In the two seasons that preceded this one, Elizabeth Seton looked like a team scrapping its way through the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference with purpose but without the perfect mixture for a breakthrough year in the area’s toughest league.
That, it seems, will change this year. With blowout wins over three ranked opponents and a well-rounded roster under new coach Cabria Johnson, the Roadrunners surged from unranked to No. 12 last week and now skyrocket to the top five of the rankings.
The Bladensburg program is one of several teams to see a big boost this week, with Bishop O’Connell (notable wins over Riverdale Baptist and four-time defending Virginia state champion Madison), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (topped two Montgomery County contenders) and Langley (unseated back-to-back state semifinalist Robinson) joining the rankings.
Those who slid include Paul VI, which has lost twice by at least 40 to national powers, as well as Centreville and Seneca Valley. None of the three, however, drop outside the Top 20 with loaded rosters, otherwise impressive résumés and the confidence of local coaches backing their standing.