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Just two years removed from the Class 4A state championship, the Quince Orchard football team has its sights set on another undefeated dream season. But this time it's in 3A.

Despite graduating four NCAA Division I players, this year's model may be even better. Its march to Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium kicks off Friday in the regional semifinals against Frederick County's Tuscarora (7-3).

"Although we have never played Tuscarora, their head coach Dean Swink coached at Whitman," Quince Orchard head coach Dave Mencarini said. "Dean knows us well and we know him. So I know they are really well-coached and do a great job forcing you to execute. ... With no previous history, it's always a dangerous situation."

The Cougars boast a ton of playmakers on offense. Senior running back Ben Sasu (1,287 yards) is a combination of power and speed, averaging more than 6 yards per carry with a county-high 22 touchdowns. Athletic classmate Pernell Brantley (33 receptions, 557 yards, six touchdowns) is a classic speedster and a threat to score any time he touches the ball.

Sasu is joined in the backfield by junior signal-caller Drew Murphy, who has thrown just three interceptions. But he is not just a game manager; he has thrown for 1,168 yards and 10 touchdowns. Six-foot-4 wide receiver Karim Jones and 6-1 Mitch Carney are also reliable targets for Murphy.

Defensively, the Cougars are stout and getting better at the right time, pitching three shutouts and allowing just 10.4 points a game. Senior Tyler Magill wreaks havoc off the edge while Daquan Mincy directs a veteran linebacking corps.

Cornerback Kevin Adams leads the secondary, and is also part of one of the most dynamic return tandems in the county. Brantley is feared by players and coaches alike. But if you kick away from him, Adams can be just as potent, as his 88-yard return for a touchdown against Sherwood proved.

Meanwhile, Tuscarora has been tough to figure out. It has been inconsistent in blowout losses: 41-0 to Thomas Johnson and 40-7 to the region's No. 2 seed, Linganore. But it also topped Frederick power Urbana, 27-24.

Dual-threat quarterback Josh Marshall does a bit of everything, while running back Matt Scott and Bobby Stup also contribute.

"Watching film, I did not see a one-man team," Mencarini said. "I saw an offense, while [Marshall] is good, that has very talented runners. Their receiver Stup is their go-to guy. I would say they've got a lot of pieces that can cause us trouble."

No. 4 Tuscarora (7-3) at No. 1 Quince Orchard (10-0)

Class 3A West Region semifinal

Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: None

-Tuscarora Titans

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (first)

Best finish: 3A West Region semifinals (2008)

Head coach: Dean Swink (first year, 7-3 record)

Leading rusher: Matt Scott (108 carries, 713 yards, 10 TD)

Leading passer: Josh Marshall (98 of 210, 1,189 yards, 5 TD)

Leading receiver: Bobby Stup (25 catches, 448 yards, 2 TD)

Leading defenders: LB Bobby Stup, SS Matt Scott, DE Sean Brennan

Points scored: 210

Points allowed: 180

-Quince Orchard Cougars

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (seventh)

Best finish: Class 4A state champions (1991, 2007)

Head coach: Dave Mencarini (sixth year, 62-9 record)

Leading rusher: Ben Sasu (211 carries, 1,287 yards, 22 TD)

Leading passer: Drew Murphy (87 of 128, 1168 yards, 10 TD, 3 int.)

Leading receiver: Pernell Brantley (33 catches, 557 yards, 6 TD)

Leading defenders: DE Tyler Magill, LB Daquan Mincy, CB Kevin Adams

Points scored: 354

Points allowed: 104