TJ Bush, Freedom-Woodbridge

photo by Kofi Ansah-Agyei

The Freedom-Woodbridge High football team attracted plenty of attention for its record-setting offense this season. Its defense, led by standout defensive end TJ Bush, wasn’t too shabby either.

Bush had two sacks and made five tackles for loss this past Saturday, helping the Eagles put the finishing touch on a most special season with a 48-14 victory over Madison in the Virginia 6A championship game.

For his efforts, Bush was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“He was phenomenal,” Coach Darryl Overton said. “Madison is a running team, but like we have done all year, we made them one dimensional. They couldn’t run the ball at all. That was mainly due to TJ. He’s been dominating for us.”

Bush, who played the past two seasons at Bishop Ireton, has accepted a scholarship offer from Coastal Carolina. He finished the season with 31 tackles for loss, 26 sacks and three blocked punts as Freedom dominated its way to a 15-0 record. The Eagles’ closest game was a 36-13 win over Stone Bridge on Sept. 8 and they outscored opponents 972 to 148.

Madison, which entered with an 11-game winning streak, stayed within striking distance for a half, trailing 21-7 at halftime. But on the first possession of the second half, facing fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Freedom put things away. Bush, who also plays tight end, lined up in the backfield with specific instructions to lead the way for running back Jeffrey Overton Jr.

“We told him, ‘We’re running behind you. Anybody who gets in the way, get them out of the way,’ “ Overton said. “That was big. Coming out of halftime you want to come out and put things away.”

Week 15: Kaleb Hart, North Point

photo by aj jennings

Kaleb Hart began the season starting at outside linebacker for the North Point High football team. He also was the team’s backup quarterback. But if you looked at 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior, he looked the part of a linebacker. Especially in his No. 33 jersey.

But as the Eagles struggled to run the ball on offense, interim coach Bill Condo decided the team needed a change. Citing a difference of philosophy, he took over as the team’s offensive coordinator and started using Hart more at quarterback. No. 33 might have looked unusual under center, but he certainly got the job done.

“Kaleb is a very fine-tuned athlete, probably the best athlete on our team,” Condo said. “Kaleb started to get in and with the ball in his hands, a lot of magic happened. Everyone questioned whether he could throw the ball, but we focused on not having to throw the ball.”

As North Point managed games and Hart kept making positive things happen, the Eagles kept winning. Victorious in six of their final seven regular season games, North Point posted shutouts in its first four playoff games, then Hart delivered Friday night as the Waldorf school won its first state championship.

Hart completed 4 of 5 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 22 times for 145 yards and one touchdown as the Eagles beat Arundel, 31-14, in the Maryland 4A/3A championship game.

For his efforts, Hart was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“When you have a running quarterback, that’s an extra guy that the defense has to account for in the box,” Condo said. “It was a tough decision to make. Our other quarterback had a strong arm. But we ultimately had to do what was best for the team. The kids rallied around whoever was at quarterback and rallied to Kaleb’s athleticism and energy. He took over the responsibility of being the quarterback at a big school.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

DC
Friendship Collegiate WR Keyon Webb-Starkey caught five passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive four-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, as the Knights beat Theodore Roosevelt, 19-14, in the DCSAA Class AA championship game.

MONTGOMERY
Quince Orchard RB Iverson Howard rushed 27 times for 191 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars beat C.H. Flowers, 32-7, for their second consecutive Maryland 4A championship.

NORTHERN REGION
Madison RB Angelo Jreige rushed for 154 yards and one touchdown as the Warhawks won their 11th consecutive game, 31-21 over Fairfax in a Virginia 6A semifinal.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge QB Tristan Evans completed 13 of 13 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns as the Eagles beat Western Branch, 69-14, in a Virginia 6A semifinal.

Week 14: Sean Johnson, C.H. Flowers

photo courtesy c.h. flowers football

After transferring into C.H. Flowers High, Sean Johnson sought out football coach Dameon Powell to convey his interest in being part of the Jaguars’ team.

“He said he was a quarterback and that’s where his heart was, but that he would play anything,” Powell said.

Other players have shared their similar interest, Powell said, but once he got a look at Johnson on the field, the coach knew he had a special player. And as Flowers continues the best season in school history, Johnson continues to lead the way.

Johnson completed 5 of 8 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown and rushed 22 times for 165 yards and another score this past Saturday as the Jaguars beat Wise, 20-13, in a Maryland 4A semifinal, advancing to their first-ever state championship game appearance.

For his efforts, Johnson was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“The best thing about him is his leadership skills,” Powell said. “He puts everyone in the right place and knows what I like done. He’s taken our offense to a whole new level. He’s just a tough kid.”

Johnson previously attended Riverdale Baptist. He enrolled at Flowers two years ago and quickly earned the nod as the Jaguars’ starting quarterback. On Saturday, he did most of his work with his legs, throwing a six-yard touchdown pass and running for a 24-yard score.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Arundel QB Ahmad Taylor, normally the team’s starting tailback but pressed into action under center after two teammates were injured, scored the game’s only touchdown on a 20-yard run as the Wildcats beat Dundalk, 6-0, in a Maryland 4A/3A semifinal.

DC
Coolidge QB Jeremiah Roberson completed 13 of 16 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns as the Colts beat Maret, 37-8, in the DCSAA Class A championship game.

FREDERICK
Oakdale QB-DB Evan Austin rushed 26 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns and intercepted a pass on defense as the Bears beat St. Charles, 27-22, in a Maryland 3A semifinal.

LOUDOUN
Stone Bridge QB Zeke Wimbush rushed for three touchdowns as the Bulldogs beat Mountain View, 42-0, in the Virginia 5A Region D final.

MONTGOMERY
Quince Orchard RB Iverson Howard, a sophomore who already holds several top scholarship offers, rushed 15 times for 198 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars beat Broadneck, 42-9, in a Maryland 4A semifinal.

NORTHERN REGION
Fairfax RB Tony Rojas rushed 36 times for 261 yards and two touchdowns as the Lions beat South County, 30-14, in the Virginia 6A Region C final.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Brentsville QB Caleb Alexander completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 66 yards as the Tigers beat Warren County, 35-7, in the Virginia 3A Region B final.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Patuxent RB-DB Daiquan Buck rushed 12 times for 77 yards and three touchdowns and on defense made eight tackles as the Panthers beat Harford Tech, 43-21, in a Maryland 2A/1A semifinal.

