Impact Returning Players: McDonough

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025 high school football season approaches, all eyes are on the MIAA, where playoff contenders from last year are reloading rather than rebuilding. With a wave of talented underclassmen gaining crucial experience during the 2024 campaign, several programs are poised to make another deep playoff run, powered by returning stars and rising young talent. Today we take a look at the <strong>McDonogh Eagles.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401992"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6808468fbbb5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Palazzo led the Eagles to an impressive 9–2 record and a second-round playoff appearance, cementing his role as the team's offensive leader.</strong> He threw for 1,740 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season, showcasing strong ball placement and excellent touch. Palazzo consistently adjusts the velocity of his throws to fit tight windows and exploit defensive coverage. He also brings mobility to the position, demonstrating the ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and deliver accurate passes on the move. With another year under his belt, Palazzo will look to guide the Eagles back to the postseason and is primed for another 1,500-plus yard campaign in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["711670"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6808468fbbbd6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Abrams continues to prove he's one of the most instinctive playmakers in the state.</strong> His ability to read and react is elite, allowing him to consistently disrupt plays from his linebacker position, whether in the backfield or out on the perimeter. This past season, he even showcased his versatility by hauling in a receiving touchdown, highlighting his athleticism on both sides of the ball. Abrams wrapped up his junior campaign with an impressive stat line: 77 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 interception, and a blocked punt. As he returns for his senior season, Abrams is poised to be a dominant force for the Eagles in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["717345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6808468fbbc1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buchanan was an absolute menace on the defensive side of the ball for McDonogh, showcasing exactly why he's one of the most highly touted prospects among top college programs nationwide. He consistently made game-changing plays, generating quarterback pressure that led to errant throws and key interceptions. Armed with a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves, Buchanan disrupted the backfield with ease and authority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With just two seasons of high school football under his belt, Buchanan is already turning heads, and the best may be yet to come. Heading into his junior year, he's poised for an explosive season that could cement his status as one of the premier defensive talents in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["945237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-680ab8c6b09c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Ferguson's Versatility Makes Him a Rising Star for McDonogh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Ferguson is a true two-way threat for the Eagles, making an impact at both wide receiver and safety. With a big frame and natural athleticism, he finds ways to contribute on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>On defense, Ferguson stands out with his ability to cover ground quickly, thanks to his long strides and sharp instincts. He's equally effective coming downhill, making tackles near the line of scrimmage and breaking up throws along the sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his blend of size, speed, and versatility, Ferguson has the potential to play a major role in McDonogh's next playoff run. He's a matchup problem in the making, and a name to keep on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["945253"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-680ab8c6b0a1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>McClendon Emerging as Defensive Force for the Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Sophomore standout McClendon proved to be relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback this season, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his speed and intensity off the edge. Equally impressive was his discipline in setting the edge, often neutralizing read-option plays and limiting the effectiveness of quarterback rollouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>McClendon put together a veteran-caliber campaign, finishing the season with 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 43 total tackles—strong numbers for a second-year player. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has good size and physicality to compete at a high level, and his ceiling continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With another offseason of development, McClendon could be a major factor for the Eagles next season, and one of the key names to watch on a rising defensive unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->