Washington D.C., September 2, 2025
News Summary
The 2025 District of Columbia high school football season is set to begin as preseason rankings unveil the top teams. Gonzaga College leads the pack, followed closely by St. John’s College and Dunbar High School. With returning key players and a mixture of public and private school powerhouses, fans and players alike are gearing up for an exciting season filled with competitive matchups.
D.C. High School Football Season Kicks Off with Exciting Preseason Rankings!
As the summer heat fades away, the buzz of high school football in D.C. is heating up! The 2025 District of Columbia high school football season is just around the corner, and fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will stack up. The excitement has only been boosted by the recent unveiling of the preseason Top 10 rankings.
Top Teams in the Spotlight
Leading the pack this year is Gonzaga College, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot in the rankings. This powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC). Gonzaga has a rich football history, with their last championship win dating back to 2018. That memorable season saw them clinch the title in a heart-stopping game against DeMatha Catholic (Md.), thanks to a last-second victory that fans still talk about today.
Hot on their heels is St. John’s College, currently sitting at No. 2 after winning the WCAC crown in 2022. While both Gonzaga and St. John’s are expected to dominate this season, they aren’t without challengers. They’ll need to keep a close eye on DeMatha and Our Lady of Good Counsel (Md.), both of whom have proven themselves worthy opponents in the past two WCAC Capital Division finals.
Public School Powerhouses
Switching gears to the public school scene, Dunbar High School is making waves! After a strong showing last season, where they snagged both the D.C. public and state championships, they’re the favorites to repeat in 2025. With a 7-4 record last season and a semifinal finish in the WCAC Capital Division, Dunbar is setting its sights high.
Both Gonzaga and St. John’s are returning some big players this season, with Gonzaga bringing back 26 letter winners from last year’s roster. Key players include:
- Tyson Harley, a defensive end headed to Penn State
- Carter Meadows, another defensive end bound for Michigan
- Brayden Marko, a tight end who is committed to Maryland
- Jack Gaskins, also a tight end
- Jalyn Christian on the offensive line
- Jason Lindsay, a rising star as a junior quarterback
St. John’s is also gearing up under their new head coach, Terrance Byrd. They finished last season with a strong 7-4 record, and they’ll be banking on players like Tariq Boney, who is slated to join Michigan, Breyon Williams, who’s scoring big as a running back for Old Dominion, and offensive linemen Adrian Hamilton from Virginia Tech and Jordan Harrison.
Other Teams to Watch
Looking beyond the top contenders, there are numerous teams that promise to shake things up during the season:
- The Knights (9-4 record) are eager to reclaim their title as DCSAA Class AA finalists.
- The Bulldogs, also 9-4, are looking to defend their DCSAA Class A championship from last year.
- Carroll aims to bounce back after a challenging 4-7 season and work their way up the rankings.
- The Rough Riders (7-3) have their sights set on a coveted slot in the Turkey Bowl.
- The Colts (4-7) are hoping to earn a spot in the Turkey Bowl for the third straight year.
- The Ramblers (7-3) will be striving for a better postseason outcome after a disappointing finish last year.
- Finally, the Frogs (9-2) are eyeing titles in both the MAC and DCSAA Class A.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation is building across D.C. among players, coaches, and fans alike. With a mix of determination and excitement, this season promises to be a memorable one as teams battle it out on the field!
FAQs
What is the D.C. high school football season?
The D.C. high school football season is an annual sporting event where teams from various high schools in the District of Columbia compete in football games.
When does the 2025 season start?
The specific start date for the 2025 D.C. high school football season is not mentioned, but it typically kicks off in the late summer or early fall.
Which team is currently ranked No. 1?
Gonzaga College is currently ranked No. 1 in the preseason Top 10 rankings.
Who are some key players to watch this season?
Some key players include Jason Lindsay (Gonzaga’s junior quarterback), Tariq Boney (St. John’s defensive line, Michigan commit), and several other standout athletes at various schools.
What goals do the different teams have for the season?
Teams are aiming for various titles, including state championships and league titles, with many looking to improve on their records from previous seasons.
Key Features Chart
| Team | Rank | Last Season Record | Championships | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga College | No. 1 | 7-4 | 2018 Champion | Tyson Harley, Jason Lindsay |
| St. John’s College | No. 2 | 7-4 | 2022 Champion | Tariq Boney, Breyon Williams |
| Dunbar High School | 3 | 9-4 | 2024 Champion | Undisclosed |
| The Knights | 4 | 9-4 | Finalist | Undisclosed |
| The Bulldogs | 5 | 9-4 | Champion | Undisclosed |
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Additional Resources
- SFGate: California Epicenter of America Girls Flag Football
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- MaxPreps: Washington High School Football Week 1 Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- The Gazette: Washington Weathers Storm to Win Over Jefferson
- Google Search: Washington High School Football
- WPXI: Teen Threatens High School Football Team
- Google News: High School Football News
- CBS News: Washington High School Football Coach Dies
- USA Today: How to Watch Chelan vs Cashmere High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
