[johnnd05]

I posted this in the Crist thread, but it has a bit on McDonald as well. It's from this article, previewing their game tonight:

But Notre Dame, unlike Canyon, does have its quarterback and running back returning.

And they're a pair of good ones.

Dayne Crist, a preseason candidate for National Player of the Year honors, is the biggie.

Having already committed to the college version of Notre Dame, the 6-foot-5 signal caller presents his share of challenges. He led the Knights to their 18-17 win over Canyon last time around.

Despite a back injury which limited his playing time a season ago, his first as Notre Dame's starter, Crist threw 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Bigger numbers are expected this year.

"He has a great arm, he's a great athlete and he has the great size you want in a quarterback," said Notre Dame head coach Kevin Rooney. "Dayne is our leader. We have a lot of confidence in him."

Thaddeus Brown, Notre Dame's returning runner, is a likewise proven commodity, having run for 1,340 yards and 14 touchdowns a season ago as a junior. He is also a standout defensive back.

The strength of the Notre Dame team, though, according to Rooney is their defense, which returns all of its starting linebackers including Anthony McDonald, a University of Notre Dame-bound terror.

Also back is Wes Horton, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive lineman who has committed to USC.