Power Rankings and Prospects
DeMatha Catholic High School entered the 2026 season riding a perfect 11‑0 record from 2025, a campaign that culminated in a second straight WCAC Championship. The team’s momentum was briefly interrupted when veteran head coach Bill McGregor stepped down, leaving the program in the capable hands of interim coach Bryce Bevill. Despite the change, the roster returns several standouts, including quarterback Tristan Sabb, who earned first‑team All‑WCAC honors last year, and a deep defensive line anchored by Auburn commit James Pace III.
The capital region’s competition remains fierce. St. James Academy, fresh off an 8‑2 inaugural season, now boasts Maryland commit safety Kenaz Sullivan, Virginia Tech commit Tyson Washington and West Virginia commit Wesley Flamer on its defensive front. Archbishop Spalding, under new head coach RB Green, opened the year with a 35‑14 loss to DeMatha but will rely on 2029 quarterback Brian Snowden Jr. and Maryland commit Myles McAfee to close the gap.
Key Players to Watch
Meanwhile, Stone Bridge, coached by former NFL player Kedric Golston, finished 10‑2 in 2025 and captured a Class 5 regional title before falling in the state tournament. Golston’s son, Kaden, headlines a defensive unit that also features recruit Keith Nolen Jr., while Bishop McNamara, guided by coach Greg Calhoun, hopes a three‑star Wake Forest commit Xavier Brown can spark a turnaround after a 4‑6 season.
Other programs are also making noise. Gonzaga College, the area’s perennial contender, finished 7‑5 in 2025 as WCAC runner‑up, highlighted by Northwestern defensive‑line commit Tyler Frederick and Navy recruit Jago Woodards. Riverbend, the 2025 Commonwealth District champion, aims to reclaim its dominance, while Quince Orchard enters the new year undefeated at 14‑0, showcasing Pitt defensive‑line commit Jaheim Bond and Indiana safety Rico Jackson.
The depth of talent extends beyond the top tier, with schools such as St. John’s College, Colonial Forge and Riverbend each adding high‑profile recruits like Indiana commit Da’Jon Talley‑Rhodes, quarterback Kobe Towns and cornerback Jeremiah Schneider. As the 2026 schedule unfolds, the mix of seasoned leaders and fresh commitments promises a season that could reshape the regional rankings and produce new state champions.