Week 13: Tristan Evans, Freedom-Woodbridge

photo courtesy tristan evans

By now, opponents have seen enough highlights of Freedom-Woodbridge High School quarterback Tristan Evans that it is quite certain no one underestimates the junior who is in his first full season as a starter.

“I joke all the time,” Eagles Coach Darryl Overton said. “If you were picking teams in P.E. class, he would be one of the last kids picked if you hadn’t seen him in uniform.”

Put on the pads, though, and Evans is hard to miss – you can usually find him celebrating in the end zone. At 5 feet 8 and 170 pounds, Evans might not have overwhelming size, but he has engineered one of the best seasons in Virginia high school football history and that continued this past Friday as Evans completed 18 of 21 passes for 370 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles beat John Champe, 70-35, in a Virginia 6A Region B second-playoff game.

For his efforts, Evans was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

For the season, Evans has thrown 52 touchdown passes, two short of the state record. He also has passed for 2,927 yards, second-most in Prince William County history. The Eagles have scored 802 points this season, 37 short of the state record.

“And he has gotten better over the year because he has worked so hard at it,” Overton said. “As coaches, we can appreciate that.”

In addition to a strong supporting cast that includes running back Jeffrey Overton Jr. and wide receivers Kam Courtney and JuJu Preston, Evans also benefited from getting playing time the previous two seasons. He started three games as a freshman during the spring 2021 season when a teammate was injured and got considerable mop-up duty last season.

Ready to move into the starting lineup this fall, Evans was voted a team captain. He also maintains a 4.0 grade-point average and is a member of the school’s junior ROTC unit, Overton said.

“He’s a unicorn,” Overton said. “He does everything right and does it on time. He’s not a big talker, but he does lead by example.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Broadneck RB Ian Mauldin rushed 15 times for 180 yards and three touchdowns as the Bruins beat Churchill, 39-7, in a Maryland 4A quarterfinal. 

DC
Coolidge RB Sean Brooks rushed 20 times for 109 yards and one touchdown, caught three passes for 41 yards and on defense made five tackles and had two sacks as the Colts beat Bell, 21-6, in the DCIAA Gravy Bowl and advanced the DCSAA Class A championship. 

FREDERICK
Oakdale RB/K Rory Blanchard rushed 16 times for 130 yards and one touchdown, caught a 41-yard touchdown pass, recovered a fumble and made a touchdown-saving tackle as the Bears beat Westminster, 33-14, in a Maryland 3A quarterfinal. 

HOWARD
River Hill RB-LB Ethan Burnett rushed nine times for 68 yards and on defense made nine tackles with three tackles for loss and one sack as the Hawks beat Franklin, 7-0, in a Maryland 3A quarterfinal for their second consecutive postseason shutout. 

LOUDOUN
Loudoun County RB Jason Murray rushed 29 times for 284 yards and three touchdowns as the Captains beat Sherando, 49-28, in a Virginia 4A Region C semifinal. 

MONTGOMERY
Damascus RB-LB Dillon Dunathan rushed 24 times for 273 yards and four touchdowns and on defense made five tackles with two tackles for loss and one sack as the Swarmin’ Hornets beat Long Reach, 47-12, in a Maryland 3A quarterfinal game. 

NORTHERN REGION
South County WR-DB Miles Greer rushed six times for 66 yards and one touchdown, caught an 18-yard pass, on defense intercepted two passes (returning one for a touchdown) and made five tackles and returned a punt 40 yards as the Stallions beat West Springfield, 48-28, in a Virginia 6A Region C semifinal. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S
C.H. Flowers QB Sean Johnson completed 9 of 17 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown and rushed 15 times for 127 yards and one touchdown as the undefeated Jaguars beat Paint Branch, 28-6, in a Maryland 4A quarterfinal. 

PRIVATE
St. Mary’s QB Carson Petitbon completed 3 of 6 passes for 45 yards and rushed 30 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns as the Saints beat Concordia Prep, 21-13, in the MIAA B Conference championship game. 

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Patuxent WR-CB Asa Locks caught three passes for 71 yards and one touchdown, returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and intercepted a pass on defense as the Panthers beat Williamsport, 33-24, in a Maryland 2A/1A quarterfinal.

WCAC
St. John’s WR Asa Gregg caught an 11-yard touchdown pass with less than two minutes remaining, lifting the Cadets to a 7-3 victory over DeMatha in the WCAC championship game.

Week 12: Isaiah Ragland, Centreville

Photo by Kristen Sabillo

As he prepared to handle a heavy late-season workload, Isaiah Ragland continually was in the weight room. That dedication helped him add more than 10 pounds of muscle, improving his speed and strength. It also prompted Centreville High football coach Jon Shields to wonder whether the Wildcats’ star running was spending too much time in the weight room.

“Sometimes we have to tell him to calm down – he always wants to work out,” Shields said. “He is a war daddy in the weight room, putting in the extra work and all that stuff. He thinks that is the answer to taking so many hits. But he also needs to be smart.”

So far, so good for Ragland and the Wildcats. He set season-highs with 29 carries for 291 yards and scored four touchdowns as Centreville won its postseason opener, 57-34 over Chantilly this past weekend.

For his efforts, Ragland was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

Ragland enjoyed a breakout junior year in 2021, rushing for 2,613 yards and 29 touchdowns, with six 200-yard games and two 300-yard games. His 2022 season started a little slower, with just 50 carries in the season’s first five games, as Centreville (9-2) enjoyed several easy victories.

The pace has picked up in October and November and Ragland has responded. For the season he has rushed for 1,718 yards and 30 touchdowns, getting into the end zone at least once in every game. Ragland was honored as the Concorde District Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He has accepted a scholarship offer to play at Villanova.

“He worked so hard to be ready for this, getting in shape, eating right and living right,” Shields said. “I’m really proud of him. He is an awesome young man. Guys like him are why you coach.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Broadneck RB Ian Mauldin rushed 19 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns as the Bruins beat Meade, 30-13, in a Maryland 4A second-round game.

DC
Coolidge QB Jeremiah Roberson completed 9 of 14 passes for 161 yards and four touchdowns as the Colts beat McKinley Tech, 48-0, in a DCIAA Stripes Division semifinal.

FREDERICK
Oakdale QB Evan Austin passed for 126 yards and rushed 34 times for 166 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left as the Bears stunned previously undefeated Frederick, 20-17, in a Maryland 3A second-round game.

