Prediction: DeMatha (MD) drops one regular season game

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way back into the DMV as we explore the fall schedule of the DeMatha Catholic Stags. As one of the top high school football programs in all of Maryland, the Stags play a slate that includes nationally-ranked St. Joseph’s Prep (Penn.) and Good Counsel. Can DeMatha come away undefeated going into the WCAC playoffs?

Player Spotlight: EDGE James Pace

The No. 3 player in all of Maryland, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, and No. 11 nationally, Pace anchors a Stags’ defensive line that stymied opposing offenses last season. Last fall, DeMatha Catholic’s defense held six opponents to either a touchdown or less en route to a 10-1 season. Pace is one of the most highly sought after defensive edge rushers of the 2026 class as the senior has offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State among a host of others. The edge talent looks to cap a strong high school career this fall in helping DeMatha win a WCAC title.

Others to watch: OL Zion Smith, S Darrell Carey, WR LaVar Keys, RB Elijah Lee, WR Joshua Parker, WR Chace Irvin, EDGE Justin Booze, WR Evan Jones

Season Prediction: 9-1

The way the season started last year was a home opening loss to Archbishop Spalding, but what followed was most important. 10 straight victories for DeMatha Catholic as they rode that winning streak all the way to a WCAC championship, defeating Good Counsel at the end. Way things are shaping up currently, it could be a oddly similar scene for the Stags as they open up against St. Joseph’s Prep to begin the season. After that game, though? It’s easy to envision seeing DeMatha Catholic rolling to nine straight wins heading into the WCAC postseason and meeting the Falcons for the championship. End story is we see a repeat of last year, but just a different opening season loss and a run back to the title game.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 30 – at St. Joseph’s Prep (Penn.) Hawks – L
It’s 2024 all over again for the Stags. They lose the regular season opener before going on a run.

Sept. 5 – Imhotep Institute (Penn.) Panthers – W
A matchup against another Pennsylvania high school is just what the doctor ordered as the Stags roll in a 36-6 win at home.

Sept. 12 – at Roman Catholic (Penn.) Cahillite – W
DeMatha Catholic hits the road once more into Philadelphia, but this time come away with a win.

Sept. 19 – at Mt. Zion Prep (MD) Warriors – W
Finally a Maryland opponent for the Stags and they make it look easy in a 41-0 rout of the Warriors.

Sept. 27 – at St. Michael (Vir.) Warriors – W
For the first time this season DeMatha takes on a team from Virginia and they notch a 41-6 victory. Fourth straight win heading into the second half of the season.

Oct. 3 – Riverdale Baptist (MD) Crusaders – W
The Stags have found their stride as they roll to a fifth straight win ahead of next week’s showdown with Good Counsel on the road.

Oct. 10 – at Good Counsel (MD) Falcons – W
In a preview of the WCAC championship game later in the season, DeMatha Catholic sneaks away with a 20-14 win over Good Counsel.

Oct. 18 – at Bishop McNamara (MD) Mustangs – W
DeMatha has little problems with Bishop McNamara as they roll to a 40-6 win.

Oct. 24 – St. John’s College (D.C.) Cadets – W
What many would think be a competitive contest turns into a dominant performance by the Stags over the Cadets.  

Oct. 31 – Gonzaga (D.C.) Eagles – W
Last game of the regular season against the Eagles is a tuneup for the WCAC playoffs as the Stags look to be clicking on all cylinders in a 28-6 decision.