No. 20 DeMatha (Md.) blasts No. 21 St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.)

WILMINGTON, Del.- Looking to make a statement on a national stage, No. 20 DeMatha Catholic (Md.) couldn’t ask for a better chance than Saturday night against No. 21 St. Joseph’s Prep School at Abessinio Stadium.

Not only did they make one, but they sent a message to the rest of the region that they’re looking to make their way up the ranks.

The Stags (1-0) kicked off their 2025 season behind a stellar rushing effort from senior running back Elijah Lee, en route to a dominating 45-17 victory over the Hawks in the Mid-Atlantic Pigskin Classic.

DeMatha dominated in every phase of the game

When we say DeMatha Catholic owned every phase of the game, we mean it. From offensively to defensively and even on special teams, where they blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, the Stags came out inspired to show the DMV they’re taking it up a notch this fall.

DeMatha quarterback Tristan Stabb was steady in operating the Stags’ offense, finishing the night throwing for 116 yards and adding 42 more on the ground with a touchdown. Stabb had plenty of help around him, however.

Lee was the workhorse out of the backfield, rushing for a game-high 82 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Lavar Keys and Joshua Parker contributed via the pass game, as DeMatha throughly dominated St. Joseph’s Prep’s defense in the second half.

St. Joseph’s Prep starting 0-2 for the first time since 2007

The Hawks are not a high school football program that’s used to losing whatsoever. When’s the last time they started 0-2 to begin a season? That would be nearly two decades ago St. Joseph’s Prep had such a beginning.

In the last five quarters of play for the Hawks’ offense, they have scored 17 points against American Heritage and DeMatha Catholic, respectively. Whatever is holding the team back, head coach Tim Roken and staff will need to figure it out if they want to contend for another state championship this fall.

The offensive struggles begin up front at the line of scrimmage as they had protection issues for quarterback Charlie Foulke and without their junior passer upright, it’s hard seeing the Hawks being an elite team at this point.

Stags’ safety Knyair Crumb had himself a day

The 6-foot, 190-pound junior safety had himself a strong outing against the St. Joseph’s Prep offense, having a big hand in the victory on defense.

Crumb finished the day picking off Foulke twice, returning one of the interceptions back for a touchdown. Playing on a defense that features several Power 4 recruits, the junior was the standout out of the back end.

Paired with players like Penn State commitment Darrell Casey in the defensive backfield makes this one of the best units in the state.

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