Washington D.C., August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference has unveiled its preseason Top 10 rankings for high school football, with the Gonzaga College Eagles securing the top position. Featuring a solid lineup of 26 returning letter winners, the Eagles aim to reclaim the championship title. Following them are the St. John’s College Cadets in second, led by new head coach Terrance Byrd, and the Dunbar Crimson Tide in third. The season kicks off with exciting matchups, including a high-profile game between Gonzaga College and Oscar Smith.
Washington D.C.
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) has released its preseason Top 10 rankings for the 2025 high school football season, with the Gonzaga College Eagles at the top of the list. The Eagles, seeking to reclaim the WCAC Capital Division championship, will look to leverage a strong returning lineup as they gear up for the season.
With 26 returning letter winners, Gonzaga’s roster is formidable. Key players include defensive ends Tyson Harley, who has committed to Penn State, and Carter Meadows, who is committed to Michigan. On the offensive side, tight end Brayden Marko has also committed to Maryland, while junior quarterback Jason Lindsay aims to guide the team effectively throughout the season.
Following closely behind, the St. John’s College Cadets are ranked second and are under the new leadership of head coach Terrance Byrd. St. John’s features impressive talent, including defensive line standout Tariq Boney, committed to Michigan, as well as running back Breyon Williams, committed to Old Dominion, alongside offensive linemen Adrian Hamilton (Virginia Tech) and Jordan Harrison.
The Dunbar Crimson Tide, the reigning D.C. public and state champions, hold the third spot in the rankings. Their offensive line is bolstered by all-DCIAA and DCSAA first-teamer Quiron Davis, and they have added transfer running back Darius Knight to enhance their capabilities.
At fourth place, the Friendship Collegiate Academy Knights are eager to reclaim the DCSAA Class AA championship. The St. Albans School Bulldogs sit in fifth, looking to repeat their success as DCSAA Class A champions, anchored by Maryland commit Zahir Cobb on defense.
The Archbishop Carroll Lions are ranked sixth and will strive to rebound from a challenging previous season, featuring TK Davis, a commitment to UMASS, at running back. In seventh place, the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders are led by junior quarterback David Anderson.
The rankings continue with the Calvin Coolidge Colts at eighth, targeting their third consecutive Turkey Bowl appearance with senior wide receiver Jhalil Anderson as a key player. Meanwhile, the Eastern Ramblers are ninth and are seeking redemption after a tough postseason last year, led by senior running back Will Simms.
Finally, the Maret School Frogs round out the top ten and are aiming for both the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference and DCSAA Class A titles, with Georgetown commit Cole Riley leading their defensive efforts.
The high school football season officially kicks off with several marquee matchups, including Gonzaga College’s game against Oscar Smith from Virginia on August 29. The inaugural Events DC Kickoff Classic at RFK Stadium will showcase local teams such as Dunbar High School and the Maret School.
Overall, the 2025 D.C. high school football season is filled with anticipation and excitement, showcasing emerging talent and championship aspirations across the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked teams in the WCAC preseason rankings?
The top teams are Gonzaga College Eagles, St. John’s College Cadets, and Dunbar Crimson Tide.
When does the high school football season start?
The season kicks off with Gonzaga College facing Oscar Smith on August 29.
What teams are participating in the Events DC Kickoff Classic?
Local teams such as Dunbar High School and Maret School will participate in the Events DC Kickoff Classic.
Who are some key players to watch this season?
Key players include Tyson Harley, Carter Meadows, Tariq Boney, and Zahir Cobb, among others.
Key Features of the 2025 WCAC Football Season
| Rank | Team | Notable Players | Championship Aspirations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gonzaga College Eagles | Tyson Harley, Carter Meadows, Brayden Marko | WCAC Capital Division |
| 2 | St. John’s College Cadets | Tariq Boney, Breyon Williams | Title under new head coach |
| 3 | Dunbar Crimson Tide | Quiron Davis, Darius Knight | D.C. public/state champions |
| 4 | Friendship Collegiate Academy Knights | Team effort | Reclaim DCSAA Class AA |
| 5 | St. Albans School Bulldogs | Zahir Cobb | Repeat as DCSAA Class A champions |
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Washington D.C. High School Football Rankings
- Washington Post: High School Football Schedule
- High School Football America: D.C. Scores
- USA Today: High School Football Season Start Dates
- Washington Post: D.C. Football Transfer Portal
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Washington DC High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Washington DC High School Football
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