5 Breakout Performers for DeMatha
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Led by Freshman sensation Denzel Gardner, the DeMatha Stags played their best game of the season against Good Counsel. They ran away with the game early, going up two touchdowns in the very first quarter. The Stags’ defense earned their third shutout victory of the season as well, and, as a result, Good Counsel quarterback Frankie Weaver was under constant pressure in the pocket. He had to roll outside the pocket and throw on the run during the majority of passing plays, and that was not conducive to success for the Falcons in this game. DeMatha and Good Counsel square off again tonight in the first round of the WCAC playoffs at 7PM in what should be an epic rematch. First, let’s take a closer look at the top performing DeMatha players from this contest.
DEMATHA
2025 6’0 175 QB – Denzel Gardner
Denzel Gardner just keeps performing better and better, as he continues to face off against elite level WCAC defenses. Gardner accounted for two total touchdowns in this game, and he did so through the air and on the ground. His dynamic playmaking ability is off the charts fantastic, and that’s simply because he does it all. Denzel Gardner is playing his best football of the season right now, and it is at just the right time, as DeMatha faces Good Counsel again tonight @7PM under the Friday night lights. Expect nothing but greatness from Gardner in this game tonight. He’s one of the most elite Freshman quarterbacks in the entire nation.
2022 6’1 205 QB – Blake Kendall Jr.
Senior Blake Kendall Jr seized his playing time opportunities to the fullest against Good Counsel. He connected with Junior fullback Noah Vitko for a 14 yard touchdown pass that extended DeMatha’s lead even more, and he clearly had full control of the offense. What’s really impressive about Blake Kendall is his attitude. He has maintained a positive attitude towards his team’s quarterback situation throughout the season, and he truly embraces his role as a mentor. It was very exciting to watch Blake Kendall Jr thrive on the field, and there’s certainly a chance that he sees the field again tonight if the game result is a similar one.
2023 6’0 190 DB – Tawfiq Byard Tawfiq Byard 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB DeMatha | 2023 State MD
Tawfiq Byard Tawfiq Byard 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB DeMatha | 2023 State MD was absolutely the overall MVP of this game for DeMatha. Byard recorded an interception which he returned 13 yards deep inside of Good Counsel territory, and he also recovered a fumble that gave the ball back to DeMatha in prime field position. He was everywhere in this contest, and his athleticism was on full display. Byard also has a ridiculously high football IQ, especially at the defensive back position. He reads plays before they even happen, and his defensive instincts are some of the best in his class. If Tawfiq Byard Tawfiq Byard 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB DeMatha | 2023 State MD can deliver another big performance tonight then it is going to be a difficult game for Frankie Weaver and the Good Counsel offense.
2023 5’11 185 RB – Brendon Wyatt Brendon Wyatt 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Dematha | 2023 State MD
The leader of the DeMatha backfield is absolutely Brendon Wyatt Brendon Wyatt 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Dematha | 2023 State MD . Wyatt broke free for an early 61 yard run which put the Stags in prime position to score points. He also added a touchdown run that padded the lead even more. Wyatt is exceptional at finding and exploiting the holes that his offensive line creates for him, and he always commits a full burst of speed upfield-a huge reason why he is averaging close to five yards per carry. If Brendon Wyatt Brendon Wyatt 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Dematha | 2023 State MD has another big game tonight then DeMatha will absolutely advance to the next round. He’s a prime time D1 running back candidate.
2023 6’0 220 FB – Noah Vitko
Noah Vitko played his best game of the season against Good Counsel. He caught a 14 yard touchdown pass for his first touchdown of the year, and he also blocked extremely effectively in the backfield all game. Vitko gives the offense that spark of energy they need when he’s on the field, and it’s because he gives 100% effort on every play. He can absolutely make a big impact again tonight against Good Counsel in the first round of the WCAC playoffs.