Interview: 3-Star 2021 Washington QB Chance McDonald Talks Big Breakout Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Fans of Steilacoom High School football may have entered the 2019 season on the uneasy side, which is understandable knowing the new starting quarterback completed only three varsity passes the year before. After an 11-3 season with a run to the 2A Washington championship game, chances are Sentinels fans are now in love with Chance McDonald after his breakout season.

After a 1-2 start, the Sentinels were firing on all cylinders gaining momentum to an amazing season. The offense hummed along putting up 43 points on Friday with their 6-2, 188-pound, junior coming into his own. McDonald took the South Puget Sound district by storm completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards with 49 touchdowns tossed and two rushing scores. When the season was over, McDonald had earned Co-MVP and All-League honors and popped up on recruiting boards from the Pac-12 to the ACC.

In an RNG catch-up interview, McDonald and I sat down for an overview on his season with an update on the recruiting visits taken over the fall.

*Click link for May 23, 2019, RNG video interview with Chance McDonald

Interview

Chance, you pushed the Sentinels to the championship game this season. As a key person on the team, how did you lead the offense in 2019?

“I was making sure I kept our guys calm and in control. If things got too chaotic, I would bring everyone back together so we could do our job. We practiced hard every day and the coaches pushed us to get better in practice. Without the preparation we would not have gone as far. It takes everyone to do something like this.”

What offensive scheme did you guys run this season?

“We run more of a Spread.”

You were prolific with over 3,800-yards passing and 49 touchdowns tossed. What was clicking for you allowing the breakout season?

“Having time. My offensive line, they did a great job in every game. They were beat up, but they stepped up. My receivers ran hard routes. They knew where they were supposed to be and I took what the defense was giving me.”

Within the scheme, what were some of the routes you were hitting?

“A lot of my stuff was more quick game-short routes – 5-yard outs, hitches, slants, and bang routes. With the intermediate routes, we ran posts, 10-yard outs, and some fades. It was a mix of things depending on what was open and what would work against that defense.”

How did your understanding of the game grow throughout the season?

“It changed a lot. My first couple of games, I was not too comfortable but I was getting used to the speed of the game. Each week it got slower and slower. In the playoffs, it all slowed down. It got way better throughout the season. Nothing beats the in-game experience.”

We talked about how your mental part of the game grew and how your leadership expanded, what was the biggest personal improvements for you playing the position?

“This season, I had faster drop backs. That helped and I was creating energy with my legs, not as much throwing with my arm. I improved my platform. I train every Sunday. Having a solid base helped with all of that.”

Playoff time means taking the game to another level. How did you raise your play when it mattered most?

“Having the right mindset knowing we could do this and trusting your guys knowing they are doing for you what you are doing for them. The championship game was one of my best. I knew it was not going to be easy. We were there for reason, and each guy was stepping up. I elevated my game when the time came.”

Was the championship game your best overall game in 2019?

“Yes. The championship game was my best even though we lost. Losing does not define your performance. Everyone played well. We hard fought, and we made some mistakes. We played well. I made good reads and I was getting the ball to my guys where they could make plays. That was one of the hardest fought games I have every played in.”

Off the success of your breakout season, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Arizona, Southern Utah, Eastern Washington, Florida State, Washington State, West Virginia, and Central Washington are showing interest.”

Did you visit any schools during the season?

“I took two game visits to UDUB (Washington), one game visit to EWU (Eastern Washington), and one to Washington State.”

How did the UDUB visit go?

“It was really cool. When you first get there, you go up the elevator and they have a big buffet for $10. They also have video games and you can play pool. On the field it was a cool environment. The game was cool too.”

And EWU?

“That was a good visit too. I talked to coaches and their offensive coordinator. The offensive recruits, we did an offensive film session. We watched a film on their offense, went into the locker room, and watched their special teams do their thing. We took a tour of the campus, saw the basketball court, we went on the field for pre-game, and then up to the stands – that was good too.”

What about Washington State, how did that go?

“It was good. We got to see the weight room, see all their conditioning and meal program. They showed side by side comparisons of the guys when they first got there and then a year after. That was cool to see. We went on the field for pre-game, that was really cool. The atmosphere was really good. Overall, it was a really good visit.”

Chance, it was great catching up with you again today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Twitter/McDonald family; Chance McDonald on the field and at Washington State