The DeMatha Varsity Football team (Hyattsville, MD) will host a home playoff game against St. John’s (Washington, DC) on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington, DC High School Football
Who: St. John’s vs DeMatha
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

St. John’s vs. DeMatha: A Rivalry Renewed in the 2024 Football Playoffs

As the 2024 high school football season nears its climax, one of the most storied rivalries in the D.C. area is set for another dramatic chapter. On Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM, St. John’s will face off against DeMatha in a crucial playoff game at DeMatha’s home field in Hyattsville, MD. This highly anticipated matchup follows a dominant 31-15 victory for DeMatha over St. John’s earlier this season on October 26, where DeMatha displayed its strength in all four quarters.

Both teams have had interesting and contrasting seasons leading up to this game. Here’s a closer look at the teams, their performances, and what to expect as the playoff pressure mounts.

Season Overview

St. John’s (Washington, DC) has a solid overall record of 5-4, but their league performance has been less than stellar with a 1-3 record. The team has been inconsistent, particularly in conference play, which has made the upcoming playoff game an uphill battle. The team has struggled in certain areas, notably on offense, where they have averaged just 16.9 points per game. Their high point of the season came in their 28-0 win over Bishop McNamara on October 19, but they have also suffered tough losses to teams like Roman Catholic (52-21) and Gonzaga (10-7).

DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD), on the other hand, has been a dominant force throughout the season, boasting an impressive 8-1 record with a perfect 4-0 record in league play. Their performance has been stellar on both sides of the ball, averaging a robust 32.6 points per game. DeMatha’s only blemish came in their early season loss to a tough non-league opponent. Since then, they have rattled off seven straight wins, including convincing victories over local rivals such as Gonzaga and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Their defense has been outstanding, allowing just 88 points across nine games—an average of less than 10 points per game.

Head-to-Head: October 26th Showdown

In the first meeting this season, DeMatha controlled the game with a strong second half performance, outscoring St. John’s 31-15. St. John’s struggled to get its offense going, scoring only one touchdown through the first three quarters. In contrast, DeMatha turned up the heat in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they scored 17 unanswered points.

Team Stat Comparison: Offense and Defense

St. John’s has had a solid rushing attack, averaging 141.6 yards per game, led by standout player Dajon Talley, who averages 85.3 yards per game. Quarterback Nyeem Woods has been effective, throwing for 123.4 yards per game. However, the team has often struggled to put up big numbers in games that matter, failing to break through against top teams.

DeMatha, meanwhile, has been equally balanced, with no specific yardage stats listed, but their offense has been prolific overall. With a stellar 32.6 points per game average, their offense has consistently found the end zone. Key players like Reece Williams and Eli Jacques will be key factors in the playoff match, especially considering their ability to stretch defenses with both the passing and receiving game.

Tough Losses and Resilience: Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against common opponents, but DeMatha has had the edge in these matchups. St. John’s has a 1-3 record against shared teams, including tough losses to Roman Catholic, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and Gonzaga. In contrast, DeMatha remains undefeated (4-0) against these same teams, including decisive wins over Roman Catholic, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and Gonzaga. The ability of DeMatha to handle these challenging opponents underscores their overall strength heading into this playoff game.

What to Expect in the Playoff Showdown

The stakes are high for both teams, but DeMatha enters as the clear favorite. With their strong offensive and defensive units, they will look to carry their momentum from a dominant regular season into the playoffs. St. John’s, on the other hand, will have to regroup after their regular season inconsistencies and find ways to counter DeMatha’s explosive offense. They will need a solid performance from their key players, including Talley and Woods, if they are to keep pace with DeMatha.

The home-field advantage could play a significant role in this matchup, with DeMatha’s perfect 4-0 home record providing an additional layer of confidence. However, St. John’s will no doubt bring their best effort, hoping to upset DeMatha and make a deep playoff run.

Final Thoughts

The November 15th game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought playoff matchup between two of the D.C. area’s most storied football programs. With DeMatha’s overall strength and St. John’s’ determination to overcome their regular season struggles, this game could provide one of the most thrilling playoff moments in recent memory. Fans on both sides can expect a fast-paced, intense contest as these rivals battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.