St. John’s Catholic Prep vs West Potomac | Maryland High School Football | August 15
The stage is set for an exciting non-conference clash on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM as St. John’s Catholic Prep (Buckeystown, MD) travels to face West Potomac (Alexandria, VA) in what promises to be an action-packed start to their respective high school football campaigns. With both teams entering the season opener at 0-0, this matchup is a clean slate for two programs looking to build momentum early.
This cross-state rivalry provides an excellent opportunity for fans to witness raw talent, passion, and competitive fire that high school football is all about. Let’s dive deep into the game preview, team analysis, potential impact players, and what makes this matchup one to keep an eye on.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Location: West Potomac High School, Alexandria, VA
- Match Type: Non-conference
- Streaming: Available live on the NFHS Network
About the Teams
St. John’s Catholic Prep (SJCP) – Buckeystown, Maryland
St. John’s Catholic Prep enters the 2025 season with the hunger to prove themselves in the competitive Maryland football landscape. A relatively small program with a strong emphasis on discipline and teamwork, SJCP has seen incremental growth in recent seasons. While they may not always garner national headlines, they are known for gritty, hard-fought football.
Rankings (2025 Season Start):
- National: 11,381
- State (MD): 178
- Class: 8
Previous Season (2024-25) Recap:
- Overall: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Head coach will look to leverage athleticism, team chemistry, and a disciplined defensive unit to slow down the pace against West Potomac. The program often thrives on controlling possession and avoiding costly mistakes.
West Potomac – Alexandria, Virginia
The Wolverines from West Potomac High School represent a larger school with a more established program in Virginia high school football. Known for their physical play and strong fanbase, West Potomac looks to start the season strong at home and build on their consistent performances over the past few seasons.
Rankings (2025 Season Start):
- National: 6,217
- State (VA): 145
- Division: 35
Previous Season (2024-25) Recap:
- Overall: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Under the leadership of, the Wolverines are expected to utilize their depth and athleticism to dictate the tempo and push the pace from the first snap.
Watch live on the NFHS Network!
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Quarterback Battle
Who will rise as the leader under center? Both programs have likely spent the summer refining their passing game, and this opener will be a test of composure, decision-making, and execution. Whether SJCP leans on a dual-threat QB or a pocket passer could play a huge role against West Potomac’s aggressive front.
2. Trench Warfare
Games are won in the trenches, and both teams feature young linemen eager to make their presence felt. SJCP’s offensive line will be challenged to keep their quarterback upright, while West Potomac’s defensive line will look to dominate the line of scrimmage early.
3. Special Teams Impact
Early in the season, special teams can often make or break a game. Expect both coaching staffs to place extra emphasis on coverage units, field goals, and punting. A blocked kick or long return could be the deciding factor.
Players to Watch
St. John’s Catholic Prep:
- RB/LB – A two-way threat who brings physicality and intelligence.
- QB – Expected to lead the offense with poise and creativity.
- DB – Anchors the secondary and could be key in stopping big plays.
West Potomac:
- WR – Explosive with the ball in his hands, capable of breaking away on any play.
- QB – Eyes are on him to lead a balanced offensive attack.
- DE – A game-changer on defense who could wreak havoc on SJCP’s backfield.
Intangibles & X-Factors
- Coaching Adjustments: Being a season opener, both teams will likely come out conservative. The team that makes quicker in-game adjustments will gain the edge.
- First-Game Nerves: Mistakes such as penalties, fumbles, and blown assignments can be common. The team that settles in faster will control the game’s momentum.
- Fan Energy: Playing at home gives West Potomac an edge. Their fans are known to bring high energy that can rattle visiting teams, especially young squads like SJCP.
What’s at Stake
While it’s still early in the season, this matchup offers both programs a golden opportunity to establish their identity for the 2025 campaign. A win for SJCP would be a significant confidence booster and prove that their offseason work has paid off. On the other hand, West Potomac wants to send a message to their regional rivals that they mean business this year.
Prediction
It’s always tough to predict a season opener, but looking at the size, experience, and historical performance, West Potomac appears to have the upper hand. Their home-field advantage, larger roster depth, and aggressive style could prove too much for SJCP, especially late in the game.
Projected Score:
- West Potomac 27, St. John’s Catholic Prep 14
This August 15 showdown between St. John’s Catholic Prep and West Potomac is more than just a non-conference game—it’s a tone-setter. It’s a chance for new stars to emerge, for coaches to establish trust in their systems, and for fans to reignite their school pride after a long offseason. With excitement in the air and both teams starting fresh, this game is a must-watch for anyone passionate about high school football.
Don’t miss the live action—tune in on the NFHS Network and cheer on your team!