Major League experience, and while he remains remarkably young, the Orioles eventually need their…

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2

Jim Palmer Says Craig Albernaz Ignored His Advice, Adding Another Problem to Difficult First Season

Jim Palmer's suggestion might not have fixed Colton Cowser. That is not really the point. The point is that a three-time Cy Young Award winner, Hall of Famer and Orioles legend with more than six decades around the organization apparently reached out to Baltimore's rookie manager with an idea intended to help one of the team's most important young players. According to Palmer, he received no response and later felt the suggestion was brushed aside. That is a terrible look for Albernaz. Orioles fans were already frustrated after watching a talented roster finish 79-82, miss the playoffs and repeatedly struggle with the fundamentals Albernaz was hired to improve. The criticism surrounding Basallo, the public comments…

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3

Ravens Make Major Move, Acquire Two-Time Pro Bowl Center Cam Jurgens From Eagles

This is the kind of move the Ravens needed to make. Baltimore's offensive line injuries reached the point where continuing to patch the center position with emergency options was becoming increasingly difficult to justify, particularly for a team that still expects to contend. Jurgens immediately gives the Ravens a proven player with championship experience and, just as importantly, allows Ioane to eventually return to the position Baltimore drafted him to play. The 2028 second-round pick is expensive, and there is no reason to pretend otherwise. However, Jurgens is 27 years old, under contract through 2029 and already has two Pro Bowl selections on his résumé, which makes this completely different from surrendering premium draft capital…

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4

Ravens Injury Update: Lamar Jackson Could Miss Multiple Games; Durham Smythe Out for Season

The Smythe news hurts, but everything revolves around Jackson. Baltimore should not rush him back for one October game if doing so increases the possibility that the ankle becomes a lingering problem for the rest of the season. The Ravens are 3-1, Huntley has proven he can keep the offense functional, and Baltimore’s ultimate goals extend well beyond beating Atlanta in Week 5. The larger concern is how many injuries are accumulating simultaneously. Baltimore can survive a game without one starter, but potentially losing Jackson, Smythe, Vorhees and Humphrey while already missing Hendrickson and multiple offensive linemen changes the equation considerably. The Ravens survived Tennessee, but the next several weeks may tell us far more…

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5

Washington Capitals Look to Complete Perfect Homestand Against High-Scoring Seattle Kraken

The Capitals have an excellent opportunity to complete a perfect homestand, but Seattle should not be underestimated. The Kraken have scored six goals in all three of their victories, and their offensive depth makes them dangerous even when their top line is contained. Washington's defensive injuries add another layer of concern, particularly against an opponent that has demonstrated an ability to overwhelm teams during short stretches. Washington has the advantage in goaltending based on early-season results, and its veteran leadership should help the Capitals manage Seattle's offensive pressure. Wilson, Tuch and Strome have contributed to the team's strong start, while Ovechkin remains capable of changing a game with one shot. If Thompson delivers another strong…

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6

Capitals Rally Past Rangers 3-1 as Jenner Scores Game-Winner, Thompson Shines

Friday's victory was an encouraging performance for a Capitals team that has shown resilience early in the season. Washington fell behind against a Rangers club that had won four consecutive games, but the Capitals remained patient and eventually took advantage of their opportunities. Jenner's game-winning goal was particularly encouraging because Washington needs its offseason additions to make meaningful contributions throughout the year. Thompson's steady goaltending also gave the Capitals an opportunity to win without requiring Ovechkin to carry the offense. The biggest takeaway is that Washington appears capable of winning games in different ways, something that will be essential over an 82-game schedule. The Capitals scored five goals against Pittsburgh in their previous outing but…

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7

Washington Capitals Look to Continue Strong Start Against Surging New York Rangers in Metropolitan Division Showdown

Capitals face their first major Metropolitan Division test Friday's matchup represents an important early opportunity for Washington to establish itself against one of the division's strongest teams. The Capitals have shown encouraging signs through their first three games, particularly with their revamped top line and the continued leadership of Wilson and Ovechkin. However, New York has been one of the NHL's most complete teams during the opening week, and its defensive structure could expose areas where Washington still needs improvement. A victory would provide additional confidence that the Capitals can compete with the division's top contenders while adjusting to their new lineup combinations. For Washington fans, the biggest storyline remains Ovechkin's final season and the…

