The McDonogh (Owings Mills, MD) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Archbishop Spalding (Severn, MD) today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Class A tournament.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: McDonogh (MD) vs Archbishop Spalding (MD)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Class A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Archbishop Spalding vs. McDonogh: A Historic Football Showdown

As the 2024 football season reaches its climax, two powerhouse programs in Maryland, Archbishop Spalding and McDonogh, are making their presence felt on the gridiron. Both teams have built impressive records, with Archbishop Spalding undefeated at 11-0 and McDonogh close behind at 10-1. With their dominant performances throughout the season, these teams have set the stage for an exciting clash, especially as they prepare to face off in a neutral playoff game.

Team Overview: Archbishop Spalding

Archbishop Spalding has been a juggernaut this season, maintaining a perfect 11-0 record. The team’s offense has been virtually unstoppable, scoring an average of 32.4 points per game, which is nearly 8 points higher than McDonogh’s 24.5. Led by dynamic quarterback Malik Washington, who averages 179.1 passing yards per game, and running back Antonio Ledbetter, who contributes 69.7 rushing yards per game, Spalding’s offense is a well-balanced machine.

The defense has also been stellar, allowing only 27 points all season, an average of just 2.5 points per game. This stingy defense has been the backbone of their success, as they have shut out multiple opponents, including a dominant 45-0 victory over McDonogh on September 13, 2024. Archbishop Spalding’s game statistics tell the story: their rushing (191.5 yards per game) and passing (198.6 yards per game) yardage are both strong, but their overall scoring and defensive capabilities make them a true threat.

Team Overview: McDonogh

McDonogh, while not undefeated, has had an exceptional season as well, posting a 10-1 record with a .909 win percentage. The team’s offensive leader is quarterback Braeden Palazzo, who has averaged 197.3 total yards per game. The McDonogh offense has been more focused on passing (137.3 yards per game) than rushing (95.6 yards per game), but they have shown resilience in their victories.

While the team has had some defensive lapses, they have consistently managed to win tough games, particularly in matchups with high-caliber opponents. Their 24.5 points per game may be a step behind Archbishop Spalding’s offense, but their ability to execute in critical moments, including big wins over teams like Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield, has kept them in the running for a playoff spot.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The most recent meeting between Archbishop Spalding and McDonogh was a dominant 45-0 victory for Archbishop Spalding on September 13, 2024. McDonogh struggled to get anything going offensively in that game, failing to score in all four quarters. Archbishop Spalding’s defense was suffocating, while their offense, led by Malik Washington, put up consistent numbers throughout the contest.

Looking at the overall team statistics for the season, Archbishop Spalding has outperformed McDonogh in most categories. They average 390.1 total yards per game, compared to McDonogh’s 232.9, and their balanced attack has been a key factor in their undefeated record. Meanwhile, McDonogh has shown flashes of brilliance but has not quite matched Spalding’s overall consistency.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

Both teams share a number of common opponents this season, and the results are impressive for both. Archbishop Spalding has beaten teams like Calvert Hall, Loyola Blakefield, and St. Mary’s with ease, and McDonogh has posted similar results. In fact, both teams are undefeated against their common opponents, with a 8-0 record each against teams they’ve faced in regular season play.

Archbishop Spalding holds a slight advantage in head-to-head matchups, including their dominant win over McDonogh. The overall statistics show a strong offensive and defensive performance, which will be critical as they look ahead to their playoff matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Archbishop Spalding:
  • Malik Washington (QB): With 179.1 passing yards per game, Washington’s ability to lead his team through the air has been a cornerstone of their success.
  • Antonio Ledbetter (RB): Averaging 69.7 rushing yards per game, Ledbetter provides a powerful ground attack.
  • Myles McAfee (WR): With 54 receiving yards per game, McAfee is a key target for Washington.
• McDonogh:
  • Braeden Palazzo (QB): Palazzo has been McDonogh’s most consistent player, contributing 197.3 total yards per game.
  • Brandon Finney (WR): A key part of McDonogh’s passing game, Finney averages 49.4 yards per game.

The Playoff Picture

Both teams have set themselves up for a thrilling postseason. Archbishop Spalding’s undefeated record and powerhouse performance on both sides of the ball make them the team to beat, but McDonogh’s resilience and playoff experience could make for a surprising upset. With their season averages and past performances, Archbishop Spalding appears to have the edge heading into the postseason, but McDonogh is determined to prove themselves in the neutral-site playoff game.

As the season draws to a close, this matchup promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the best of Maryland high school football. Whether Archbishop Spalding can maintain their perfect record or McDonogh can make a statement in the playoffs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle between these two teams will be one for the ages.