HOWARD
Atholton RB Dillan Watkins rushed 21 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns as the Raiders beat Marriotts Ridge, 28-7, in a Maryland 3A second-round game.

LOUDOUN
Stone Bridge RB Zeke Wimbush rushed 11 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs beat William Fleming, 38-7, in a Virginia 5A first-round game.

MONTGOMERY
Damascus RB Dillon Dunathan rushed 21 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns as the Swarmin’ Hornets beat Linganore, 28-7, in a Maryland 3A second-round game.

NORTHERN REGION
Centreville RB Isaiah Ragland rushed 29 times for 291 yards and four touchdowns as the Wildcats beat Chantilly, 57-34, in a Virginia 6A first-round game.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
C.H. Flowers QB Sean Johnson completed 9 of 16 passes for 181 yards and one touchdown and rushed 16 times for 168 yards and five touchdowns as the Jaguars beat Eleanor Roosevelt, 40-20, in a Maryland 4A second-round game.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge WR-DB Kam Courtney caught eight passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns, returned a kickoff for a touchdown and on defense made six tackles and intercepted two passes as the Eagles beat Gar-Field, 77-26 in a Virginia 6A first-round game.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Calvert DB Jason Kinney returned two interceptions for touchdowns as the Cavaliers beat Lackey, 42-13.

WCAC
St. John’s WR Sean Williams caught three passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns as the Cadets beat Good Counsel, 14-10, in a WCAC semifinal game.

Week 11: Brendon Wyatt, DeMatha Cathollic

Photo Courtesy DeMatha Football

As he has racked up the yards and the touchdowns in his two seasons starting at running back for the DeMatha Catholic football team, Brendon Wyatt rarely has conveyed his feelings. Stags Coach Bill McGregor, though, has never worried about the senior standout’s passion or motivation.

“He just goes about his business and doesn’t say two words,” McGregor said. “But when it’s time to put on the pads, that quietness goes away and it’s all business. This past Friday, I don’t think he could have done any more.”

Indeed, Wyatt delivered perhaps his best performance in one of the biggest regular season games in the Washington area this fall. He rushed 17 times for a career-high 217 yards and three touchdowns, including a 80-yard score on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, as DeMatha beat Good Counsel, 28-14, in a game that decided first place in the regular season in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference.

For his efforts, Wyatt was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“He’s been here all four years and is just easy going and does whatever he is supposed to do,” McGregor said. “He’s a great competitor.”

Wyatt was named all-conference last year as he rushed for more than 1,500 yards. He has maintained a similar pace this season, even though he often has sat out the fourth quarter as the Stags blew out many of their opponents. Entering the playoffs, he has rushed 108 times for 924 yards and seven touchdowns.

DeMatha (9-1) hosts Gonzaga in a WCAC semifinal on Friday at 7.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Old Mill RB Max Jones rushed 24 times for 253 yards and six touchdowns as the Patriots beat Annapolis, 57-22, in a Maryland 4A East Region first-round game. 

DC
Friendship Collegiate DL Bryce Jenkins made five tackles with two tackles for loss and one sack and returned a fumble for a touchdown as the Knights beat Riverdale Baptist, 28-20. 

FREDERICK
Brunswick WR-DB Isaac Herbert caught a 24-yard touchdown pass, scored on a 15-yard reverse and intercepted two passes as the Railroaders beat Catoctin, 21-14, in a Maryland 1A North Region first-round game. 

HOWARD
Long Reach WR Jaylen Etheridge set up one touchdown with an 85-yard kickoff return and caught a 65-yard touchdown pass as the Lightning beat Crofton, 22-8, in a Maryland 3A East Region first-round game. 

LOUDOUN
Lightridge QB Carter Working completed 20 of 29 passes for 365 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Bolts beat Rock Ridge, 35-34. 

MONTGOMERY
Gaithersburg RB Gideon Ituka rushed 29 times for 193 yards and five touchdowns and caught two passes for 53 yards as the Trojans beat Walter Johnson, 44-24, in a Maryland 4A West Region first-round game. 

NORTHERN REGION
Fairfax RB-LB Tony Rojas, a Penn State recruit, rushed 21 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns as the Lions beat West Springfield, 55-30. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Eleanor Roosevelt DT Ethan Walker made 11 tackles and had two sacks as the Raiders beat Bowie, 15-6, in a Maryland 4A South Region first-round game. 

PRINCE WILLIAM
Gainesville WR Aidan McClafferty caught 11 passes for 141 yards and four touchdowns as the Cardinals beat Osbourn, 33-32 in overtime. 

PRIVATE
Maret QB Roman Jensen completed 28 of 41 passes for 561 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown as the Frogs beat Flint Hill, 47-46. 

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Leonardtown RB-LB Matthew Berry rushed 14 times for 147 yards and one touchdown and made five tackles on defense as the Raiders beat South River, 28-9, in a Maryland 4A/3A East Region first-round game for the first postseason victory in school history.

Week 10: Drew Peperone, Mount Hebron

Photo by Stacey Ruehl

It has not been the easiest season for the Mount Hebron High School football team, which enters this weekend’s first round of the Maryland 4A/3A West Region playoffs with a 3-6 record. But this past Friday night, running back Drew Peperone delivered a performance to be remembered.

Peperone rushed 22 times for a career-high 231 yards and scored five touchdowns in a game for the second time this season as the Vikings beat Glenelg, 42-21, their first victory over the Gladiators in 17 years.

For his efforts, Peperone was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“He was playing like a player possessed,” Mount Hebron Coach Shawn Frederick said. “He stepped into his greatness and ran downhill hard like we knew he could do. He’s just one of those kids who gets after it day in and day out.”

Just as impressive as Peperone’s ability to run the ball, he also made a difference with his blocking.

“He is responsible for the kickout block on our power play and he was demolishing the defensive end and the linebacker, allowing our other running back to run for 100 yards and a touchdown,” Frederick said. “He was not going to be denied anything Friday night.”

The Vikings play at Reservoir on Friday.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Old Mill RB Max Jones rushed 26 times for 237 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots beat Severna Park, 35-0.

DC
H.D. Woodson RB Zaire Kennedy rushed 15 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns as the Warriors beat Jackson-Reed, 34-7.