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8

Capitals Defeat Penguins 5-3 in Emotional Home Opener as Tom Wilson Leads Washington to Victory

Capitals Show Their Potential, but Defensive Consistency Remains Important Washington's 5-3 victory over Pittsburgh represented more than simply another early-season win, particularly considering the emotional circumstances surrounding Ovechkin's final home opener. The Capitals demonstrated impressive offensive depth, received a dominant performance from Wilson and continued getting contributions from their younger players and offseason acquisitions. The combination of experienced veterans and emerging talent gives Washington legitimate reasons for optimism as it attempts to return to the postseason. However, the second-period defensive breakdowns also showed that this team remains a work in progress and cannot afford to surrender momentum so easily against stronger opponents. The most encouraging development might be Washington's ability to generate five goals without…

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9

Penguins vs. Capitals Preview: Washington Opens Home Schedule Against Pittsburgh

The Capitals' home opener could not have been scripted much better: Washington against Pittsburgh, Ovechkin against Crosby and the beginning of Ovechkin's final season at Capital One Arena. There will be plenty of emotion surrounding the game, but Washington cannot allow the occasion to distract from the two points available in the standings. The Capitals have assembled a deep roster capable of making Ovechkin's final season meaningful well beyond a farewell tour. Washington should have an opportunity to pressure a Pittsburgh team that has shown some early defensive cracks, particularly during the third period. If the Capitals start faster than they did in Tampa Bay, establish their forecheck and receive production throughout their lineup, they…

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10

Alex Ovechkin Announces Final NHL Season: Capitals Fans Need to Cherish Every Second of The Great 8’s Last Ride

Alex Ovechkin's retirement announcement is bigger than the conclusion of one legendary player's career because it represents the approaching end of an entire era in Washington sports. For more than two decades, Capitals hockey and Ovechkin have been virtually inseparable, and No. 8 has been part of nearly every major moment surrounding the organization. Fans watched him arrive as a young superstar, endure devastating playoff losses, finally lift the Stanley Cup and eventually accomplish something once considered impossible by breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record. We have known this day would eventually come, but knowing it was inevitable does not make it feel any less strange. Capitals fans should not spend this season mourning Ovechkin before…

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11

McBride’s Late Goal Lifts Navy Past Army 4-3 in Thrilling Army-Navy Cup XV

Navy's 4-3 victory over Army was much more than another win in the standings, as the Midshipmen showed the determination and offensive execution needed to overcome a difficult stretch of the season. Allowing three equalizers would have discouraged many teams, but Navy consistently responded with another scoring opportunity and ultimately found the winning goal. Sullivan's playmaking, McBride's clutch finish and Carmody's return provided several encouraging developments for Hackworth's squad. Ending a five-year drought against Army made the performance even more meaningful. The Midshipmen still have defensive issues to address, particularly after allowing Army to score three times despite Navy taking the lead on four separate occasions. However, scoring four goals on five shots on target…

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12

Towson’s Comeback Falls Short as Stony Brook Hands Tigers 31-24 Defeat Despite Career Day From Jacob Davis

Towson's 31-24 loss to Stony Brook was another frustrating example of a team finding ways to lose despite producing enough offense to win. The Tigers gained 433 yards, received an outstanding performance from a true freshman quarterback and repeatedly battled back from a 17-point deficit. However, allowing seven sacks, committing two turnovers and surrendering a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown is simply unacceptable for a team trying to secure its first victory. Those mistakes completely erased the positives from one of Towson's strongest offensive performances of the season. Davis deserves considerable credit for stepping into the starting role and delivering 403 yards of total offense against a conference opponent. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays…

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13

Morgan State Stuns Robert Morris 28-27 With Last-Second Touchdown in Homecoming Thriller

Morgan State is becoming one of the most exciting college football stories in Maryland, and Saturday's comeback victory provided another example of the program's remarkable improvement. The Bears could have folded after falling behind 14-0, but instead responded with 18 third-quarter points and another clutch final drive. Edge deserves considerable credit for remaining composed under pressure, while Jenkins delivered the type of performance that can define a season. Winning close games requires confidence, execution and leadership, and Morgan State demonstrated all three qualities when the outcome was on the line. However, the Bears cannot continue allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for nearly 400 yards and expect to escape with victories every week. Robert Morris repeatedly…

