The Branford football team put together winning records in each of the past two seasons, and senior captain Ian McDonald felt proud to be a part of the Hornets’ success. Ian helped pave a path for a strong rushing attack that spurred Branford to a record of 6-4 in both 2018 and 2019.

Ian has manned both the guard and tackle positions as a member of Branford’s offensive line. Ian has no problem playing either spot, but prefers being on the inside of the line as a guard.

“I feel comfortable with both, but I like playing guard more, because it’s more physical. I like that aspect more,” says Ian. “I just like to hit people and be very physical and intense.”

The Hornets rushed for 2,115 yards and 27 touchdowns as a team this year. Ian garnered All-SCC Tier 3 accolades for his efforts in the trenches.

“We try to remain humble, but it was very nice to have that good of a run game to rely on. It felt good compared to other years,” Ian says. “It was definitely an honor to make All-SCC. It reflected all the work I’ve put in, and I was very grateful for it.”

While Ian did a great job helping Branford gain ground, Head Coach John Limone says the senior also performed excellently in his role as a leader.

“Ian made an impact everywhere. Honestly, his biggest impact would be with his leadership and the way he treated his teammates. As good a player as he is, he’s a better kid with a high football IQ,” says Limone. “Ian never wasted opportunities to get better and was always positive. If you ask several guys on our team—and I did—they’d tell you he was their favorite teammate. From that perspective, he was invaluable to us.”

Ian always aimed to be a great teammate, because he wanted to foster a brotherhood among everyone on the Hornets. Ian loved being a part of the team and relished the opportunity to serve as a captain.

“I just feel like I’m always there for them. It’s like a family aspect. They’re going to be there for me, so I’m going to be there for them,” Ian says. “It was nice to have that responsibility. I liked being looked at as a leader and having guys look up to me. It made me want to lead the right way.”

Ian took a serious approach when it came to improving on the field. He and his teammates always put in as much work as was necessary to get ready for every game. Ian says that Branford’s best games typically came after its best practices.

“We’d always try to have an intense practice and compete a lot,” says Ian. “When we have a better practice, we have better results in the game.”

In addition to his contributions on offense, Ian also suited up as a defensive tackle for the Hornets this year. He finished the season with 42 tackles and one fumble recovery and also blocked a field goal.

Now that his high school football career is in the books, Ian has his sights set on a new season. Ian will be joining the Branford boys’ basketball squad this winter.

“I just wanted to be a part of a team again,” Ian says. “I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I’ve been very welcomed.”

Ian hasn’t come to a conclusion on whether he wants to play football in college. Ian is currently considering an option to compete at Central Connecticut State University, but has yet to reach a decision.

“I’m looking into it right now. That’s the one opportunity I’m looking into,” says Ian. “I just have to make up my mind if I want to play or not.”