On Wednesday, Jan. 20 the MaxPreps travel team made its way to
DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland which is just north of our nation's capitol. Students, faculty members and fans all came together to celebrate with the DeMatha football team as they were named to the 2015 11th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, which is in its 11th year honoring football.
DeMatha finished ranked No. 5 nationally among 17,000 football teams across the country and is only one-of-50 football teams being honored on tour. The Stags finished the season at 11-1 and beat Our Lady of Good Counsel on Nov. 22 to claim their 23rd WCAC title.
Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
After its continuous hard work and dedication, the Stags football team was named to the MaxPreps football Tour of Champions for the third time as they were honored on two previous tours in 2006 and 2013. DeMatha has undoubtedly one of the most reputable football programs in the nation and now has three Army National Guard national ranking trophies to show for it.
The ceremony took place in the evening during halftime of the electrifying boys basketball rivalry game against Gonzaga. To kick it off, MaxPreps representative Armand Milanesi spoke about the team's notable season accomplishments and introduced Staff Sergeant Kerry Thomas from the Maryland Army National Guard.
SSG Thomas shared the similarities between being a member of a nationally ranked championship team and being a member of the Army National Guard. He mentioned strong character traits which included commitment to a cause, dedication to each other and perseverance in the face of trials.
With the coaches, players and fans behind him at center court, SSG Thomas then presented head coach Elijah Brooks and the team with the well-deserved Minuteman trophy along with a national ranking banner.
Coach Brooks expressed his gratitude as thanked MaxPreps and the Army National Guard for the prestigious honor and national recognition. He also thanked the DeMatha community, his coaching staff and players for a memorable season.
Congratulations DeMatha Catholic on a great season and high national ranking!
To view the DeMatha Catholic TOC Photo Gallery, click
here.
Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
