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Second Chance Wildlife Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the upcoming December 8 opening of its new $5.4 million facility in Clarksburg, which will enhance the organization’s ability to treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife from across Maryland.

Per the news release: “The 30-year-old nonprofit’s new campus includes Maryland’s only large flight conditioning structure for raptors, specialized rehabilitation spaces for native species, and upgraded medical and nursery areas to support its mission of returning healthy animals to the wild.

Second Chance Wildlife Center (SCWC), a beloved and respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the medical treatment and rehabilitation of injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals from across Maryland, celebrated the upcoming opening (December 8, 2025) of its new state-of-the-art facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today attended by local and state government leaders and wildlife officials as well as and longtime supporters.

The new $5.4 million+, custom-designed facility sits on more than eight acres in Clarksburg and represents a transformative leap forward for the 30-year-old organization, which has operated for decades out of a converted farmhouse in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The center’s new campus features Maryland’s only large flight strength and conditioning structure for raptors and other large birds – spanning 100 feet long and 20 feet tall – along with specialized rehabilitation spaces for a wide range of native species.

“This new facility fulfills a dream that has been decades in the making,” said Maureen Smith, President of Second Chance Wildlife Center. “It will allow us to provide the highest quality of species-specific medical care and rehabilitation to thousands of wild animals annually with the goal of releasing healthy animals back to the intended roles in nature.” Second Chance Wildlife Center admits over 2,600 animal patients – representing over 120 different species – each year.

Guests at the event toured the new clinic and outdoor rehabilitation enclosures, viewed the new hydrotherapy and x-ray rooms, and saw the dedicated nursery spaces for baby mammals and songbirds. The event also included remarks from organizational leaders, the presentation of proclamations from the Governor of Maryland, the Maryland State Assembly, and the County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland, each recognizing Second Chance Wildlife Center for 30 years of service and celebrating this major new accomplishment.

Said Smith, “Moving to Clarksburg, Maryland – 14 miles north of our longtime home in Gaithersburg – allows us to remain in Montgomery County while also bringing us closer to where the need for our services has been growing significantly each year due to increasing development destroying native habitat and increasing human activity.”

The organization plans to officially open for patient admissions on Monday, December 8, 2025, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays. The facility was funded entirely through private donations, reflecting strong community support for wildlife and trust in Second Chance Wildlife Center – which holds the highest ratings possible by independent charity evaluators GuideStar and Charity Navigator.

Founded in 1995 by Christine Montuori, who began rehabilitating wildlife from her home basement, SCWC now admits more than 2,500 wild animals annually and provides expert guidance in response to more than 8,000 wildlife inquiries each year. Operating under permits issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the organization’s mission is to provide compassionate medical care, rehabilitation, and release for native wildlife and migratory species in need. Smith also emphasized that with the construction project now nearly complete, the organization will be adding a tremendous focus a new Education and Engagement Program in 2026 and beyond for people of all ages.

“No matter how advanced our new facility is, our mission remains the same,” said Smith. “Every animal deserves a second chance at the life nature intended, and this space ensures we can give them that opportunity safely and effectively – along with our well-known reputation for compassion in all that we do.”

Key partners in building Second Chance Wildlife Center’s new campus include TW Construction, which served as General Contractor for the main clinic building and fire suppression system’s “pump house” and McIntyre Home Improvements of Rockville, MD which served as General Contractor of the unique outdoor pre-release enclosures. Richard Donnally served as Architect. MGAC assisted in construction project management and coordination. Ruppert Landscaping donated all landscaping services, featuring native plants and trees. Fencing was provided by Builder’s Fence Company. Catoctin Valley Engineering Technology provided all wi-fi, IT wiring and security cameras. Maryland Sign Design provided all large signage.”