FREDERICK
Middletown RB Carson Smith rushed 29 times for 194 yards and three touchdowns as the Knights beat Walkersville, 28-21. 

HOWARD
Marriotts Ridge K Alan Zhao, considered one of the region’s top kickers, booted a 34-yard point-after kick after the Mustangs tied the game on the final play of regulation, lifting the team to a 9-8 win over Oakland Mills.

LOUDOUN
Stone Bridge WR Colton Hinton caught touchdown passes of 80 and 48 yards and rushed for a 75-yard touchdown as the Bulldogs beat Potomac Falls, 50-7.

MONTGOMERY
Churchill RB-DT David Avit rushed 17 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns and returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs beat Gaithersburg, 33-22.

NORTHERN REGION
Langley QB Brendan Mansinne completed 18 of 27 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 54 yards as the Saxons beat Herndon, 27-7.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
DuVal RB Joshua Narh rushed 11 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns and returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as the Tigers beat Laurel, 46-40 in double overtime.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Unity-Reed WR-DB DaShaun Gibson caught 10 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown and returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown as the Lions beat Freedom-South Riding, 25-20.

PRIVATE
Spalding QB Malik Washington threw three touchdown passes and rushed for another score as the Cavaliers beat Loyola Blakefield, 34-20.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Patuxent WR-DB Asa Locks caught four passes for 119 yards and one touchdown and on defense made three tackles and intercepted a pass as the Panthers stunned North Point, 23-15.

WCAC
Good Counsel RB Dilin Jones rushed 20 times for 170 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons beat St. John’s, 24-0.

Week 9: Ashu Bertaut-Strange, Loudoun Valley

Photo by Chris Barry

Ashu Bertaut-Strange joined the Loudoun Valley varsity football team during his freshman year and spent the next three seasons etching his place in the Purcellville school’s record books as a wide receiver. But for Bertaut-Strange’s senior season, Vikings Coach David Bishop decided to take a radical approach to try to maximize the player’s impact on every game.

“Last year we had a wildcat package for him, but we never used it in a game,” Bishop said. “After the year, I had an epiphany and wanted to get the ball in his hands more. Well, how can we make that happen? Put him at quarterback and the ball is in his hands every play.”

With his legs and his arm, Bertaut-Strange has delivered throughout the season. This past Friday, he completed 8 of 14 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown, rushed 14 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns and on defense made eight tackles and broke up two passes as the Vikings beat Lightridge, 35-34 in double overtime.

For his efforts, Bertaut-Strange was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“Week in and week out, he’s making highlight-reel type plays,” Bishop said. “He has totally embraced it. He loved the idea of playing quarterback.”

As soon as the idea was hatched, Bishop said, Bertaut-Strange started working on his passing ability, repeatedly taking receivers out to a field and throwing to them. The dedication has paid off. For the season, he has completed 75 of 124 passes for 975 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 833 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 6-3 record entering their November 4 regular season finale against Woodgrove.

Bertaut-Strange also has returned a kickoff for a touchdown, returned a punt for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass this season.

“He’s just different, just a special kid on the football field,” Bishop said. “And I’m even more proud of him off the field and where he has come from his freshman year and the maturity level he has. All the kids respond to him.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
North County QB Darius Burley completed 10 of 19 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 20 times for 137 yards and four touchdowns as the Knights beat Annapolis, 49-34.

DC
Dunbar QB Jibril Scott passed for 378 yards and six touchdowns as the Crimson Tide beat Jackson-Reed, 46-0.

FREDERICK
Frederick RB Taejon Anderson rushed 23 times for 91 yards and three touchdowns as the unbeaten Cadets beat Oakdale, 35-14.

HOWARD
Long Reach QB Brice Koontz completed 12 of 19 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown and rushed for another score as the Lightning beat Glenelg, 25-8.

MONTGOMERY
Blake RB Jeremiah Seaton rushed 37 times for 250 yards and three touchdowns as the Bengals beat Einstein, 28-18.

NORTHERN REGION
Fairfax QB-S Jake Worthen completed 12 of 17 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown (including two completions on fake punts) and on defense made one tackle for loss and intercepted a pass as the undefeated Lions beat previously undefeated Lake Braddock, 29-14.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Wise RB Christian Rawlings rushed 17 times for 209 yards and two touchdowns as the Pumas beat Parkdale, 35-0.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Woodbridge QB Ethan Horne completed 18 of 33 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-tying score with seven seconds left in regulation and the game-winning score in overtime, as the Vikings beat Colgan, 27-21.

PRIVATE
Maret QB Roman Jensen Jr. completed 26 of 29 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns and rushed 14 times for 112 yards and two more scores as the Frogs beat Sidwell Friends, 51-7.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
North Point RB Kaleb Hart rushed for three touchdowns as the Eagles beat previously unbeaten Northern, 31-3, snapping the Patriots’ 13-game winning streak.

WCAC
Carroll TE-DE Nyckoles Harbor caught five passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns and on defense had two tackles for loss, batted down a pass and blocked a punt as the Lions beat O’Connell, 54-0.

Week 8: Elliot Meine, Lake Braddock

Photo by John Lorence

The road to the end zone this season required two things from Lake Braddock running back Elliot Meine: hard work and patience.

Meine was on the verge of stardom two seasons ago in, well on pace for a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore when things took an awful turn. A defensive teammate lost his helmet and had to go to the sideline for one play; Meine, who normally plays only on offense, hustled into the game.

On that one fateful play, Meine planted his right knee and it suddenly gave out. A torn knee ligament meant that Meine not only would miss the rest of the spring 2021 season, but also his junior season that fall.

The rehab process was long, but Meine put in the time to fully recover. And now back on the field, Meine just keeps finding the end zone, over and over and over again.

This past Friday, Meine rushed 22 times for a season-high 301 yards and four touchdowns, leading the undefeated Bruins to a 35-20 win over rival Robinson. For his efforts, Meine was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“I’ve never had a kid come back from an injury like that and be better, if that’s possible,” Lake Braddock football coach Mike Dougherty said. “Somehow he got better through the process. He’s just worked his tail off.”

In seven games this season, Meine has rushed for 1,155 yards and 19 touchdowns, even though is playing time has occasionally been limited because Lake Braddock has had several lopsided victories. Against Annandale on September 23, Meine carried just four times – scoring a touchdown each time. The next two games, Meine rushed for 232 yards against South Lakes and 274 yards against Alexandria City. Meine also has caught one touchdown pass and returned a kickoff for another score.

