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The latest Tweets from Maryland Sports Access (@MDSportsAccess): “No. 3 @AthleticsDunbar shuts down No. 11 Fairmont Heights take 1A crown (by @_bwarren) https://t.co/noesyCMicz https://t.co/ucVti5E44n”
The hype for tonight’s showdown between No. 1 DeMatha and No. 2 St. John’s began many months ago. Though the Cadets haven’t claimed the WCAC title since 1989, and their last victory against the Stags came over 20 years ago, tonight’s contest in Landover could go down as the game of the decade when it’s all said and done.
St. John’s is the new kid on the block, assembling new play-making chips from across the DMV, and even Florida, to flourish their way up the national rankings to No. 9, according to High School Football America. Maryland commit, 4-star quarterback Kasim Hill has transferred from Gilman to lead the charge. Defensive tackle Cam Spence, a Maryland commit, and offensive tackle Calvin Ashley, an Auburn commit, have trekked up from Florida to join the Cadet jamboree. Shane Lee, regarded as the top linebacker recruit in the Class of 2019, jumped ships as well to solidify a defense that already had 4-star edge rusher Tyree Johnson, a Texas A&M commit.
In the backfield, Keilan Robinson and Jochaim Bangda, both sophomores, spearhead a potent rushing attack that ran for 341 yards on the ground against Good Counsel last Saturday.
DeMatha is, well, DeMatha. Beau English, an Air Force commit, is the shot-caller under center and is flanked by running back Khory Spruill, wide receiver Delante Hellams and a robust offensive line anchored by Maryland commit Marcus Minor. Defensively, the Stags are backed by 5-star defensive end Chase Young, an Ohio State commit, and linebacker Grant Donaldson, an Air Force commit.
The Cadets only loss came to Florida’s IMG Academy two weeks ago, a program that has 17 of the top 1o0 players in the nation, according to Yahoo Rivals.
Though the rainy forecast could alter their game plans, it shouldn’t damper the drama.
In Baltimore, MSA reporter Tom Peace will cover No. 18 St. Frances Academy and No. 19 Calvert Hall. On Saturday, No. 11 Mount St. Joseph squares off with Gilman.
Other games to keep an eye on include No. 15 Northwest and No. 20 Sherwood. Both units have their fair share of Division I talent, with Sherwood running back Travis Levy, a Boston College commit, going head-to-head with the Northwest front-seven led by DeJuan Cooper (committed to St. Frances) and sophomore edge rusher DeAndre Jules, who already holds an offer from North Carolina.
No. 21 Walkersville hosts Linganore in a game that could very well mirror last year’s result when the Lancers pulled out a 7-6 victory in overtime amidst a gelid rain swell. This year, the Lions will play host in similar conditions. Expect another sloppy, low-scoring affair that could level playing field.
Stay dry because Week 5 is a damp one, folks.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Kyle McFadden on Twitter
The @MDSportsAccess GOTW is a heavyweight matchup between No. 1 DeMatha & No. 2 St. John’s. @HSFBamerica has DeMatha at No. 4 & SJC at No. 9
No. 2 St. John’s (4-1) at No. 1 DeMatha (5-0), Friday at 7:00 pm
USA Today’s prediction: No. 1 DeMatha 36, No. 2 St. John’s 24
McFadden’s prediction: No. 1 DeMatha 35, No. 2 St. John’s 34
Maryland Sports Access on Twitter
Who ya got winning the MSA GOTW between No. 1 @DeMathaFootball and No. 2 @SJCGridiron? ? Both teams are ranked in the top 10 in the nation.
MSA FEATURED GAMES
Tom Peace on Twitter
Are you ready for tonight? @calverthall @SFAfootball_MD @MDSportsAccess @MorganStateU #FridayNightLights https://t.co/dRrdKNT5fD
No. 18 St. Frances Academy (4-1) vs. No. 19 Calvert Hall (4-1), Friday at 7:00 pm at Morgan State University
USA Today’s prediction: No. 19 Calvert Hall 27, No. 18 St. Frances 20
McFadden’s prediction: No. 18 St. Frances 21, No. 19 Calvert Hall 20
Gilman (1-3) at No. 11 Mount St. Joseph (3-1), Saturday at 2:30 pm
USA Today’s prediction: Gilman 20, No. 11 Mount St. Joseph 14
McFadden’s prediction: No. 11 Mount St. Joseph 21, Gilman 17
NOTABLE GAMES
No. 9 Riverdale Baptist (4-1) vs. Georgetown Prep (2-1), Friday at 7:00 pm
USA Today’s prediction: Georgetown Prep 17, No. 9 Riverdale Baptist 14
McFadden’s prediction: No. 9 Riverdale Baptist 24, Georgetown Prep 14
No. 15 Northwest (3-1) vs. No. 20 Sherwood (4-0), Friday at 7:00 pm
USA Today’s prediction: No. 15 Northwest 35, No. 20 Sherwood 28
McFadden’s prediction: No. 15 Northwest 28, No. 20 Sherwood 24
No. 21 Walkersville (4-0) vs. Linganore (3-1), Friday at 7:00 pm
USA Today’s prediction: Linganore 10, No. 21 Walkersville 7
McFaddens’ prediction: Walkersville 17, Linganore 7
