Sometimes, epic match-ups with huge build-ups between arch rivals don’t live up to the hype. Friday’s much-anticipated, high-powered WCAC clash between #1 Good Counsel and #3 DeMatha was NOT one of those times.
Both teams, each loaded with highly ranked players going to big time college programs, put on a show that may have produced the region’s high school football game of the year – at least so far.
Good Counsel (6-1) prevailed in dramatic fashion beating their rivals DeMatha (6-1) 35-28 in overtime in Olney.
MCM Game of the Week: #1Good Counsel comes back to beat rival #3 DeMatha 35-28 in overtime. @gcfootball @DemathaFootball @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/2Ci3W2MlLd
— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) October 14, 2023
Final 35-28 in OT in Olney as @gcfootball holds off @DeMathaCatholic for the win @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/VESfUfhD9m
— Phil Fabrizio (@Photoloaf) October 14, 2023
On fourth down from the Good Counsel 6 yard line, DeMatha quarterback Denzel Gardner rolled right, spun away from pressure then threw into traffic. Judah Jenkins picked off the pass that sealed the victory for the Falcons (6-1) sparking a spirited celebration on the field.
Good Counsel head coach Andy Stefanelli told MCM, “This one ranks right up there. This is a huge rivalry game for us and that’s a really, really good team so to win this game in that fashion, to come back the way we did when it looked like it was pretty ugly there with a minute left, I’m super proud of this team.”
Good Counsel head coach Andy Stefanelli puts huge comeback win over rival DeMatha in perspective.
@gcfootball @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/tgsc7ZRpmO— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) October 14, 2023
DeMatha scored on a trick play in the third quarter. Running back Cody Williams threw aa halfback option to Emanuel Dyson for the 33-yard. touchdown. Stags led 21-14.
Good Counsel answered with a 1-play drive when senior quarterback Frankie Weaver found DaMarion Folkes deep down the right sideline for a 75-yard score. The extra point was blocked and Good Counsel trailed 21-20.
DeMatha’s Bud Coombs scored from one yard out with 1:32 to go in regulation to make it 28-20 Stags.
Weaver then led the Falcons on a long drive. He hit Folkes for a beautiful 32-yard touchdown pass and catch. Martin threw to Kobe Ellis for a 2-point conversation to tie the game at 28-28.
In overtime, Good Counsel scored on their first possession when Dillin Jones took it in from 1 setting up the final play.
DeMatha’s attempt to force a second overtime ended with the game-ending interception by Jenkins.
Good Counsel has a bye week next week then plays at Gonzaga on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. DeMatha plays St. John’s next at home on Oct. 20 at. 7 p.m.
Photo by Phil Fabrizio