Two brothers won a combined $500,000 after purchasing ten winning Pick 5 tickets for the Oct. 29 midday drawing at the Sunoco gas station on Clarksburg Road in Clarksburg, marking the top Maryland Lottery prize of the week. In total, Maryland players claimed more than $29.8 million in prizes from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, with including an additional $100,000 scratch-off winner in Rockville. Full details below courtesy MD Lottery:

“Two brothers claimed $500,000 in prize money from 10 Pick 5 tickets for the midday drawing on Oct. 29 purchased in Clarksburg, while scratch-off players in Denton and Rockville collected $100,000 each, for the top Maryland Lottery wins of the past week.

On all games, players won more than $29.8 million across Maryland in the week Oct. 27 – Nov. 2 including 38 tickets worth $10,000 or more.

Winners are encouraged to sign the backs of tickets and keep winning tickets in a safe location. Tickets for draw games expire 182 days after the drawing date. FAST PLAY tickets expire 182 days after purchase. The last dates to claim for scratch-off tickets are posted on the scratch-offs page at mdlottery.com.

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem tickets at the Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes up to $25,000 can be claimed at the cashier window of any of the six casinos in Maryland. Prizes up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets worth up to and including $600. More information is available on the How to Claim page of the Lottery website.

Here’s the weekly roundup of big winners:

Scratch-off prizes claimed Oct. 27 – Nov. 2:

$100,000 Prizes

$20,000 Prize

$10,000 Prizes

FAST PLAY and draw game tickets sold for drawings Oct. 27 – Nov. 2:

RACETRAX

Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the 4A-3A championship, while Linganore won the 2A-1A title.

For the second year in a row, the Maryland high school girls flag football state championship game took place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Two title games shows the sports growth in Maryland

However, unlike last year with just one state championship game, there were two in 2025. Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the Class 4A-3A state championship, while Linganore (Frederick) won the Class 2A-1A state title.

Both state championship games were played on Saturday, Nov. 8, while four state semifinal games took place one day earlier on Friday, Nov. 7.

Flag football comes to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens

The NFL's Baltimore Ravens have supported Maryland high school girls flag football since it began as a pilot program in 2023. They hosted the first girls flag football state title game in 2024, which was won by the Coyotes.

Former Ravens and Washington Commanders players were in attendance to support the teams playing. Representing Baltimore were Michael McCrary, Terrance West, and Jermaine Lewis, and representing Washington were Brian Mitchell and Kevin Barnes.

Back in 2023, Frederick County was the first Maryland school system to launch high school girls flag football, with Montgomery County, Baltimore City, and Washington County joining in a year later.

92 teams participated in high school flag football in Maryland in 2025

With girls flag football growing in popularity in the state, 92 high schools participated in the 2025 season. The seven Maryland counties included were Baltimore City, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Washington.

The additional counties and schools resulted in separate Class 4A-3A and 2A-1A playoffs and state championships, with two different Maryland state champions for 2025.

Linganore rolls past Calvert in 2A/1A

The first state title game that took place on Saturday was the 2A/1A game between No. 3 Linganore and No. 1 Calvert. A day earlier in the semifinals, the Lancers defeated No. 2 Forest Park, while the Cavaliers beat No. 4 Largo.

The contest wasn't even close as Linganore dominated Calvert 26-6 for their first girls flag football state championship in school history.

"Unreal," said Lancers head coach Brian Sweene. "It's the greatest feeling that I can have."

Linganore quarterback Lexi Petrie had an incredible senior season that ended on a high note. She threw four touchdown passes to lead her school to victory.

"It feels great to win with all these girls," said Petrie. "We're such a good group together. We mesh really well. It's just nice that we've finally been rewarded."

"[Lexi] is just an unbelievable athlete and person," said Sweene.

Petrie has been included in various High School on SI girls flag football Player of the Week polls throughout the 2025 season.

"It's really nice to get that recognition," said Petrie. "It's basically to prove that everything I've been doing has been working out and successful in my favor."