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14

Oxon Hill Clippers Girls Varsity Volleyball Announces Full 2026-2027 Home Match Schedule

The Oxon Hill Clippers girls varsity volleyball team’s home schedule for the 2026-2027 season demonstrates a strong slate of matchups against notable Prince George's County opponents. Hosting several contests provides valuable opportunities for player development and team cohesion in front of a supportive home crowd. These home matches could serve as key moments for the Clippers to build momentum as they prepare for the competitive season ahead. Source: Original report

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15

Oxon Hill Clippers Boys Varsity Football Scheduled for October 10 Away Game at Parkdale High School

The upcoming October 10 away game against Parkdale High School marks a key point in the Oxon Hill Clippers' 2026 season schedule. With a full slate of both scrimmages and competitive matchups ahead, this contest offers the Clippers a chance to gauge their progress against regional opponents. Monitoring their performance through this stretch will provide insights into the team’s development and potential trajectory in their football campaign. Source: Original report

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16

Suitland High School Boys Varsity Soccer to Play Forestville High School on Oct. 12

This game is an important part of the Suitland High School boys varsity soccer team's 2026 schedule, offering an opportunity to compete against a local rival in Forestville. Matches like these are crucial for the team's development and preparation for the rest of the season, allowing players to gain valuable experience and build competitive momentum. Source: Original report

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17

Friendly Patriots Boys Varsity Football to Play Surrattsville High School in Clinton on October 10, 2026

The Friendly Patriots' upcoming schedule presents key opportunities to measure progress against well-regarded regional opponents. Their October 10 game at Surrattsville High School offers a road test that can help build experience and team cohesion. Monitoring performances throughout these matchups will provide insights into how the Patriots are shaping their program for the season ahead. Source: Original report

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18

Frederick Douglass High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Announces 2026 Prince George’s County League Schedule

The 2026 season schedule for Frederick Douglass High School Girls Varsity Volleyball highlights their active participation in Prince George's County's competitive volleyball circuit. Facing consistent start times against a group of familiar county opponents enables the team to focus on building game rhythm and team cohesion. These games will not only provide valuable experience but also serve as benchmarks for the team to evaluate progress and adjust strategies as the season develops, which is vital for postseason aspirations. Source: Original report

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19

Washington Wizards Survive Detroit Pistons Comeback, Win 114-108 in Overtime Thriller

The Wizards might have delivered one of the most entertaining games of the NBA preseason, but the biggest takeaway was not simply the overtime victory. Washington's young players showed composure after surrendering a 20-point lead, with Riley, Johnson and Okpara helping rescue a game that appeared to be slipping away. Dybantsa also displayed the athleticism and creativity that could make him a major part of the franchise's future. These are encouraging developments for a team looking to establish a winning foundation. However, Washington cannot ignore the problems that allowed Detroit to erase such a commanding advantage. Committing 29 turnovers and allowing 23 offensive rebounds would make winning extremely difficult against stronger regular-season competition. Keefe needs…

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20

Washington Wizards Look to Stay Perfect in Preseason Against Detroit Pistons

The Wizards finally have a roster that gives fans legitimate reasons for excitement after several difficult seasons. Adding Young and Davis alongside a promising young talent like Dybantsa creates a much more interesting foundation, although the organization still needs to prove that its pieces can function together consistently. Washington's victory over New York was an encouraging beginning, but Saturday's matchup against Detroit should provide another indication of how far this group has progressed. The most important development will not necessarily be another preseason victory, but whether the Wizards continue showing improved defensive effort, offensive chemistry and confidence against quality competition. For live updates and statistics, follow the Pistons-Wizards game on ESPN. Research sources: ESPN, CBS…

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By the Numbers

34

Full stories

6

Sports sections

20

MSB Takes

7

Days covered

Quote of the Week

“If you don't talk about it, there's no chance of doing it.”

Jim Palmer Says Craig Albernaz Ignored His Advice, Adding Another Problem to Difficult First Season

This Week in Maryland Sports

Tuesday, October 6

Monday, October 5

Saturday, October 10

Wednesday, October 7

Sunday, October 11

Friday, October 9

Thursday, October 8

Full Issue

Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Ravens

Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears

Maryland College Sports

Maryland High School Sports

Washington Wizards

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