“He’s really a success story,” Dougherty said. “He’s got a few offers, from New Hampshire and Bucknell, but any other year he’s a Power-5 type of kid. We’re getting to the meat of our schedule, playing tough teams, and he’s unstoppable and never goes backwards.”

Lake Braddock (7-0) faces a big challenge this Friday when it hosts Fairfax (7-0), led by star running back and linebacker Tony Rojas, a Penn State recruit.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Chesapeake WR-DB Rushaun Tongue, a Wake Forest recruit, returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, caught a 55-yard touchdown pass and on defense made nine tackles as the Cougars beat Southern, 37-13.

DC
Friendship Collegiate LB Dylan Stewart made eight tackles with three tackles for loss and returned a fumble for a touchdown as the Knights beat previously undefeated Edgewood, 26-20.

FREDERICK
Frederick WR-DB Travon Neal caught five passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns and on defense made eight tackles and intercepted a pass as the Cadets improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1968 by beating Linganore, 17-0.

HOWARD
Oakland Mills RB Xavier Patterson rushed 25 times for 201 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown, as the Scorpions beat Howard, 16-13.

LOUDOUN
Loudoun Valley QB Ashu Bertaut-Strange completed 5 of 9 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown, rushed 16 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns, returned a punt 35 yards to set up a score and on defense made seven tackles and broke up two passes as the Vikings beat Broad Run, 27-21.

MONTGOMERY
Northwest WR-DB Tony Berry rushed 14 times for 48 yards and three touchdowns, caught three passes for 59 yards and on defense made three tackles and broke up two passes as the Jaguars beat Seneca Valley, 29-26, to retain the King’s Trophy.

NORTHERN REGION
South County WR-S Miles Greer rushed for a touchdown, caught a 41-yard touchdown pass, returned a punt 34 yards for a touchdown and on defense made 11 tackles and broke up a pass as the Stallions beat West Springfield, 35-28.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Potomac (Md.) QB Marshawn Perry completed 13 of 25 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns as the Wolverines beat previously undefeated Douglass, 12-7.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge QB Tristan Evans completed 14 of 17 passes for 302 yards and seven touchdowns as the Eagles beat Woodbridge, 68-6.

PRIVATE
Sidwell Friends RB-LB Chali Taylor rushed 18 times for 134 yards and three touchdowns and a two-point conversion and on defense made 17 tackles as the Quakers beat Clarkstown North (N.Y.), 46-30.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Calvert QB Steve Oursler completed 12 of 21 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 46 yards and one touchdown as the Cavaliers beat Patuxent, 28-14.

WCAC
O’Connell FS Zach Harrison made eight tackles with three tackles for loss and two sacks, forced two fumbles and broke up two passes as the Knights beat Bishop Ireton, 10-7.

Week 7: Nick Adjei-Ababio, John Lewis

Photo by George Evanisko/Courtesy Jefferson football

Winless in the season’s first five games and trailing by two touchdowns after halftime this past Friday, the outlook was not rosy for the John Lewis Lancers. Junior running back and safety Nick Adjei-Ababio, though, was getting ready to show his resilience.

Adjei-Ababio, a team captain in his first year as a starter, just kept finding the end zone. His 15-yard touchdown run in the final minute of regulation tied the game 34-34. And in three successive overtime periods – where each team gets a possession from the 10-yard line – Adjei-Ababio rushed for a touchdown and the subsequent two-point conversion as Lewis edged Jefferson, 58-56.

All told, Adjei-Ababio rushed 41 times for 309 yards and seven touchdowns as Lewis earned its first victory of the season.

“Nick just put us on his shoulders and got us back in the game,” Lewis Coach Larry Choates said. “He just scored touchdown after touchdown and we kept going for two because our holder was injured.”

Adjei-Ababio played on the varsity as a freshman, but he missed much of last season with an injured shoulder. This year, he rarely comes off the field. He also runs track at the Springfield school.

“He’s a ‘Yes sir, no sir’ kid,’ and is very mature for his age,” Choates said. “He wants to do well in football and works hard every day. He’s the kind of kid you want to coach, for sure.”

Choates said there was some concern that Adjei-Ababio might tire and that the defense would know what was coming. But Adjei-Ababio kept getting the job done, so the Lancers weren’t about to make any changes.

“He rose to the occasion and was ready to play,” Choates said. “The line was blocking well. Nick was hitting the hole right and they couldn’t stop him. He was a man possessed.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Arundel QB Gavin Kamachi completed 13 of 22 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Wildcats beat Northeast, 56-15.

DC
Bell QB Demiko Suggs completed 11 of 15 passes for 245 yards and seven touchdowns as the Griffins beat Phelps, 56-0.

FREDERICK
Oakdale WR Hunter Thompson caught five passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns as the Bears beat Gwynn Park, 38-13.

HOWARD
Atholton RB Dillan Watkins rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown as the Raiders beat River Hill, 14-7, in a meeting of Howard County unbeaten teams.

LOUDOUN
Broad Run RB Rashaun Owens, who normally plays wide receiver, rushed 11 times for 143 yards and four touchdowns as the Spartans beat Lightridge, 25-21.

MONTGOMERY
Poolesville RB Evan Taylor rushed 34 times for 347 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons beat Catoctin, 28-13.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
C.H. Flowers K Conscience Abba made a 39-yard field goal in overtime as the undefeated Jaguars beat previously undefeated Wise, 16-13.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Patriot QB Sam Fernandez completed 14 of 22 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns as the Pioneers beat Unity Reed, 40-21.

PRIVATE
Severn QB Jacob Todd, a Princeton lacrosse recruit, completed 5 of 13 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns and rushed 15 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns as the Admirals beat Annapolis Area Christian, 56-40.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Northern QB Todd Lattimore Jr. completed 23 of 32 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots beat Calvert, 35-28.

WCAC
DeMatha DL Jason Moore, an Ohio State recruit, made six tackles with three tackles for loss and intercepted a pass as the Stags beat rival Gonzaga, 27-3, the fifth consecutive game that DeMatha has not allowed a touchdown.

Week 6: Clay Ash, Independence

Photo by James Torrenzano

As Independence High football coach R.J. Windows tallied his players’ votes for team captains this fall, he was not surprised to see Clay Ash’s name on so many ballots. While only a junior and set to be one of the Ashburn school’s featured players for the first time this season, Windows knew that Ash’s work ethic was second to none and how his dedication inspired so many teammates.

