The DeMatha football team was never seriously threatened Saturday. The No. 2 Stags’ 28-14 win at No. 10 Gonzaga was nothing short of comprehensive. At one point, they led by four scores.
The importance of beginning Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play with a victory — on the road against a perennial contender, no less — cannot be understated. Plus, the Stags (5-1) have won five straight as they roll into the most challenging segment of their schedule.
And yet they left the field with a tinge of dissatisfaction, having let their foot off the gas late. The Stags, who came excruciatingly close to a WCAC title last year, know as well as any what’s required to get over the hump in November. Each regular season game is a building block, a chance to build toward getting over that final hurdle. There was no complacency in the postgame huddle — only a drive to find whatever pickable nits can be worked out.