The St. Albans (Washington, DC) varsity football team will face Digital Pioneers Academy (Washington, DC) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 DCSAA Football State Tournament – Class A.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: St. Albans (MD) vs Digital Pioneers Academy (MD)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 DCSAA Football State Tournament – Class A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Digital Pioneers Academy vs. St. Albans: A Tale of Two Teams in 2024-25

As the 2024-25 football season progresses, Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) and St. Albans have established themselves as formidable forces in their respective divisions. Both teams have shown impressive records and individual performances that highlight their distinctive strengths. Here’s a comprehensive look at the head-to-head comparison, team statistics, and key players driving their success this season.

Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA): Unbeaten and Dominant

DPA has been nothing short of spectacular this season, finishing the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record. Their dominance extends across both their league and non-league games, where they’ve achieved a flawless 4-0 record in their division and 6-0 outside of it. Their outstanding overall performance has been marked by an impressive offensive attack and an impenetrable defense.

• Offensive Prowess: DPA’s offensive output has been a major factor in their undefeated record. They average 292.7 total yards per game, with a strong emphasis on rushing, where they average 222.3 yards per game. The ground game is led by the explosive King Williams, who averages 140.8 rushing yards per game, far outpacing any player on the St. Albans roster. Their ability to score efficiently is evident, averaging 30.4 points per game, with their highest scoring quarter coming in the first (14.9 points).
• Defensive Strength: While DPA excels on offense, they also boast a formidable defense, allowing just 47 points throughout the season. Their tackles per game average 39, and they’ve accumulated 28 pancake blocks this season, demonstrating their physical dominance in the trenches. King Williams, who leads the offense, also ranks highly in total yards per game, with 151.7 yards—significantly higher than any of St. Albans’ key players.

St. Albans: A Competitive Contender

St. Albans, with a record of 6-4, has had a more varied season, showcasing both potential and areas for growth. Their league performance (2-3) has been less consistent, but their ability to bounce back and fight hard in non-league play (3-0) and on the road (3-3) makes them a team to watch. While their overall points per game (29.2) trails behind DPA, St. Albans has been competitive, and their ability to maintain close scores against tough opponents shows resilience.

• Offensive Highlights: St. Albans relies heavily on their passing game, with Brett Paukstis averaging a remarkable 251.8 passing yards per game. The team’s receiving yards per game (249.4) nearly match their passing yards, thanks to dynamic receivers like Zahir Cobb, who leads the team in receiving yards with 98.4 per game. Despite trailing DPA in total offensive yards (356.0 per game), St. Albans has shown it can strike quickly and efficiently through the air.
• Defensive Resilience: While not as dominant defensively as DPA, St. Albans has made strides in key areas. Their tackles per game (57.3) lead them to a solid defensive presence, though they have struggled with sacking opposing quarterbacks, averaging just 1.7 sacks per game. The team’s high point scoring average (29.2) indicates their ability to engage in shootouts, but they will need to tighten their defense to compete with higher-ranked teams like DPA.

Team Stat Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

When comparing the two teams statistically, DPA stands out in most areas, particularly in rushing yards, total yards, and points per game. Here’s a closer look at the key differences:

• Rushing Game: DPA dominates the rushing category with 222.3 yards per game, thanks to Williams’ standout performance. St. Albans lags behind, with just 104.2 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Game: St. Albans shines in the passing game, with Paukstis throwing for 251.8 yards per game. DPA, by contrast, has a more balanced approach, with 70.5 passing yards per game.
• Total Yardage: DPA averages 292.7 yards per game, while St. Albans exceeds them in total yardage (356.0 yards), mainly due to their potent passing attack.
• Defensive Edge: DPA’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, with an average of 39 tackles per game compared to St. Albans’ 57.3 tackles per game. DPA has also allowed just 47 points in total, highlighting their stifling defense.

Player Performances to Watch

• King Williams (DPA): The undisputed star of the Digital Pioneers, Williams has been a dual-threat, excelling in both rushing (140.8 yards per game) and scoring (13.5 points per game).
• Brett Paukstis (St. Albans): A standout quarterback, Paukstis has thrown for 251.8 yards per game, making him the centerpiece of St. Albans’ offensive strategy.
• Zahir Cobb (St. Albans): Cobb’s 98.4 receiving yards per game make him a consistent deep threat and key target for Paukstis in the passing game.

Record Breakdown: Comparing Their Journeys

DPA’s record is an impressive 11-0, with flawless performances in both league (5-0) and non-league games (6-0). In comparison, St. Albans has had a slightly more inconsistent season, finishing with a 6-4 record overall, but their non-league record is strong at 3-0. Despite this, they’ve shown some vulnerability in league games (2-3), which has hindered their chances of making a deeper run in the postseason.

• Home vs. Away: DPA has been a force at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), while St. Albans has had a more mixed experience, going 2-1 at home and 3-3 on the road.
• In-State vs. Out-of-State: DPA’s 5-4 record in out-of-state games gives them an edge in tougher matchups, while St. Albans has a 3-0 out-of-state record that shows their potential to perform beyond their region.

Conclusion: Who’s the Top Team?

While both teams have had their moments of brilliance, Digital Pioneers Academy is the clear frontrunner in this comparison. Their unbeaten record, superior rushing attack, and defensive prowess make them a challenging opponent for any team. St. Albans, while competitive and showing strong offensive potential, will need to tighten their defense and improve consistency in league play if they hope to challenge top-tier teams like DPA in the postseason. As the season continues, both teams remain pivotal players in their divisions, with DPA aiming for a perfect season and St. Albans looking to prove their mettle against stronger competition.