On Saturday evening, Petrie completed two touchdown passes to two different receivers, sophomore Makenna Roberts and fellow senior Rachael Hepner.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Hepner. "I'm definitely going to remember this for the rest of my life."

Late in the game, Hepner scored her second touchdown on a hook-and-ladder play. The Lancers ran that play multiple times throughout the evening and the season.

"We practice it on a regular basis," said Sweene. "We make sure we do it correctly, and make sure there are no problems."

"I think it's an amazing play," said Hepner. "I think it's one of those plays that people don't see coming."

This state title win for Linganore shows that that the Maryland high school girls flag football playoffs could expand to four different champions for each classification as the sport continues to grow in populatiry in the state.

"I think it's an amazing sport continuing to grow," said Petrie. "I think it's just getting bigger and bigger."

"It's going to take over," Sweene stated on the rise of high school girls flag football in Maryland.

Linganore girls flag football wins the 2025 Maryland 2A-1A girls flag football state championship. / Harry Lichtman

Clarksburg shuts out Whitman in 4A/3A final

Next up was the 4A/3A state championship game between Montgomery County schools No. 2 Clarksburg and No. 4 Whitman. In the semifinals, the Coyotes defeated No. 3 Western, while the Vikings beat No. 1 Wise.

The contest featured a lot of defense, especially in the first half. But Clarksburg got the job done with a 19-0 shutout victory to win their second consecutive girls flag football state title.

"These are a special group of girls," said Coyotes head coach Kyle Landefeld. "They're just phenomenal. They earned everything, and I'm very proud."

Clarksburg only led 7-0 in the first half, but they added two more scores in the second to finish the job.

"They knew they could do it," said Landenfeld. "They have the talent. They just locked in, and knew what they could do."

Coyotes junior Aysia Jones-Robinson capped off her MVP-caliber season with a stellar two-way performance. She threw two touchdown passes and ran for one score, and made multiple pass breakups and flag pulls on defense.

"The defense never gave up," said Jones-Robinson. "We played our hardest, and we got the dub."

Clarksburg junior Destiny Turner also stepped up in the championship game with a touchdown catch and an interception both in the second half. It was the first pick the Coyotes had all game.

"It feels nice to have a quarterback like Aysia," said Turner. "She always knows how to throw the pass, and it just feels great."

"My favorite receiver to throw to," Jones-Robinson state about Turner. "I'm going to miss playing with her. She's very reliable, and whenever I need her, she's always there to step it up."

"They were all-season superstars," Landefeld state about Jones-Robinson and Turner. "You've got to love them."

Whitman made multiple plays on offense and defense as they came close to scoring and pulling the upset. But in the end, the Vikings came up short.

Clarksburg girls flag football quarterback Aysia Jones Robinson in action in the 2025 Maryland 4A-3A state championship game. / Harry Lichtman

In High School on SI's feature story on the Clarksburg quarterback/cornerback, Jones-Robinson said that one of her sports idols is Lamar Jackson. On Saturday evening, she got to emulate the Ravens quarterback she's been compared to on his home field.

"It feels great," said Jones-Robinson. "Playing on the Ravens' field, being compared to him, and actually running and taking off."

With two state titles already on her high school resume, it's certainly possible that Jones-Robinson and the Coyotes could three-peat for her senior year in 2026.

HARRY LICHTMAN

Harry Lichtman is a sports reporter based in Montgomery County, MD and the DC area. He also writes for Capitals Outsider and LastWordOnSports, and previously wrote for MLB Report, The Sports Pulse, the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Montgomery County Sentinel, and The Bottom Line newspaper at Frostburg State University. In 2020, Harry won an MDDC Press award for a story about former high school lacrosse head coach Jeff Fritz. Harry has been writing since 2016.

Food & Wine recently named Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland, one of its “12 Stunning U.S. Vineyards to Visit This Harvest Season,” spotlighting the Montgomery County estate alongside some of the nation’s top wine destinations. Our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis visited last night and shared his account of the experience (video also available below).

