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. Gonzaga (7-1) (WCAC)
Gonzaga has been on a roll, to say the least, as they eye the WCAC conference title. After a tough shootout against DeMatha the week before, the Eagles had an easier go of it against Archbishop Carroll, winning 41-8. Gonzaga will next face a sneaky Good Counsel team, which is creeping up the ladder in the WCAC after knocking off DeMatha over the weekend.
2. St. John’s (4-2) (WCAC)
St. John’s has rerouted its season after early stumbles against some of the best teams in the country. After knocking off Good Counsel last week, the Cadets obliterated Bishop McNamara, 49-0, posting 28 points in the first quarter. St. John’s looks to continue their undefeated conference record at home Saturday against DeMatha.
3. H.D. Woodson (5-2) (DCIAA)
After a rough start against Wilson, Woodson seemed to work out any issues against Eastern, making light work of the 3-4 Ramblers. The Warriors next square off against Dunbar, which snapped a two-game skid last week with a win over Anacostia.
4. Good Counsel (5-2) (WCAC)
Good Counsel put the entire DMV on notice by knocking off DeMatha in overtime, 20-14. Let by stout junior running back Latrele Palmer, who scored the game-winning touchdown, Good Counsel improves to 1-1 in the WCAC. Next week, Good Counsel faces WCAC foe Archbishop Carroll, who is coming off a 41-8 loss to Gonzaga.
5. DeMatha (4-3) (WCAC)
DeMatha losing consecutive games — in conference, no less — sounds weird to us, too. Though the Stags’ overtime loss to Good Counsel may push them out of WCAC title contention, they’ll look to rebound against St. John’s on Saturday.
Honorable Mention:
Friendship Collegiate (4-3), Bell (5-2), Roosevelt (5-2)
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.