Top 20 Recap: DMV’s Best Make Their Mark
#1 DeMatha 21-20 over Imhotep (PA)
The DeMatha Stags came back from being down 13 in the fourth quarter to win in Philadelphia. The program now has a 23-game win streak, longest in school history.
#2 Gonzaga 33-0 over #10 Coolidge
The Gonzaga Eagles’ defense was relentless, Tyler Frederick dominated the line of scrimmage, and junior CB Jackson Waddy had an interception. Senior RB Asheton Burton dazzled with four rushing touchdowns.
#3 St. John’s 21-18 over Spalding
The St. John’s Cadets pull off the huge non-conference win at the Under Armour Grit and Greatness Invitational. Japhya Rouson added 3 more touchdowns, giving him six on the year. The SJC defense, which shined all night, came up with the final stop.
#4 Quince Orchard 28-0 over Paint Branch
Carter Dailey threw for 3 touchdowns, two to Rafferty Bankert, and the Red Army was rocking in Gaithersburg on opening night. The Cougar defense posted their thirteenth shutout in three years.
#5 Wise vs. King’s Fork (VA) rescheduled
#6 McNamara 33-6 over Dundalk
The McNamara Mustangs roll on the road as junior Malachi Webb has 160 offensive yards and two touchdowns. Senior KJ Underwood threw two touchdown passes.
#7 Good Counsel 41-39 over Bergen Catholic
In a wild contest in Olney, the Good Counsel Falcons outfought the Crusaders on the final play for the win. Grant Altuner and the Good Counsel defensive line stonewalled the Bergen quarterback sneak to end it. Backup quarterback junior Luca Cogliandolo was superb, 13-16 for 260 yards and four touchdown passes.
#8 Eastern vs. #13 Flowers rescheduled
#9 Sherwood 57-0 over Magruder
The Warriors made an opening night statement, exploding for 49 first-half points to go 1-0. Sophomore Jayden Sellman returned two punts for touchdowns. Senior quarterback Matt Larsen hit his tight end Evan Campbell for two more.
#11 Georgetown Prep 24-0 over Pallotti
Coach Dan Paro starts the season off right with a shutout at home vs. Pallotti. Senior Carter Sweeney scored the first touchdown of the season; senior Dylan Behrens and junior Anthony Richardson found the end zone as well.
#12 Churchill 20-19 over B-CC
Churchill overcame multiple turnovers and a 13-0 deficit to win on the road. Senior Hunter Humphries went 18-29 for 232 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning dime to senior receiver Caleb Singer.
#14 West Springfield 41-7 over Chantilly
West Springfield was in mid-season form as they outgained Fairfax by 280 yards. The dynamic duo of senior QB Hassan Edwards and senior WR Jevon Austin was back, connecting for multiple touchdowns and big plays on the night.
#15 Westfield 49-28 over Fairfax
This game was locked up 21-21 at halftime before the Bulldogs took over, erupting for 21 fourth-quarter points. Senior QB Brayden Lee connected with senior WR Zeak Barnes and junior Jeremiah Rosario for scores.
#16 St. Albans 21-13 over St. Paul’s
Head Coach Orion Martin and the St. Albans Bulldogs took their show on the road in the season-opening victory. The Bulldogs were able to take control early and rely on the defense to close it out.
#17 Friendship Collegiate Academy 24-6 over Carroll
The Knights’ defense had four takeaways, including a 50-yard scoop and score from sophomore DT Elijah Shorter-McCants. Senior QB Darrin Richardson Jr. had two passing touchdowns.
#18 Madison 23-0 over Lake Braddock
The nest was swarming in Vienna last Thursday as the Warhawks shut out the Lakers. Senior WR Kellen Counts got the offensive going with an amazing highlight-reel touchdown catch, and RB William Melvey hit paydirt in the victory.
Episcopal 20-8 over #19 Paul VI
The Maroon ruin opening night in Chantilly with an excellent second half. Senior WR/KR Ziggie “Showtime” Allen lived up to the moniker for Episcopal with well over 100 yards and a 46-yard touchdown reception.
#20 Bullis 29-23 over Gilman
This one came down to the wire as both teams combined for twenty-five fourth-quarter points. Special teams were the difference as senior Cam Homer returned two kickoffs for touchdowns to put the Bullis Bulldogs on top.
