Game #1
Episcopal Pulls Away From Paul VI, 20-8, in Football Season Opener
Cooper Colcombe rushes for 111 yards, but Panthers are held scoreless in the second half.
CHANTILLY, Va. — Friday, September 4, 2026 — Paul VI opened its 2026 high school football season with a competitive first half against Episcopal, but the Panthers could not sustain their offensive momentum after halftime in a 20-8 nonconference loss Friday night.
Running back Cooper Colcombe provided the Panthers' strongest offensive performance, rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Quarterback Hudson Akin completed nine of 23 passes for 125 yards and one interception.
Episcopal took an early 7-0 lead before Paul VI responded with eight points in the second quarter, giving the Panthers an 8-7 advantage at halftime.
But the momentum shifted after the break.
Episcopal scored six points in the third quarter and seven more in the fourth while holding Paul VI scoreless throughout the second half.
The Maroon's 13 unanswered points proved decisive.
Colcombe's performance offered an encouraging sign for the Panthers' rushing attack. He averaged nearly eight yards per carry and accounted for Paul VI's lone touchdown.
Paul VI also received a productive performance from receiver No. 81, who caught four passes for 90 yards, averaging 22.5 yards per reception.
Despite those contributions, the Panthers struggled to generate enough consistent offense to overcome Episcopal's second-half response.
The loss dropped Paul VI to 0-1, while Episcopal improved to 1-0.
Paul VI will next travel to Bethesda, Maryland, to face Landon on September 10.
DMV Gridiron Takeaway: Paul VI showed offensive potential through Colcombe's 111 rushing yards and its halftime lead. But the Panthers' inability to score after halftime highlighted the need for more consistent offensive production.
Final Score: Episcopal 20, Paul VI 8
Top Performers
- Cooper Colcombe, RB: 14 carries, 111 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
- Hudson Akin, QB: 9-of-23 passing, 125 yards, 1 interception.
- Paul VI receiver No. 81: 4 receptions, 90 yards.
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