“Last night I got to experience ‘A Taste of Burnt Hill,’ described as a ‘luxury tasting experience atop the hill.’ It truly lived up to the description… a stunning evening at one of Food & Wine’s featured vineyards.” Alex arrived early for his 7 pm reservation, just in time to catch the 6:26 sunset over the 117-acre property. “We lucked out with the weather,” he said, sharing that he captured both the farm’s sheep and the glowing sky in perfect light.

Guests are greeted with a glass of Blanc de Blancs before sitting down for a guided tasting that includes three estate reserve wines, stone-milled bread service, and seasonal garden snacks, all presented on handcrafted ceramics made from the farm’s own soil. The experience even comes with a playful touch, “They give you this little toolkit for your food, so I ate my dessert with a little shovel,” Alex said.

Following the tasting, guests can explore Burnt Hill further, enjoying à la carte small plates and a curated wine list highlighting ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on-site. The menu is crafted by Chef-Partner Tae Strain (formerly of Momofuku) in collaboration with Burnt Hill’s sister property, Old Westminster Winery.

Reservations require a $26 per person non-refundable fee, securing a three-hour visit and a welcome glass of Blanc de Blancs. The $85 per person tasting experience is charged on-site and includes a 20% gratuity and tax. The adult-only tasting room accommodates one to six guests.

Founded by siblings Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson, Burnt Hill Farm is a regenerative polyculture vineyard that blends sustainable agriculture, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Its recognition by Food & Wine cements its place as one of the most beautiful and innovative vineyards in the country, right here in upper Montgomery County.

Week 7 of Maryland high school flag football season has ended, as there were once again standout performers across the Old Line State. Only one week left of the regular season as we get closer to the playoffs.

Here are High School on SI's Maryland Girls Flag Football Players of the Week for Oct. 13-18. Scroll down to read about this week's list and cast your vote below.

Please feel free to send nominees for next week's poll to hslichtman@aol.com. Voting ends Oct. 26, 2025 at 11:59 P.T.

Aysia Jones-Robinson, Clarksburg

Jones-Robinson had another stellar performance as she led Clarksburg to a 29-0 victory over Seneca Valley to remain undefeated.

Da'Myra Wallace, Frederick

Wallace once again lit up the gridiron. She went 22-of-40 passing for 341 yards and three touchdowns, breaking her own program record for passing yards in a game. Frederick went on to beat Boonsboro 20-7.

Sha'Niyah Goines, Frederick

In the same game, Goines hauled in six receptions for 170 yards, setting a new Frederick single-game record for receiving yards.

Kessey Panou-Kwadjambou, Frederick

Also in the same game, Panou-Kwadjambou delivered a dominant defensive performance, as she set a single-game record with four sacks. She also recorded six flag pulls.

Lexi Petrie, Linganore

Petrie went 17-of-27 for 287 passing yards and five touchdowns in Linganore's 34-13 victory over Middletown.

Makenna Roberts, Linganore

In the same game, Roberts had eight receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns. One of the TDs was a 62-yard catch-and-run.

Payton Wallace, Damascus

Wallace led Damascus to an 18-6 win over Sherwood by throwing three touchdown passes.

Meron Kossy, Churchill

Kossy lit up the offense with catches and runs totaling over 150 yards and two touchdowns in Churchill's 32-7 win over Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

Lucia Siracusano, Northern

Siracusano celebrated her 18th birthday by throwing two touchdowns and two extra points to lead Northern to a 14-7 victory over North Point.

Joy West, Suitland

West tossed her sixth touchdown pass of the season and eclipsed 1,000 yards in Suitland's 8-7 loss to Parkdale. She earned the nickname, "Ms. 5200."

About our Player of the Week VotingHigh School on SI are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals. Sometimes one athlete will receive a large number of votes - even thousands - and that's okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports. Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.