No. 1 DeMatha at No. 2 St. John’s: A Rivalry Renewed
The MSP Game of the Week features the biggest matchup of the season thus far, as St. John’s hosts DeMatha in a rivalry dating back to 1958. In 2026, these two storied programs find themselves at the top once again, with remarkable similarities. Both teams feature three-year starting senior quarterbacks, elite four-star running backs, multiple wide receivers with Power 4 scholarship offers, and two of the best defenses in the area. In fact, more than 50 players in this game hold college scholarship offers, including 30 with Power 4 offers. Incredible!
DeMatha alum Bryce Bevill has taken over as interim head coach of the illustrious program, while Bill McGregor remains Director of Football Operations as he tends to matters far more important than football: family. MSP and 1st Amendment Sports love you, Brenda and Bill, and the entire WCAC is behind you.
The coaching transition has been seamless, as the Stags find themselves in the all-too-familiar No. 1 spot in the rankings while pursuing a third consecutive title. Senior QB Tristan Sabb is a perfect 14-0 in WCAC play, and senior running back and Maryland commit TJ Grant can score from anywhere on the field. On defense, Auburn-bound seniors James Pace, an edge rusher, and Knyair Crumb, a safety, are spectacular playmakers for Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Deno Campbell.
In his second season, Terrence Byrd has the Cadets back to a level where they believe they can compete for a championship. Senior QB Nyeem Woods’ leadership and decision-making ability have St. John’s clicking offensively, while Indiana commit Da’Jon Talley-Rhodes is the reigning WCAC Offensive Player of the Year for good reason.
The Cadets’ defense has been relentless all season, with defensive coordinator Mike Ward consistently dialing up the pressure. St. John’s is loaded with talent up front, and edge rushers Scott Nyambi, CJ Harris, Jeff Ogbotor, and Maddox Fackel will be doing everything they can to contain a quarterback who has never lost in the league of all leagues.