“He is the ultimate leader,” Windows said. “He raises the level of everybody around him because of how hard he works.”

So far this fall, that hard work has paid off for Ash, who plays running back and strong safety for the Tigers. He has rushed for more than 100 yards and scored at least one touchdown in every game, including this past weekend, when he rushed 23 times for 230 yards and three touchdowns as Independence remained undefeated with a 33-21 victory over Potomac Falls.

In six games, Ash is averaging more than 11 yards per carry, totaling 1,048 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“All while playing every play on defense, returning punts and returning kickoffs,” Windows said, noting that Ash made five tackles and intercepted a pass against Potomac Falls. “He doesn’t come off the field much.”

But Ash, in his third year on the varsity, is prepared for the workload.

“All he does is lift weights and work out,” Windows said. “If you’re hanging out with him, you’re going to work out: You’re going to lift, you’re going to run and do explosive, dynamic stuff. The kids really respect his work ethic.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Old Mill RB Max Jones rushed 24 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in overtime, and on defense made five tackles with two tackles for loss as the Patriots beat South River, 28-26.

DC
Coolidge WR-CB Anthony Nicholson caught five passes for 73 yards and intercepted a pass on defense as the Colts beat Bell, 15-14.

FREDERICK
Urbana WR Riley Smith caught four touchdown passes and intercepted two passes on defense – all in the second quarter -- as the Hawks beat Gaithersburg, 38-0.

HOWARD
Wilde Lake DE Chris Martin made 10 tackles, had five sacks and forced a fumble as the Wildecats beat Centennial, 28-14.

MONTGOMERY
Rockville RB Macky Langsam rushed 35 times for 301 yards and four touchdowns as the Rams beat Springbrook, 28-21.

NORTHERN REGION
Lake Braddock RB Elliot Meine rushed 18 times for 232 yards and three touchdowns and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown as the Bruins beat South Lakes, 50-10.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
High Point TE-DE Alijah Miller rushed three times for 34 yards and one touchdown and on defense made three tackles with one tackle for loss, had one sack, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles as the Eagles beat Northwestern, 32-0.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge QB Tristan Evans completed 18 of 24 passes for 386 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Eagles beat Forest Park, 74-0.

PRIVATE
Bullis RB Khari Walker rushed 17 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Bulldogs beat Edmondson-Westside, 31-0.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
North Point RB Tre Gray rushed for 124 yards and four touchdowns as the Eagles beat Chopticon, 44-14.

WCAC
Gonzaga RB/LB David Fred rushed five times for 54 yards and on defense made five tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown as the Eagles beat Friendship Collegiate, 34-7.

Week 5: Tony Cammarota, Woodgrove

Photo by Sam Mesecar/Studio 1725 Photography

When he first started at running back for the Woodgrove High football team, then-sophomore Tony Cammarota stood out from other players. Instead of bouncing outside and away from would-be tacklers, he often took the contact head-on. The following year, as a junior, Cammarota showed the ability to use his speed and get outside when that was called for.

“Okay, we got something here,” Wolverines Coach Derek Barlow thought to himself.

This year, Cammarota has taken things to another level, often lining up behind center and taking the snap in a single-wing offense, borrowing a page from when Barlow was an assistant coach at Stone Bridge High.

The results have been exceptional. This past weekend, Cammarota rushed 31 times for a season-high 293 yards and four touchdowns as Woodgrove beat Broad Run, 55-18. For his efforts, Cammarota was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“He’s really let us be multiple – we can put him in the slot and he takes direct snaps for about half his carries,” Barlow said. “He’s a really dynamic athlete and is fun to coach. We can’t replace him next year. He’s done a great job for us. This kid has no idea how hard this is and he just does it with ease.”

In addition to being a threat as a receiver, Cammarota also has excelled as a punt and kick returner. The only facet of the game he doesn’t impact is defense – Barlow won’t risk an injury to his star player.

“He’s a really good linebacker, but if 60 percent of our offense goes down making a tackle, I’ll fire myself,” Barlow said.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Chesapeake OT-DT Wyatt Ferguson had six pancake blocks on offense and on defense made five tackles, knocked down one pass and forced a critical fumble as the Cougars beat Severna Park, 34-21.

DC
Bell QB Demiko Suggs completed 15 of 21 passes for 267 yards and six touchdowns and rushed four times for 68 yards as the Griffins beat Ron Brown, 41-0.

FREDERICK
Oakdale QB Evan Austin rushed 22 times for 127 yards and one touchdown and completed 7 of 15 passes for 98 yards as the Bears rallied to beat Linganore, 28-14.

HOWARD
Atholton RB-LB Dillan Watkins rushed 20 times for 195 yards and two touchdowns and on defense made seven tackles with three for losses as the Raiders beat Oakland Mills, 16-6.

MONTGOMERY
Blair RB-S Kameron Reynolds rushed 13 times for 155 yards and one touchdown and made 12 tackles on defense as the Blazers remained undefeated with a 25-18 victory over Paint Branch.

NORTHERN REGION
Fairfax WR-S Chase Miller caught three passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, rushed three times for 56 yards and one touchdown and returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown as the Lions beat Falls Church, 67-0.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Douglass RB-DB My’Shawn Holmone rushed 16 times for 116 yards and one touchdown, caught three passes for 71 yards and one touchdown and made six tackles and broke up two passes on defense as the Eagles beat Bishop McNamara, 14-0.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge RB Jeffrey Overton rushed 18 times for 232 yards and four touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass as the Eagles beat Gar-Field, 61-0.

PRIVATE
Flint Hill RB Andrew King rushed 15 times for 215 yards and two touchdowns as the Huskies ended a 13-game losing streak by beating Collegiate, 37-28.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Northern RB-LB Tyler Brown rushed 23 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns and on defense made 13 tackles with one sack and broke up three passes as the Patriots beat St. Charles, 41-20.

WCAC
St. John’s RB Da’Juan Riggs rushed 14 times for 123 yards and four touchdowns as the Cadets beat Central (Mass.), 41-24.

Week 4: Max Moss, Archbishop Spalding

Jeffrey Burke

Senior wide receiver Max Moss patiently waited for his turn to make an impact on the football field. Now a senior at Archbishop Spalding, Moss’s time to shine has finally arrived and he is making the most of it.

