Previewing DeMatha vs. LCA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stags were victorious at home against Roman Catholic (PA) in a back and forth quintuple overtime game for the ages last weekend! Let's take a closer look at a few standout prospects from the next DMV elite matchup featuring both DeMatha and Life Christian Academy this Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'0 175 WR - Cody Williams - DeMatha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cody Williams possesses undeniable chemistry with his quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner'], and the two are quickly becoming the elite QB-WR tandem in all of the WCAC-widely considered the most dominant conference in all of high school football. In fact, Williams' game is so well respected right now that he consistently draws double teams. This type of coverage opens up a lot of space for his teammates like [player_tooltip player_id='212349' first='Lavar' last='Keys'] and [player_tooltip player_id='277915' first='Emmanuel' last='Dyson'], therefore I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of different pass catchers involved in the action against LCA. That being said, Cody Williams always finds ways to impact the game, and I believe that this weekend's game against LCA will be no different. On their way to a victory and a record breaking TD season, my prediction is that [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner'] and Cody Williams connect for another touchdown against LCA this Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://x.com/DenzelGardner4/status/1640390019507445763?s=20">https://x.com/DenzelGardner4/status/1640390019507445763?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'0 190 QB - [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner'] - DeMatha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off of a game-winning touchdown run in quintuple overtime against Roman Catholic (PA), [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner'] is in a phenomenal position to put on a clinical performance against Life Christian Academy. The Stags' offense is pumping on all cylinders right now, and the primary reason for that success is absolutely #4 [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner']. His next level dual-threat capabilities were on full display in the Roman Catholic game, and his experience is really starting to show itself in clutch moments. Week after week, the DeMatha Stags continue to improve and look like WCAC title contenders. It's clear that [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner'] is the heartbeat of this Stags team, and I believe he's going to demonstrate just that yet again tomorrow night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://x.com/DenzelGardner4/status/1703115348076044442?s=20">https://x.com/DenzelGardner4/status/1703115348076044442?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 5'10 185 RB - Bud Coombs - DeMatha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bud Coombs is the primary ball carrier out of the backfield for the Stags, and he continues to show his versatility on the football field. Coombs not only ran the ball efficiently against Roman Catholic, but he also blocked very effectively for his quarterback when it mattered most. He does all of the little things right for his teammates, and he always understands his assignment. In the offseason, the 3 star Junior is also a spectacular baseball player, and I believe that this explains his well-roundedness on the football field. Duke recently offered Coombs, and, given how well he has already played this season, I believe that there are many more offers on the way for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he earns Player of the Game honors tomorrow night!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/mHASVHtG41">https://t.co/mHASVHtG41</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 5'10 185 WR - Khali Coward - Life Christian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Khali Coward earned Player of the Game honors last week for his dominant receiving efforts against SFA. With 8 receptions, 128 yards, and 2 TDs, the LCA Captain completely shredded SFA's elite defensive secondary, and it's safe to say that he was unstoppable throughout the contest. Coward plays an integral role in LCA's offense in every game, however, his elite presence will be even more important this weekend against a very well coached and undefeated DeMatha defense. If Khali Coward continues to find the open space against DeMatha, then we might just have a great game on our hands tomorrow night!! He's a premier prospect for LCA with an extremely high ceiling as a D1 receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/HbLXYc3p4W">https://t.co/HbLXYc3p4W</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'1 210 QB - Josh Barido - Life Christian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though LCA suffered another defeat last week, their quarterback, Josh Barido, played about as well as one can play without securing a victory. Barido completed 18/34 of his passes with 305 total yards and 3 touchdowns. While he threw multiple INTs, he still finished the contest with an overall QBR of 77.4, and I believe he will put forth another huge game this weekend against a formidable DeMatha Stags' defense. Barido has an incredible opportunity to showcase his talents tomorrow against a next level type defense, and my prediction is that he makes the most of it with a great performance. Scouts everywhere must get their popcorn ready for DeMatha vs. LCA under the Friday night lights!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/IGSq3sI6p7">https://t.co/IGSq3sI6p7</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->