Opening Day Preview: Collegiate vs. DeMatha

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we near opening day, let's take a closer look at the top players from the Collegiate Cougars' roster!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COLLEGIATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'0 200 QB - [player_tooltip player_id='303045' first='Jack' last='Callaghan']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='303045' first='Jack' last='Callaghan'] is the heart and soul of the Collegiate Cougars' football team, and, with an elite performance, he can absolutely lead this team past DeMatha on opening day. While his touchdown to interception ratio was 14:11 last year, I am predicting a much more touchdown rich ratio in 2023. If Callaghan stays aggressive in the running game, especially in 3rd down situations, then I also see an All-Conference honor coming his way as well. Facing the dominant DeMatha Stags on opening day will not be easy, however, if there's any team that can get the job done it's most certainly [player_tooltip player_id='303045' first='Jack' last='Callaghan'] and the Collegiate Cougars. Callaghan is a phenomenal athlete and all-around prospect with a ton of potential at the QB position. It's essential that scouts must tune-in to watch this opening day matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jqheu">http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jqheu</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'0 185 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1228355' first='Xay' last='Davis']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1228355' first='Xay' last='Davis'] is not only the Collegiate Cougars' primary ball carrier, but he has also secured return man duties as well after an immaculate season. While Davis only accumulated about 200 total yards in 2022, my prediction is that 2023 is a breakout season for him. He's a dynamic receiving RB wherever he's lined up on the field, so much so that he even posted more than 100 yards receiving against Flint Hill last Fall. Davis already has multiple D1 offers from two elite programs in the state of Virginia- UVA and ODU. A dominant showing from [player_tooltip player_id='1228355' first='Xay' last='Davis'] is essential for a Collegiate victory on opening day against DeMatha. In the backfield, the tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1228355' first='Xay' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='303045' first='Jack' last='Callaghan'] will be extremely difficult for the Stag's defense to deal with, and if this dynamic duo performs then they can absolutely secure a victory. The name [player_tooltip player_id='1228355' first='Xay' last='Davis'] should be on every scout's watchlist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/MX8AHxcHyD">https://t.co/MX8AHxcHyD</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 5'10 160 DB/WR - Ben Street</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for a lockdown defensive back with huge upside, then look no further than Ben Street of Collegiate. Street currently ranks in the ESPN Top 300, and he was also recently named an Under Armour All-American. He's definitely one of the best pound for pound athletes in his class, and that's why he has a handful of D1 offers already as a Sophomore. Street ended the 2022 season with a single interception, but my prediction is that he triples that number this season. He's in a great position to have a huge season defensively for the Cougars, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he forces a turnover on opening day against the Stags. Ben Street is a top tier DB in the 2026 class with an incredibly high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/FCQYo87WSU">https://t.co/FCQYo87WSU</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 6'2 260 DL - [player_tooltip player_id='853784' first='Aaron' last='Atkins']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After recently reclassing to the Class of 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='853784' first='Aaron' last='Atkins'] quickly became one of the most coveted defensive line prospects in that class. He recently attended the Pylon Summer Training Camp Series in Washington, D.C., and this is a showcase that will pay dividends for his recruitment down the road. When you watch him play, it's clear immediately that Atkins possesses off the charts talent. It wouldn't shock me at all if [player_tooltip player_id='853784' first='Aaron' last='Atkins'] puts forth his most dominant season yet in 2023, and that's exactly why scouts everywhere must have his name on their recruiting spreadsheets. Local programs such as UVA, Virginia Tech, and Maryland already have a ton of interest in him. His presence on the defensive line will be crucial against a stout DeMatha front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights:<a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16304772/63900349bd6aa809289fdac3"> http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16304772/63900349bd6aa809289fdac3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'4 230 DL - Carter Mitchell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter Mitchell's power, size, and speed will play a significant role for Collegiate's defensive line against DeMatha. If he can win a few matchups and breach the backfield, then I believe that the Cougars will have a much better chance of securing the victory. Mitchell is a very solid player, and, in the offseason, he's an extremely elite baseball player. There's no doubt in my mind that Collegiate's chances to win are a lot higher with Carter Mitchell on the defensive line. He's a well-rounded athlete with quick feet and a huge frame, therefore he has the potential to seriously impact this game on opening day. Carter Mitchell presents one of the most interesting matchups of this elite DMV contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->