A pair of Maryland pledges shined on ESPN2 as Team Icon defeated Team Unstoppable, 31-19, on Thursday evening.
Maryland pledge and 2026 Saint Frances (MD) five-star Zion Elee was credited with one sack, one TFL and one forced fumble after ripping through QB Will Griffin for a 22-yard loss, generating what would've been a turnover before OL Micah Smith ripped the ball away from DB Tyler Lockhart.
2025 QB signee Malik Washington drew the start for Team Unstoppable and finished the day 9-of-19 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception, though he did the bulk of his work in the first-half after posting 102 yards and one touchdown on 6-of-9 passing. Washington completed his first five passes on the day for 92 yards, ending the drive with a 2026 WR Naeem Burroughs for a 28-yard touchdown to respond to Team Icon's opening score.
Washington closed the first half with a seven-play, 40-yard drive that ended at Team Icon's six-yard line before Team Unstoppable was indeed stopped after the pass was broken up at the goal line.
“[I] definitely left some plays out on the field right before half, that was a tough drive to get down there and not score but plays are there to be made,” Washington said on the broadcast.
After not playing the third quarter, Washington's first attempt of the second half ended in an interception after throwing into triple coverage downfield. Washington's final drive of the game ended on fourth down after going for the late touchdown to make it a one-possession contest.
The Spalding star ended the day with the most passing yards among the five quarterbacks to suit up in the game despite 2026 Florida pledge Will Griffin throwing for a game-high 22 attempts. It marked Washington’s final game of his high school career as the four-star puts a bow on his three-time MIAA champion career.
“I like building. That's me as a person,” Washington said about his decision to play for Spalding. “I'm not really one for going to places that are already established. I like to help build things up because I feel like that's how you really cement your legacy. Now that the high school career is over, whenever you think of Spalding I'll always be remembered there just because of the things me and my team did and that's the best thing for me.”
Washington is among eleven early enrollees in College Park expected in late January. “Definitely building a legacy right at home. I’m huge on family and just having my family be able to come out to support me at all times, it really helps me keep going,” Washington said about the Terps.
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