The high school football season has officially kicked off in the D.C. area, and a new crop of local talent has already begun to emerge. This past weekend marked the start of a new year for public programs in the city and in Northern Virginia. Many of the region’s private schools also played their first games. Next week, Maryland publics will join the party. Here are five players who stood out in Week 1:
Austin Barber, Senior, Wide Receiver, DeMatha
The Stags opened their Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title defense with a 35-14 statement win over Archbishop Spalding Friday, and Barber made his mark with two game-changing plays. The senior wide receiver first hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass with a defender draped on his back, helping give DeMatha an early edge against the Cavaliers, four-time defending champs in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association. He later returned a punt 42 yards for his second score as the Stags pulled away for their 22nd-straight victory and first under interim head coach Bryce Bevill, who took over for longtime coach Bill McGregor this offseason.
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Kevin Coates, Senior, Athlete, Alexandria City
Coates did it all for Alexandria City in a surprising 21-7 victory over Lake Braddock. The senior split time between quarterback and wide receiver on offense, racking up 126 all-purpose yards and catching a touchdown in the third quarter. On defense, he nabbed an interception as the Titans scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to notch their first victory over Lake Braddock since 2008.
Kyron Gaskins, Senior, Linebacker, Eastern
Gaskins shined in his first start as a Rambler after transferring from DeMatha this offseason. The senior was the anchor of a defense that manhandled New Town in a 29-6 Eastern victory. The Ramblers, who won the D.C. State Athletic Association AA crown for the first time ever last season, will look to contend for another city crown with sophomore quarterback Nijel Hubbard taking over for his brother, Jeremiah, under center.
Deylen Jones, Senior, Athlete, Oakton
The Cougars wasted little time flashing their offensive firepower in a 49-7 rout of Edison. Jones, a Harvard commit, put on a performance to remember. He totaled 221 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 99-yard touchdown run through the heart of the Eagles’ defense. The dominant performance marked the program’s first victory under new coach Said Aziz, who is looking to take the Vienna program to new heights in a loaded Concorde District.
Kyree Marshall, Freshman, Running Back, Bullis
Marshall burst onto the scene for the Bulldogs Saturday in his varsity debut. He gashed Bishop Ireton for 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries as Bullis earned a 49-14 victory. With Marshall in the backfield, coach Skyler Springs’ team scored more points than it did in any game last season.