Gonzaga, DeMatha Renew Rivalry With WCAC Playoff Seeding on the Line
Two of the area’s most historically successful programs square off again this Halloween Saturday, and, to no one’s surprise, it’s the MSP Game of the Week. Gonzaga enters at an impressive 7-1 overall and tied for first place in the WCAC at 2-0. DeMatha sits at 2-1 in league play, still knocking on the door of first place with a mathematical chance to earn a share of the top seed heading into its final regular-season matchup.
Randy Trivers has Gonzaga off to its best start since the Caleb Williams-led 2019 squad. This year’s team has relied heavily on senior RB Asheton Burton, who has rushed for 574 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 22 receptions and three more scores. Senior WR and Villanova commit Lincoln Shelton is another constant threat, with 454 receiving yards. The 4.4-speedster has also made an impact on special teams, highlighted by a 92-yard kickoff return against McNamara. Defensively, the Eagles will look to control the game with their elite talent up front, led by sophomore four-star DL DJ Dockery and junior Patrick Shime, who recently received an offer from Ohio State. Defensive tackle and Northwestern commit Tyler Frederick adds even more firepower to an imposing front.
DeMatha enters Week 4 of WCAC play looking to rebound from its first conference loss since 2023. Seniors James Pace, DT Sean Saint Fleur and LB Devan Lassiter spearheaded an outstanding defensive effort in the defeat, with each recording a tackle for loss. On offense, the Stags will look to establish their ground game behind senior OT Jared “Biggie” Taylor, a Georgia State commit. Head coach Bryce Bevill knows that running the football on the road is essential to winning in the WCAC, so expect Maryland commit TJ Grant to shoulder a significant workload. QB Tristan Sabb should also have plenty of opportunities to keep the ball himself on the zone read, adding another dimension to the Stags’ rushing attack. With incredible talent on both sidelines, major WCAC seeding implications, first place in the division and home-field playoff advantages at stake, it looks like Buchanan Field at Reyda Stadium will be passing out the best candy on Halloween this year.
