PRZNY Team Previews: McKinley Macks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Season (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKinley was considered a sleeper pick last season. Although they struggled against non-division opponents with tough losses against St. Joe's and Kenmore West, they seemed to win when it mattered most. A stunning 30-24 victory over heavily favored Clarence in the regular season finale gave the Macks the #1 seed in the Playoffs. However, the would eventually fall in the Class A Section VI championship to Sweet Home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238563"],"_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-6880263345305"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Staples entered 2024 as one of the top ATHs in WNY. Even though McKinley's run dominated approach limited his receiving stats (34-522-3), he earned 3rd team All State honors as a CB. Cardel is a smooth playmaker that shows outstanding football intuition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>. <strong>Three X-Factors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1265816,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6880263345361"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minter did not get the recognition he deserved in his sophomore campaign. It's most likely because there were so many big names on the Macks' roster. But in his first season on varsity, Kamronn racked up 82 tackles and 8 sacks from the OLB position. Minter has a quick get off and is tall with a long wingspan. He should get some All State/All WNY recognition in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513362"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1726768,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-68802633453a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mullen had a big breakout season last year, leading the Macks in INTs and making the All State team. The quintessential Free Safety, Tayon has fluid hips and the ability to track the ball in the air and get it at its highest point. He is also a viable option on offense as a WR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1549050"],"_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-68802633453e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Going into last season, I thought Hill could be a breakout player as a between the tackles RB. But it was on defense where Jamere earned 2nd Team All WNY honors as an EDGE rusher - racking up 116 tackles, 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He has excellent awareness and plays with sound fundamentals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Player</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1345120"],"_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-688100c745d75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two way stud that got over looked last season, Hemphill is a tough, gritty interior lineman that can wreak havoc on both sides of the ball. He plays with a low pad level and hits with aggression. Jamiere will be leaned upon as a leader in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Names to Know</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>Class</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1742268' first='Kalaugn' last='Ford']</td><td>2026</td><td>Led the team in passing (1,138 yards) and rushing (1,206 yards) in 2024 - Earned All State Honorable Mention</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513356' first='CoTrell' last='Rhodes']</td><td>2027</td><td>First year on varsity - Played in a two QB system last season and was more of a pocket passer</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Ca'Marii Staples</td><td>2029</td><td>There is no film on Staples yet but I have heard he is one of the best athletes among the class of 2029</td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>Nick Hudges Jr</td><td>2026</td><td>6'3 200 lb. WR that could be in for a breakout senior season</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Losses</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>Eric Abernathy</td><td>Hudson Valley Community College</td></tr><tr><td>RB</td><td>Tyrone Hughes</td><td>Over 3,000 career rushing yards</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>Limmie Johnson-Bates</td><td>Trench Trophy Finalist</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Jabrail Merrit</td><td>104 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 2024</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>Dion Anderson</td><td>84 tackles and 5 takeaways in 2024</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Darryl Means</td><td>Dean College</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Schedule</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1720837,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/McKinley-2025-Schedule.jpg?w=474" alt="" class="wp-image-1720837" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: X</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach: Brian Davis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mckinley starts the 2025 season at home against reigning Class AA champions, Lancaster. They then hit a stretch of 3 straight Class A opponents before going to play the Class B champions, Health Sciences Charter. Then finishing off the season with 3 more Class A opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the Macks top stars from last year's Sectional Championship appearance are returning this season. With another year together and a favorable league schedule, there is a good chance McKinley grabs the top seed once again heading into the playoffs in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->