Top Performers: McDonogh vs. Gilman

The 108th Gilman vs. McDonogh game saw a defensive struggle, with McDonogh pulling ahead through strong defensive plays and special teams efforts in the first half, leading Gilman 2-0 after a blocked punt for safety. Despite multiple possessions, Gilman couldn't capitalize on early chances, missing a field goal and fumbling near the red zone. By halftime, Gilman managed a 54-yard field goal to take a narrow 3-2 lead.   In the third quarter, McDonogh broke through with a 30-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='401992' first='Braeden' last='Palazzo'] to Brandon Finney, regaining the lead 9-3. Gilman faced relentless defensive pressure, with McDonogh registering multiple sacks and tackles for loss. McDonogh extended their lead to 15-3 later in the quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Mason Graham.   In the fourth quarter, McDonogh's defense forced another turnover and recovered a fumbled reverse, leading to a 47-yard touchdown return by Joey Buchanan (pitched to him after Makai McClendon recovered and pitched it to him). They maintained control, closing the game with a decisive 21-3 victory. The defense for both teams was fierce, but McDonogh's ability to capitalize on turnovers and special teams plays made the difference.   TOP PERFORMERS   [player_tooltip player_id='218623' first='Jeff' last='Exinor'] | Wide Receiver - Athlete | McDonogh | 2025   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Later in the quarter, Exinor took a jet sweep for 45 yards down to Gilman's 8-yard line. It was a block by [player_tooltip player_id='711670' first='Nick' last='Abrams'] II that enabled him to glide down the sideline for extra yardage. McDonogh made sure to get him a good number of touches, especially on end-arounds. He gained some yardage on his other carries but is 45-yarder was easily his longest of the day. He's a smooth runner.</li> </ul>   Brandon Finney - Defensive back - Athlete | McDonogh | 2025   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>In the third quarter, he caught a short pass in the seam, made a defender miss at the 12-yard line and scooted down the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. This was a crucial play that broke open the game for McDonogh, displaying agility and quickness after the catch. </li> </ul>   Jameson Exinor | Defensive Line | McDonogh | 2027   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Played a key role in McDonogh's pass rush, notably sacking the Gilman quarterback multiple times, including a 12-yard loss in the first quarter and a crucial untouched sack later in the fourth quarter. His ability to shed blockers and make disruptive plays in the backfield consistently shut down Gilman's offensive drives.</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='711670' first='Nick' last='Abrams'] II | Linebacker | McDonogh | 2026   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Had a perfectly timed blitz for a 9-yard sack in the second quarter and shared another sack in the fourth, collapsing the pocket. His constant pressure on Gilman's quarterback and involvement in key tackles made him one of the most impactful defensive players. Abrams has been nearly unblock able the two times I've been able to see him play in person. </li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1611623' first='Isaiah' last='Trusty'] | Linebacker | Gilman | 2026   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Demonstrated exceptional gap shooting and awareness, with a standout tackle for loss on McDonogh's [player_tooltip player_id='218623' first='Jeff' last='Exinor'] (No. 2) in the second quarter. He also provided consistent pressure on McDonogh's quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='401992' first='Braeden' last='Palazzo'] (No. 9), contributing to several stalled drives and forced punts. This is the second time I've been able to see him in person. </li> </ul>   Jackson Cheatam | Wide Receiver - Defensive Back | 2025 | Gilman   Cheatam had a few catches while the game was still early and close. He had a solid defensive series during McDonogh's first possession of the quarter. He made two tackles which ended up in short gains (one for a 1-yard reception and another for a 2-yard reception). He broke on the ball both times and made solid one-on-one tackles on both occasions.   HONORABLE MENTIONS   Mason Graham | Running Back | 2026 | McDonogh   Outside of his one lost fumble, Graham had a blue-collar day for McDonogh. On his touchdown run, he started inside, ran into a crowd, and then bounced it outside to the left to score from four yards out.   Makai McClendon | Defensive Lineman | 2027 | McDonogh ---- Joey Buchanan | Defensive Lineman | 2027 | McDonogh ---- Kamden Laudenslauger | Linebacker | 2025 | McDonough   McClendon helped put away Gilman by recovering a fumble. Oh, before being tackled after recovering the fumble, he had the great instincts to pitch the football to Joey Buchanan, who would then run it in from 47 yards out to score the games final touchdown. Buchanan had a few tackles, including some in the backfield (which included a sack). He, along with [player_tooltip player_id='218624' first='Kamden' last='Laudenslager'] sacked Gilman's quarterback on a 3rd and 10 in the third quarter, forcing them to punt. Laudenslauger was in on a few other tackles as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='401992' first='Braeden' last='Palazzo'] | Quarterback | 2026 | McDonogh   Palazzo helped keep McDonogh on schedule, completing short, high-percentage passes throughout the game to sustain drives. He did throw a touchdown pass and committed no turnovers. To Gilman's credit, they did not give up too many big plays on defense. Palazzo didn't force the issue and was steady throughout the game.

The 108th Gilman vs. McDonogh game saw a defensive struggle, with McDonogh pulling ahead through strong defensive plays and special teams efforts in the first half, leading Gilman 2-0 after a blocked punt for safety. Despite multiple possessions, Gilman couldn't capitalize on early chances, missing a field goal and fumbling near the red zone. By halftime, Gilman managed a 54-yard field goal to take a narrow 3-2 lead.