Top Performers – DeMatha vs. Gonzaga

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone looks at who we feel were the top performers during DeMatha's 28-14 win over Gonzaga in WCAC action this past weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["250315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531690,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670fbb80cbcdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was the second time that I had a chance to watch Gardner in person. He does a great job of taking care of the football. DeMatha is not a high-volume passing team, so Gardner makes the most of his opportunities. He was efficient in short- to medium-range passing, which helped keep the chains moving. Gardner also scored two touchdowns on the ground and made other plays with his legs, which enabled him to pick up crucial yardage. Despite not taking a lot of shots downfield, the passes he was able to complete helped keep Dematha's offense on schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marshall football commit isn't looking to run first, but there's no doubt he is dangerous once he commits to running out of pocket. I'm also impressed with how he scans the field and progresses through his reads. Gardner doesn't force the ball downfield and usually makes the throw with a higher chance of being completed. He's been battle-tested while playing for DeMatha, which will bode well for him once he gets to the next level. Gardner has gone up against FBS-level talent more than a few times during high school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272269"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531694,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670fbb80cbdd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coombs, who shares carries with 2026 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1313563' first='Elijah' last='Lee'], had a solid game running the football. He gained 55 yards and scored one touchdown (16-yarder) on nine carries (through 3.5 quarters). His longest run of the game came on a 16-yarder that he popped in the first quarter. Most of his runs ended in positive yardage and helped DeMatha sustain drives. The Maryland football commit showcased vision, power, and quickness throughout the game. His 16-yard touchdown run showed how powerful his legs are as he willed his way while having defenders draped on him for at least the final 4-5 yards before carrying them into the endzone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1241910"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531699,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670fbb80cbe3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Virginia Tech football commit was all over the field against Gonzaga. Chambers excelled in helping shut down Gonzaga's running game. He was repeatedly involved in tackles for no gain or negative yardage, especially in the first half. His ability to anticipate and read the play allowed him to be in the correct position to make plays against the run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was involved in multiple plays early in the first quarter, helping stop Gonzaga's running back for no gain on short gains. His ability to play behind and at the line of scrimmage made it a long day for Gonzaga to try to run the football against DeMatha. Chambers was also effective as a pass-rusher, as he sacked the quarterback in the third quarter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505244"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531705,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670fbb80cbf30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite only being a Class of 2027 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='505244' first='James' last='Pace III'] was the best recruit on the field. His early offers include Florida, Marshall, Maryland, Penn State, Syracuse, Temple, and Virginia Tech. He's 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, so he passes the eye test from a physical standpoint. Pace's play against Gonzaga gave a glimpse of how he can make an impact on the game from a defensive standpoint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He blocked a punt early in the first quarter that set up DeMatha's first touchdown. When a team is on the road, they want to set the tone as soon as possible. The blocked punt gave DeMatha early momentum that they wouldn't surrender for the remainder of the game. Pace didn't record a sack but pressured Gonzaga's quarterback constantly. His quickness and ability to get into the backfield made him a constant threat in passing situations. Pace also had several tackles in run defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1242015"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531711,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670fbb80cc087"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gonzaga had a tough time on both sides of the football, but McAllister was one of the more reliable defenders for the Eagles. He was involved in critical stops that helped limit DeMatha's offense at times. McAllister showed solid tackling ability, especially in run defense. He had a few key stops in both the red zone and near the line of scrimmage that prevented DeMatha from picking up crucial yardage on multiple occasions. McAllister had a nice pass-breakup that prevented a first down and stopped DeMath's drive. He is a Stanford football commit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1241857"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1531709,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67104d97a13c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Minnis was very active in DeMatha's domination run defense against Gonzaga. His performance helped control Gonzaga's offense, mainly when containing their running game and putting pressure on the quarterback. In the first quarter, Minnis was involved in some tackles with other DeMatha defenders. He had two tackles against Gonzaga's running back in the first quarter for both no gain and a short gain. In the third quarter, he and [player_tooltip player_id='1241910' first='Noah' last='Chambers'] tackled Gonzaga's running back for a 2-yard loss and prevented the Eagles from getting a first down on a 3rd-and-3. Gonzaga was forced to punt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMERS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ozias Tulloch | Gonzaga | 2027 | DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='894279' first='Ethan' last='Brown'] | Gonzaga | 2025 | DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1313563' first='Elijah' last='Lee'] | DeMatha | 2026 | RB </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devon Bertrand | DeMatha | 2025 | DB </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeMatha's Offensive Line - Provided strong protection for Gardner and allowed him time to complete passes and scramble when needed. They also opened up running lanes for both [player_tooltip player_id='1313563' first='Elijah' last='Lee'] and Bud Coombs, which led to a few 10-plus yard runs and short-yardage conversions. They controlled the line of scrimmage and that created opportunities for both the passing and running game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->