Each week and for the duration of the season, The Washington Informer will feature our choices for the top five high school football programs in the greater Washington area, specifically the DCSAA (District of Columbia State Athletic Association) and WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference), for their efforts based upon win/loss record, strength of schedule and winning streak:
1. DeMatha (4-1) (WCAC)
DeMatha squared off against Friendship Collegiate for DMV supremacy and routed them 42-18 following a slow start. After trailing 18-14 at intermission, the Stags, led by Tyler Lenhart and a strong running game, propelled them to victory, earning them the top spot in this week’s rankings. Next week they start conference play against Gonzaga College High School.
2. Friendship Collegiate (3-1) (DCIAA)
Losing to DeMatha doesn’t hurt Friendship that much. Dyson Smith has proven to be a valuable option at quarterback for the Knights and they should rebound nicely in New Jersey against The Hun School.
3. Gonzaga (4-1) (WCAC)
Gonzaga is looking to make a statement Friday against DeMatha after pummeling a solid Avalon team, 40-16, last week. Surely this will be a game on everyone’s radar.
4. H.D. Woodson (2-2) (DCIAA)
Woodson bounces back into the top five after an impressive win against Roosevelt, 30-6. Mychale Salahuddin led the way with 204 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Woodson matches up with Ballou on Friday in the city.
5. St. John’s (2-2) (WCAC)
It’s been a tough road for St. John’s and that’s partly due to their strength of schedule. Against nationally ranked St. John Bosco of California on Saturday, they couldn’t seal the deal and fell 21-17 after leading 17-7. They’ll face another tough test on the road against WCAC rival Good Counsel on Oct. 6.
The Washington Informer Top 5 is strictly based upon the opinions of The Washington Informer sports division and will run throughout the duration of the DCSAA and WCAC football seasons, concluding in late November.