Moss continued his hot start to the season this past Friday, catching eight passes for 196 yards and four touchdowns as the Cavaliers beat Gonzaga, 41-21, in a meeting of two of the Washington area’s top private schools. For his efforts, Moss was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week.

“I feel really good for Max,” Spalding Coach Kyle Schmitt said. “We all stress patience, that good things are coming. But so many kids run from that these days. Max had opportunities where he could have said, ‘They don’t throw the ball enough’ or ‘They don’t get me the ball enough.’ But he loves Spalding and saw the opportunity to play with [quarterback Malik Washington] who is one of his good friends and saw this was the best place for him. He stuck it out.

“If I was a college program, I’d be seeking as many of those guys as possible, because it is so easy to leave when things get tough.”

Moss, who is 6 feet and 185 pounds, performed well on the college camp circuit this past spring and summer, Schmitt said, but recruiters were not yet sold. “His production didn’t meet his ability yet,” Schmitt said. “Obviously, that is happening now.”

Indeed, Moss has more catches for more yards and more touchdowns in four games this season than he did all of last season. In the season’s second game, Moss caught a 96-yard touchdown against Broadneck. One week later, he caught the game-winning 84-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in a 20-13 victory over Imhotep Charter of Philadelphia.

“He’s really just had a great first four weeks of the season,” Schmitt said. “He has played all over the field for us and made a variety of explosive plays. … Obviously, Friday night, Gonzaga had no answer for him. That was the key to the game.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
South River RB Trashaun Timmons rushed 45 times for 220 yards and three touchdowns as the Seahawks beat Glen Burnie, 20-14.

DC
Dunbar WR-DB Kenyatta Carmichael caught two touchdown passes and returned two interceptions for touchdowns as the Crimson Tide beat

FREDERICK
Catoctin QB-WR Connor Crum threw a 34-yard touchdown pass, caught a nine-yard touchdown pass, had a touchdown run, returned an interception 69 yards and kicked four extra points as the Cougars beat Thomas Johnson, 34-7.

HOWARD
Atholton QB Miles Scott completed 5 of 9 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns and rushed four times for 63 yards and two touchdowns as the Raiders beat Centennial, 37-7.

LOUDOUN
John Champe QB Patrick Bryan completed 17 of 27 passes for 373 yards and five touchdowns as the Knights beat Colgan, 49-29.

MONTGOMERY
Churchill WR-DB Ezekiel Avit caught six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown and rushed three times for 42 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 34-yard score on a reverse with 29 seconds left as the Bulldogs beat Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 28-21.

NORTHERN REGION
West Springfield QB Emmanuel Baskerville completed 16 of 26 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 14 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns as the Spartans beat Washington-Liberty 28-21.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Douglass RB My’Shawn Holmone rushed seven times for 120 yards, returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown as the Eagles beat Largo, 29-8.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Battlefield QB Braden Boggs completed 6 of 7 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Bobcats beat Hylton, 48-0.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Lackey RB-S Jamari Somerville rushed 17 times for 231 yards and three touchdowns and on defense made seven tackles with two tackles for loss broke up two passes as the Chargers beat Thomas Stone, 49-7.

WCAC
Good Counsel RB Dilin Jones rushed 11 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons beat Mount St. Joseph, 52-13.

Week 3: Keegan Johnson, Urbana

PHOTO BY SARAH JEAN JACQUES

A standout pitcher and outfielder, Urbana High senior Keegan Johnson plans to play baseball at Ball State University next year.

Johnson also is quite an asset as a kicker for the Hawks’ football team. This summer he had a workout showing off his leg for the Ball State football staff.

But as strong as he is on the mound and with his leg, Johnson also is making a difference quarterbacking Urbana’s offense. This past weekend, the lefthander completed 10 of 13 passes for 249 yards and five touchdowns – all in the first half – as Urbana beat Sherwood, 40-3.

“He’s unreal at kicking the ball. When he kicks off, it’s in the end zone every time and that puts pressure on the opponent’s offense,” Urbana Coach Brad Wilson said. “Everybody knows he’s a good kicker. But he’s not a bad quarterback, either.”

Wilson, in his 42nd year as a coach, thinks that if Johnson can maintain the high level at which he is playing, it is likely that college recruiters will take notice of his ability to play quarterback, too. At 6 feet 2 and 195 pounds, Johnson has a solid frame, too.

“He’s experienced, he’s poised, a great leader and has command of the offense, knows it inside and out,” Wilson said, noting that Johnson took over as the team’s starter midway through last season. “He’s a humble kid, just even-keeled. He’s doesn’t get down, doesn’t get up. He’s like ice. He just works hard and we’re playing well right now.”

“I’ve been fortunate to coach some pretty good quarterbacks in my years and I would say he’s up there, one of the best I’ve had.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Broadneck QB Camrin Catterton completed 16 of 21 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for a team-leading 52 yards as the Bruins beat South River, 35-0. Catterson played at South River the past two years before transferring back to Broadneck.

DC
Ballou OLB Lorenzo Martin made five tackles, had one sack, broke up one pass and returned an interception 60 yards for the game-clinching touchdown as the Knights beat McKinley Tech, 12-0.

HOWARD
Atholton RB Dillan Watkins rushed for a career-high 242 yards and two touchdowns as the Raiders beat Glenelg, 21-7.

LOUDOUN
Riverside QB Will Lind completed 14 of 18 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns as the Rams beat Brooke Point, 28-15.

MONTGOMERY
Seneca Valley RB-DB Jorden Hungerford rushed 14 times for 100 yards and three touchdowns, on defense made 10 tackles with one sack and intercepted a pass and blocked a point-after kick as the Screamin’ Eagles beat Gaithersburg, 28-12.

NORTHERN REGION
Langley QB Brendan Mansinne completed 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns and scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run with one minute left as the Saxons beat Oakton, 21-14.

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Wise KR Kshawn Cox returned a kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown and returned a punt 30 yards for another touchdown as the Pumas beat Northwestern, 57-0.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Freedom-Woodbridge QB Tristan Evans completed 12 of 17 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 57 yards as the Eagles beat Stone Bridge, 36-13, ending the Bulldogs’ 26-game winning streak.

