DeMatha Wins Home Opener

After a loss last week, the DeMatha Stags earned a huge 42-6 win this week at home over Episcopal. This victory is sure to boost the Stags’ confidence as they continue with non-conference play for the next few games. Let’s take a closer look at the standout players for the Stags from Friday’s game. &nbsp; <strong><u>DeMatha Stags</u></strong> &nbsp; Offense: &nbsp; <strong>2025 6’0 175 QB – Denzel Gardner </strong> Denzel Gardner is arguably the most exciting young player in the state of Maryland and he certainly showed why with his incredible performance against Episcopal. Gardner is a dual threat quarterback who relies on speed and quickness as opposed to size and physical strength. He beats tacklers by blazing by them and out maneuvering them with his phenomenal agility. Gardner converted on scores with ease, both rushing and passing the football, and it’s very scary to think how good this DeMatha team will be when Denzel Gardner, 2025, is an upperclassman. The Stags remain a strong WCAC contender this season with a few big non-conference opportunities in their near future. With Denzel Gardner under center with DeMatha’s sublime offensive line, it seems as though anything is possible for the Stags this season. <strong> </strong><strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’1 290 OL – [player_tooltip player_id="90574" first="Aidan" last="Stair"] </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="90574" first="Aidan" last="Stair"] and the DeMatha Stags’ offensive line flat out came to play against Episcopal, and it was clear from the very first snap. Episcopal had no answer for ball carriers all game long because they were unable to clog the gaps created by the DeMatha offensive line. Star Freshman quarterback Denzel Gardner also remained protected throughout the entire contest and it seemed like he barely got touched. Protection will remain one of the keys to victory for the Stags this season with WCAC play just around the corner. If [player_tooltip player_id="90574" first="Aidan" last="Stair"] can continue to lead this offensive line the way he has been then there’s no reason why DeMatha cannot make a lot of noise in the WCAC this season. <strong> </strong> &nbsp; Defense: &nbsp; <strong>2023 6’6 225 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="90642" first="Jason" last="Moore"] </strong> Time and time again [player_tooltip player_id="90642" first="Jason" last="Moore"] proves that he is as elite as it gets at the defensive end position. Moore was all over the Episcopal backfield forcing turnovers and three and outs with every sequence. His dominant plays always seem to energize his teammates, as well, which allows them to key in on their own games and play even harder. [player_tooltip player_id="90642" first="Jason" last="Moore"] is certainly a premier defensive lineman in the state of Maryland with lots of potential at the college level. Moore and the Stags’ defense will not make it easy for WCAC offenses this year that’s for sure. &nbsp; <strong>2022 6’0 180 DB – Robby Hart </strong> Robby Hart showed a ton of heart in this contest against Episcopal, and he did so by showing up for tackles all over the football field. Hart played mostly safety but that did not prevent him from swarming the backfield and making big time tackles for the Stags’ defense. Episcopal’s ball catchers never stood a chance either, as their receivers barely recorded a reception, and the DeMatha secondary was just relentless with Hart leading the charge. Robby Hart is an elite defensive back with a lot of poise, and he will be a crucial part of the DeMatha defense this season.