McKinley Tech faced Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Trainers blew past the Panthers 49-28. Considering the Trainers' offense had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Ziyon Walters
| 10/24/25 @ Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering | 89 |
| 09/19/25 vs KIPP DC Legacy College Prep | 73 |
| 09/05/25 vs Sidwell Friends | 62 |
| 09/13/25 @ Bishop Ireton | 59 |
| 09/26/25 vs St. Albans | 46 |
Ziyon Walters had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 89 yards and one score on only nine carries, and also caught one touchdown. Those 89 rushing yards gave him a new career-high.
Another reason for the win was McKinley Tech's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for seven sacks. Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering's QB won't forget Isaiah Riddick anytime soon given he sacked him three times. Riddick has been hot recently, having also posted six or more total tackles the last four times he's played. Another thorn in Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering's side was Mekhi Wilson, who picked up a sack, forced one fumble, and made seven total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Special teams was a major factor in the game for McKinley Tech, racking up 14 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Isaac Fowler, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Despite the loss, Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering still got an impressive performance from Zephan Pittman, who threw for 155 yards and a pair of TDs on only ten passes, and also rushed for 42 yards. Pittman's passing game has become a key predictor of the Panthers' success: the team is 3-1 when his passer rating is 110 or higher, but only 0-4 otherwise.
The victory made it two in a row for McKinley Tech and bumps their season record up to 3-5. That said, the team wasn't facing the toughest opposition over that stretch, as it included 0-4 Cardozo and 3-5 Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering. As for Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. McKinley Tech will take on Anacostia at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Trainers will be up against the Indians' rather soft defense (which has allowed 28.38 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering, they will square off against Cardozo at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Panthers will be up against the Clerks' rather soft defense (which has allowed 33.8 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.