PRIVATE
Potomac School QB Cam Boykin completed 7 of 9 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns as the Panthers beat John Paul the Great, 34-7.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Northern QB Todd Lattimore Jr. passed for 312 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots beat Chopticon, 41-0.

WCAC
St. John’s WR Sean Williams caught eight passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns as the Cadets beat Gonzaga Prep of Washington, 42-14.

Week 2: Dillon Dunathan, Damascus

Photo by Denis Dunathan/Courtesy Damascus football

It might be difficult to believe, but there was some concern whether standout running back and linebacker Dillon Dunathan was fully ready for the Swarmin’ Hornets’ season opener.

Dunathan had mononucleosis at the end of May, preventing him from attending college camps over the summer to perform for college coaches in hopes of attracting recruiting attention. He was not cleared for physical contact until the day before Damascus’ first preseason scrimmage.

However, any doubts about Dunathan’s condition were quickly eased this past Friday. The 6-foot, 225-pound senior was a force on both sides of the ball, making seven tackles (three for losses) on defense and rushing 17 times for 177 yards and two touchdowns on offense as Damascus scored a big 33-28 victory over Northwest.

“We were worried about how physical he would be, but he didn’t miss a beat,” said Damascus Coach Josh Klotz, noting that Dunathan has a handful of FCS scholarship offers but expects that some bigger schools might join the list once Dunathan has some senior film to show recruiters.

For his efforts, Dunathan was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week. The Player of the Week is honored each Wednesday throughout the season on WTOP Radio.

A four-year varsity player, expectations have always been high for Dunathan. Asked which side of the ball his star player is better on, Klotz pondered for a moment.

“That’s a good question. In high school, probably offense, because you don’t get too many running backs his size who can run. Watch the tape: on that game-winning [50-yard] touchdown, he runs away from Northwest, which is a fast team,” Klotz said. “But for college, most people are looking at him as a linebacker because he has that prototypical size at inside linebacker.”

Dunathan’s versatility is evident – on and off the field. He has been a member of the Damascus wrestling, basketball and lacrosse teams. And on the football team, he also returns kicks, is the backup holder and had been the team’s placekicker last season until it was decided that Dunathan needed a bit more rest, as he never would take himself out of the game.

“We realized we couldn’t expect him to run 60 yards for a touchdown and then kick the PAT,” Klotz said.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

ANNE ARUNDEL
Annapolis WR-DB Ian Brown caught a touchdown pass, returned a kickoff for a touchdown and intercepted a pass as the Panthers beat High Point, 20-6. 

DC
Bell QB Demiko Suggs completed 8 of 9 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns and rushed five times for 38 yards and two touchdowns as the Griffins beat Eastern, 51-0.

FREDERICK
Urbana QB Keegan Johnson, a Ball State baseball recruit, completed 6 of 11 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, had a 40-yard touchdown run and made a 35-yard field goal and all five of his point-after kicks as the Hawks beat Richard Montgomery, 38-0. 

HOWARD
Howard QB Tyler Sabatini completed 9 of 10 passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for a touchdown as the Lions beat Marriotts Ridge, 35-27.

LOUDOUN
Independence TE-LB Julien Randolph, a North Carolina recruit, caught four passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns and on defense made seven tackles with two sacks and broke up two passes as the Tigers beat Riverside, 28-18.

NORTHERN REGION
Lake Braddock QB Daniel Lipovski, a Delaware recruit, competed 14 of 21 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns as the Bruins beat Madison, 34-31. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S
Wise DT Tre Hull made nine tackles with seven tackles for loss and one sack as the Pumas beat North Point, 20-18.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Gainesville RB Koven Smith rushed 15 times for 191 yards and two touchdowns, returned a kickoff 60 yards for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass as the Cardinals earned their first victory in school history, 54-28 over Osbourn Park.

PRIVATE
St. Mary’s-Annapolis RB Patrick Cary rushed 18 times for 127 yards and four touchdowns as the Saints beat Bullis, 32-6.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Leonardtown RB-LB Zach Meade rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns and on defense made seven tackles and intercepted a pass as the Raiders beat McDonough, 40-0.

WCAC
St. John’s QB Myles Slade completed 5 of 5 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown and rushed five times for 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Cadets beat Middletown (Del.), 42-0.

Week 1: Daunte Lord, West Springfield

photo by Anthony Parker

He was just a sophomore on the defensive scout team, trying to simulate the upcoming opponent and help his teammates prepare for their next game. Even then, though, Daunte Lord just had a knack for being in the center of the action.

“He was a little unorthodox and gangly looking, but he was always in the way,” West Springfield Coach Anthony Parker said. “He made so many plays that we had to make him a starter.”

Now a 6-foot and 180-pound senior and in his third season as a starter, Lord keeps finding himself in the middle of the action on offense (at wide receiver and running back), at defensive back and on special teams. In the Spartans’ season opener this past Friday, Lord rushed 11 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns, caught an 18-yard touchdown pass, returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and on defense made 10 tackles and intercepted two passes as West Springfield beat Mount Vernon, 49-24.

For his efforts, Lord was named the Military Bowl DC Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week. The Player of the Week is honored throughout the season each Wednesday on WTOP Radio.

Lord’s first score came on a 99-yard kickoff return. He had touchdown runs of 67 and 24 yards (a third touchdown run was called back because of a penalty) and he caught an 18-yard touchdown pass. Parker said that Lord had shown well in two preseason scrimmages, displaying elusive running ability, but Friday’s performance still was an eye opener.

“We saw the potential,” Parker said. “Going into the game, we didn’t know if we were going to have to run more or throw more. But we wanted to get him the ball as many times as we could.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Player of the Week High School Football Player of the Week Honor Roll:

DC
Friendship Collegiate DL-OLB Dylan Stewart, a junior who holds several top scholarship offers, made nine tackles, had four sacks, forced one fumble and recovered another as the Knights opened their season with a 22-6 win over Bishop McNamara.

LOUDOUN
Stone Bridge K Dylan Dastejerdi made both of his point-after kicks and booted a 35-yard field goal with one second left to lift the two-time defending state champion Bulldogs to a 17-16 win over Madison, their 25th consecutive victory.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Patriot QB Sam Fernandez completed 11 of 16 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns and rushed five times for a team-high 55 yards as the Pioneers opened their season with a 51-6 win over Hylton.

WCAC
Gonzaga QB Aidan Conrath completed 22 of 26 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Eagles beat Carroll, 37-14.