DeMatha Wins WCAC Opener Versus Gonzaga

WCAC play opened this past weekend with the DeMatha Stags hosting the Gonzaga Purple Eagles in a classic rivalry showdown. The game began low scoring, and it was largely a defensive battle for the majority of the first half. DeMatha scored a touchdown late in the second quarter to make it 10-0 at halftime, however, Gonzaga came out hot in the third quarter with a huge blocked punt touchdown. After the missed extra point, it was all DeMatha for the rest of the game, and Freshman quarterback Denzel Gardner continued to deliver in key moments for the Stags. DeMatha’s defense also imposed its will on the Purple Eagles throughout the game, forcing three and outs and turnovers consistently. Both DeMatha and Gonzaga move on to face other WCAC foes, Bishop McNamara and Good Counsel respectively, and if one thing’s for certain it’s that WCAC football does not get easier. It is as rigorous as high school football gets, and there are no games off. Let’s take a look at the top performers from the DeMatha versus Gonzaga game. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><u>DEMATHA  30</u></strong> &nbsp; <strong>2022 6’3 210 DB/WR – Kevin “KJ” Winston </strong> Kevin Winston was the unanimous overall MVP in this contest. He proved that he can dominate on both sides of the ball, and he also proved that he can single-handedly impact the score. From making crucial open field tackles at the linebacker position to grabbing fifty yard touchdown receptions on offense, [player_tooltip player_id="90595" first="KJ" last="Winston"] did it all and that even includes special teams. Winston delivered a massive 80 yard kick return for DeMatha which swung the momentum for the Stags and put their offense in the red zone after Gonzaga’s touchdown. Kevin “KJ” Winston is an absolute game changer for the Stags, and he will look to add yet another breakout performance to his collection against Bishop McNamara. He will be elite at the D1 level. <strong> </strong> <strong>2025 6’0 175 QB – Denzel Gardner </strong> Denzel Gardner only got better as this game went on, and the impressive part was that he maintained his poise throughout the entire contest. As a Freshman, it can be very difficult to maintain your emotions when you lack experience, however, Gardner showed no signs of nervousness or angst. He was strong in the pocket, and he even delivered on his first ever WCAC rushing touchdown. Gardner is proving himself to be one of the top quarterbacks in his class, and he will have the opportunity to do so, as conference play continues, against quality competition every week. <strong> </strong> <strong>2023 5’11 185 RB – [player_tooltip player_id="90681" first="Brendon" last="Wyatt"] </strong> The leading ball carrier in the backfield for DeMatha is absolutely [player_tooltip player_id="90681" first="Brendon" last="Wyatt"]. Wyatt rushed for a touchdown that sealed the deal for Stags, and he’s proving himself to be one of the most consistent running backs in the WCAC. He plays with the maturity of a Senior, and if he’s playing this well now then next year [player_tooltip player_id="90681" first="Brendon" last="Wyatt"] could be the top running back in Maryland. He has that kind of potential, and he totally has the ability to play college football. <strong> </strong> <strong>2023 6’5 200 WR – [player_tooltip player_id="146618" first="Kalen" last="Cobb"] </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="146618" first="Kalen" last="Cobb"] is an absolute mismatch for defenders at the high school level, and he is really taking his game to the next level every week. He scored an incredible 45 yard touchdown from Denzel Gardner, and he did so with defenders draped all over him. [player_tooltip player_id="146618" first="Kalen" last="Cobb"] does not need time or space, but merely the ball thrown in his direction because he will go  and catch it over anybody. [player_tooltip player_id="146618" first="Kalen" last="Cobb"] should already be recognized by scouts everywhere because he’s going to do big things at the next level. <strong> </strong> <strong> </strong> <strong><u>GONZAGA  6</u></strong> &nbsp; <strong>2022 5’11 185 DB – Gavin Bryson </strong> Gavin Bryson made a huge interception for Gonzaga which put the Purple Eagles’ offense in a phenomenal position to take the lead or at the very least to tie. The offense was unable to convert, however, Bryson’s effort remained constant and steady throughout the game. He’s a natural leader on defense, and the Senior is going to do great things at the collegiate level. He should be named to the WCAC all-conference team this season. <strong> </strong> <strong>2022 6’2 215 LB – [player_tooltip player_id="90554" first="Jordan" last="Shuler"] </strong> At the linebacker position, [player_tooltip player_id="90554" first="Jordan" last="Shuler"] found himself all over the backfield in this game. He made stops in every which way against DeMatha’s ball carriers, and he was also able to earn a few sacks. Shuler is having a legacy defining season, and his dominant play must not go overlooked. [player_tooltip player_id="90554" first="Jordan" last="Shuler"] has the potential to be elite at the D1 level, and he will certainly thrive wherever he decides to play. &nbsp; <strong>2023 5’11 180 WR – Jalen McDonald </strong> Jalen McDonald continues to be [player_tooltip player_id="90654" first="Carson" last="Petitbon"]’s favorite receiver, and he also continues to lead the Gonzaga offense in receptions for more than twenty yards. He is a big time playmaker and he has been showing it recently with his breakout performances. McDonald will look to have yet another breakout performance against Good Counsel this weekend. He’s an early D1 level receiver candidate.