DeMatha Dominates St. Joseph's Prep in Season Opener: Final Score 45-17!

DeMatha Dominates St. Joseph's Prep in Season Opener: Final Score 45-17!

In a thrilling opener for the 2025 season, the DeMatha Stags overcame a halftime deficit to emerge victorious against the St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks, concluding the game with a stunning score of 45-17. The Stags, who entered the match with high expectations, showcased their resilience and talent, especially impressive considering they trailed 10-3 at halftime, as noted by Sporting News.

The first quarter saw the Hawks take an early lead with a score of 7-3, and St. Joseph’s added to their score with a field goal, making it 10-3 at halftime. However, the second half was a completely different story. DeMatha not only turned the tide but also blocked a punt for a touchdown, bringing their momentum full circle. By the fourth quarter, the Stags had outscored the Hawks 42-7, igniting the crowd and establishing their dominance. Key moments included a pivotal interception that resulted in a touchdown, showcasing both their defensive strength and offensive prowess.

A Legacy of Success

DeMatha’s head coach, Bill McGregor, now embarking on his 35th year at the helm, has built an impressive legacy over the decades. With a career record of 313 wins, 52 losses, and 3 ties, McGregor stands as one of only four high school coaches in Maryland history to reach the 300-win milestone, boasting a remarkable winning percentage of .855. His teams have consistently finished atop the rankings, and under his guidance, DeMatha has claimed 17 conference championships, reports DeMatha.org.

With the rich history of the program reflecting McGregor’s dedication, it’s no surprise that former NFL coach Joe Gibbs has praised him as “the best high school coach in the country.” This opening game sets the tone for what many expect to be another competitive season, particularly after DeMatha’s successful run last year, which culminated in a WCAC championship.

Looking Ahead

This year, the Stags continue to reel in attention for their emerging talent, even as they face the challenge of filling key departures from the previous season. McGregor’s skill in „reloading“ with new talent is well-documented, and many players to watch have already committed to significant college programs. For instance, Zion Smith and Darrell Carey are both heading to North Carolina and Penn State, respectively, underlining the ongoing pipeline of talent from DeMatha to higher levels of competition, as highlighted in DC Sports Fan.

As the Stags set their sights on their next opponents, including Imhotep Institute and Roman Catholic, fans are buoyed by the promise of another exhilarating campaign. With McGregor’s leadership, the tradition of excellence at DeMatha continues, making this season one to watch closely.