Welcome to Buchanan Field, where the stage is set for a clash in the Capital. The 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series features the DeMatha Stags traveling to face the Gonzaga Eagles. These two teams make up one of the most historic rivalries in a series dating back to the 1980s.

As it stands, DeMatha has the upper hand in the all-time series, having won 18 out of the last 27 matchups between the two teams. Last season saw the Stags continue their dominance with a narrow 14-7 win, in their 4th straight victory over the Eagles. However, neither team is a stranger to producing elite NFL talent, as Gonzaga is home to the 2024 1st overall pick Caleb Williams, while DeMatha is the alma mater of 2020 2nd overall pick Chase Young.

Mark your calendars for October 12th as 3,000 fans pile into Buchanan Field to watch what promises to be a thrilling battle.

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MVP

Bud Coombs
DeMatha

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Brayden DeVaul

Gonzaga

Brayden is an exemplary leader both inside the classroom and on the field at Gonzaga College High School. He has challenged himself in the classroom tremendously, enrolling in 5 AP classes over the past two years, including AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, AP Precalculus, AP Art, and AP Literature. Brayden has achieved 1st Honors in every semester at Gonzaga, and is an active member of our Onyx Club, Poets and Writers Club, while also participating in Football and Track and Field. Brayden's accomplishments at Gonzaga are noteworthy and he has set a tremendous example for all our players in the football program. He is undecided on where he will attend college, but hopes to continue his athletic and academic career at the next level.
Denzel Gardner

DeMatha

Denzel has been a prime example of what it means to be a Scholar Athlete in his time at DeMatha High School. He has shown leadership both in the classroom, as he holds a 3.8 GPA, and on the field as the Quarterback for the Stags. After high school, Denzel will be attending Marshall University to continue his athletic and academic career.

GAME SUMMARY

In the heart of the nation’s capital, Gonzaga College and DeMatha High School are two historic programs that boast alumni such as Caleb Williams and Chase Young. This season, a new crop of star athletes took the field as the Eagles and Stags battled in their first conference game of the year. The DeMatha defense and special teams came out of the gates swinging, as they put their offense in great position after they blocked a punt. Just two plays later, running back Elijah Lee punched it in on the ground, and the Stags were on the board just 98 seconds into the game. The next possession saw the defense force another 3 and out, as DeMatha once again took advantage of the short field when Marshall quarterback commit Denzel Gardner punched in the second touchdown of the night for DeMatha. The rest of the first half was all defense, as neither team could gain any momentum, and the Stags took a 14-0 lead into the break. The Eagles' defense continued to step up to start the second half, as they blocked a DeMatha field goal attempt, however their offense could not capitalize on the opportunity. The second half was dominated by Maryland running back commit Bud Coombs as he marched the Stags down the field and punched in a touchdown of his own. After another three and out by the Eagles, DeMatha added one last touchdown on a second QB sneak from Gardner. Gonzaga was not willing to go down without a fight, as they finally got on the board with a passing touchdown, then the defense forced a fumble leading to another quick score. However, their comeback came up just short as the Stags iced the game when they recovered the onside kick. Bud Coombs brought home the game MVP as DeMatha claimed the victory 28-14.