Top Defensive Players from WCAC Championship

St. John’s and Good Counsel both had Top 3 defenses in the WCAC this season, with DeMatha also in the Top 3. In the championship game, it was more of an offensive battle with nearly fifty total points scored in the contest. Regardless, when there’s that much D1 talent on the field it’s impossible for there not to be flashes of greatness from both sides defensively. Let’s take a closer look at the key defensive players from last week’s WCAC championship. &nbsp; <strong><u>ST. JOHN’S  30</u></strong> <strong>2022 6’1 215 LB – Kendel Sims</strong> Kendel Sims earned Second Team All-WCAC honors this season. His linebacker prowess was on full display all season long, and his performance in the championship game was phenomenal, especially in the second half. Sims always knows exactly where to be on the field at all times, and he makes things particularly difficult on quarterbacks as a result. Kendel Sims will have a very high ceiling at the college level, and there’s no question that he will make a huge impact wherever he decides to play. <strong> </strong> <strong>2023 6’2 240 DL – Adrian Littleton </strong> Adrian Littleton put a ton of pressure on Good Counsel’s offensive line and quarterback in the WCAC championship game. From deflected passes to big time run stops, Littleton did it all in this championship contest, and he more than proved his All-Conference Honorable Mention status. He was particularly effective as an edge rusher this season, because he is able to use his speed more when he’s lined up on the outside. This year was a breakout season for Adrian Littleton, and he absolutely has what it takes to make First Team All-WCAC next season. <strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’0 185 DB- Phil Rawlings </strong> Phil Rawlings earned Second Team All-WCAC honors after a spectacular season this year. Against Good Counsel, Rawlings was lockdown in his matchups against the Falcons’ pass catchers. Good Counsel only had one total receiving touchdown in the championship which really speaks to St. Johns’ impressive defense in the secondary. Phil Rawlings is a very well-rounded defensive back with a ton of experience. He will be an elite addition to any D1 program. <strong> </strong> <strong>2023 5’11 175 DB – Christian Rawlings </strong> Earning Second Team All-WCAC honors as a utility player this season, it’s safe to say that Christian Rawlings is an incredibly dynamic and effective football player on both sides of the ball. He emerged as a punt/kick returner on special teams this year, and he truly thrived in the role. Even against Good Counsel in the championship, he returned multiple kicks for twenty plus yards which gave St. John’s prime field position. Rawlings is also a shutdown defensive back who has incredible instincts at the position and amazing tackling ability. It’s crazy to think that Christian Rawlings has another year of high school football ahead of him, and there’s no question that he’s going to dominate next year too. &nbsp; <strong>2023 6’4 240 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="146636" first="David" last="Ojiegbe"] </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="146636" first="David" last="Ojiegbe"], the First Team All-WCAC defensive lineman, recorded and assisted on multiple sacks against Good Counsel, and he was a constant disruption in the backfield throughout the championship. Ojiegbe is a premier tackler who has the ability to finish plays and that’s exactly what he showed us in this game. It was no surprise, given that he has performed at an elite level all season, and it’s shocking to think that he has another season of high school football ahead of him. The future of the St. John’s defense is exceptionally bright, with [player_tooltip player_id="146636" first="David" last="Ojiegbe"] leading the way. &nbsp; <strong>2022 6’0 250 LB – Arturo Mattocks </strong> You’d be hard pressed to find a more cerebral linebacker than Arturo Mattocks. The First Team All-WCAC selection reads opposing offenses like the back of his hand, and he does so by picking up on their tendencies and following his elite level instincts. Mattocks also has incredible tackling ability combined with speed, making him a nightmare for WCAC quarterbacks this season. Arturo Mattocks was a huge contributor during this year’s perfect season for St. John’s, and he should be considered the best linebacker in D.C. He will thrive at the D1 level. &nbsp; <strong><u>GOOD COUNSEL  14 </u></strong> <strong>2022 6’1 225 LB – Gary Bryant </strong> Gary Bryant was the leader of this Good Counsel defense all season, and he deserves a ton of credit for bringing this group together for a championship run. The Falcons defense defeated DeMatha in order to get to the championship, and in that game Bryant and his fellow defensemen earned their shot at WCAC gold. While they fell short to St. John’s, Bryant played at a high level all contest long and he displayed his prowess at the linebacker position. There’s no question that he’s ready for the college game, and he will make a well-rounded impact wherever he chooses to play. &nbsp; <strong>2023 6’5 230 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="146654" first="Neeo" last="Avery"] </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="146654" first="Neeo" last="Avery"] is the epitome of a football player. He plays two ways, and he even takes over at the quarterback position from time to time in goal line situations especially. Avery even played a little quarterback in the championship game, however, his prowess all season long was defense. Avery is a stout presence at defensive line for the Falcons, and he’s an exceptional defender of the run. His size and length make him the ultimate kryptonite for running backs, and that was displayed clearly in the championship. [player_tooltip player_id="146654" first="Neeo" last="Avery"] should be on every scout’s radar because he’s going to have a breakout Senior season in 2022. He will be an elite D1 player as well. <strong> </strong> <strong>2024 6’3 215 LB – [player_tooltip player_id="172218" first="Aaron" last="Chiles"] </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="172218" first="Aaron" last="Chiles"] really earned his stripes as a linebacker this season, and he displayed immense skill all season. Whether he’s rushing from the edge or the inside, [player_tooltip player_id="172218" first="Aaron" last="Chiles"] always manages to penetrate the offensive line in quick pursuit of the ball carrier. He’s particularly good off of the edge because it gives him momentum for his closing speed which finishes tackles. Chiles also really improved his pass coverage this season, and his seamless releases into the secondary became more disguised and improved with every game. [player_tooltip player_id="172218" first="Aaron" last="Chiles"] is the most exciting young linebacker in the WCAC and he should be recognized as such. There are very few players in the entire DMV with as high of a ceiling as Good Counsel’s Sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="172218" first="Aaron" last="Chiles"].