Digital Pioneers Academy Football Team: A New Era for Southeast D.C.

Inauguration of a Football Legacy
Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), a public charter school in Southeast Washington, has finally realized a long-held dream: a football team. After enduring a six-year gap in organized sports, the academy hired renowned former Archbishop Carroll coach Rob Harris, propelling the program into immediate contention. DPA’s football team, now standing proud with a perfect 5-0 record, has captured the attention of the community and the Public Charter School Athletic Association.

Building a winning tradition in Southeast D.C.

A School’s Response to Tragedy
The establishment of the football team is bittersweet, shadowed by a tragic string of violence that has impacted the student body. Over a few short months, four students from DPA lost their lives to separate gun-related incidents. CEO Mashea Ashton articulated a poignant belief: having a football program might have kept these young men engaged and perhaps alive. “We really launched football in their honor,” she expressed, underscoring the community-building potential sports can offer.

From Vision to Victory
Now in its first season at the varsity level, DPA has managed to dominate its competition, recording a stunning 32-6 victory over Phelps in its latest game. With an impressive defense that has only conceded 14 points throughout the season, the Pythons have quickly emerged as a powerhouse in the athletic landscape. This meteoric rise is indicative of both the hard work of the players and the strategic guidance from Harris, who strives to build more than just a football team; he aims to create a vibrant sports culture within the school.

A Legacy in the Making
Founded in 2017 with an emphasis on college preparedness, particularly in computer science, Digital Pioneers Academy has seen its initial cohort of students transition into seniors this year. The school’s mascot, the Python, cleverly references the programming language, mirroring its educational mission. The introduction of football provides a thrilling chapter to DPA’s story, as it prepares for its inaugural senior prom and graduation this spring.

“It was an opportunity not only to build a football program but to build an athletic department,” said Rob Harris, reflecting on his motivations for joining DPA.

The Right Players in the Right Positions
Key to the team’s success has been the seamless integration of players who previously made alternative choices. Fred McRoy, a junior quarterback who was once enrolled in Archbishop Carroll, has returned to DPA motivated by Harris’s arrival. Furthermore, King Williams, a junior running back who transferred from KIPP Legacy, expressed his desire to redefine his narrative at DPA. With staggering stats of 551 rushing yards and nine touchdowns already under his belt this season, he is certainly on track to create his own legacy.

Training hard for success

Support That Counts
The rise of DPA’s football program has been bolstered by substantial community support, notably through a generous donation from the Washington Commanders, which included both financial assistance and equipment like cleats. Additionally, the school has invested heavily in securing athletic facilities at the nearby St. James in Springfield, as DPA lacks its own on-campus field. Mobilizing students to attend games has also been a priority, with busloads traveling to cheer on their peers.

Continuing the Winning Streak
To date, DPA’s margin of victory has averaged an impressive 27 points per game, a testament to the rigorous training and determination of both players and coaching staff. Harris remains optimistic yet focused, stopping short when he presaged, “the rest is history.” Instead, he reframed it as, “We’re making history.” This statement not only embodies the spirit of endurance but also highlights the potential for future achievements as DPA continues to forge its identity in the realm of high school athletics.

In a community desperately seeking hope and positive outlets for its youth, Digital Pioneers Academy’s football team stands as a beacon—an inspiring narrative of resilience, unity, and the promise of a bright future.