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Redwolves Capture Lightning, Win Big

By Casey Randolph

October 8, 2021: The varsity football team played on a rain soaked field, waited through a lightning delay, and persevered over Dundee, 35-0.  The team continues to make strides and improve as our season progresses.  The team recorded their first shut out of the year against a tough Dundee team.  The kids and coaching staff were excited about the overall performance.  Clinton rushed for 233 yards and passed for 61 yards.  Clinton also held Dundee to -4 yards rushing and 109 yards passing.  

Joey Preston continued to be a work horse for the team as he racked up 85 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns to lead the team and earn offensive player of the game.  Bradyn Lehman carried a load as well, earning 82 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.  Nik Shadley had 31 yards on 9 carries. Derek Tomalak had one carry for 20 yards, and Zak Shadley had 6 carries for 14 yards.  The ball continues to get spread out throughout the backfield, and team mentality is great to see.  
Defensively, the team was able to put great pressure on their quarterback and play improved pass defense, with several well-defended passes and an interception. Bradyn Lehman and Nate Smith were the leading tacklers on the night, and both had great nights defensively.  Nik Shadley had an interception on the night and almost had another one, but it was ruled out of bounds.  Zak Shadley had several pass break ups and played great defense all night, which earned him defensive player of the game.  Nate Smith blocked a punt and returned it about 10 yards to earn special teams player of the game.  Sophomore back Connor Younts gave us a great look this week and earned Red Army Player of the Week.  Max Stitt came up with a fumble recovery on defense and picked up a sack, as well as two tackles for a loss.  Lehman had three tackles for a loss, and Nate Smith had a tackle for a loss and two sacks.  Brandon Felts and Max Stitt led the offensive lines by combining for 8 pancake blocks between the two of them.  Matt Johnson had three, Jake Felts had two, and Wyatt Hicks, Derek Tomalak, Jake Gilson, and Joey Preston all had one pancake block a piece.  

Despite the weather, it was an awesome night to recognize our military.  Thank you for your service.  Our youth football players and coaches were also recognized at halftime.  Thank you to all the coaches who volunteer their time for the future of the football program. Thank you to all the youth kids who work hard to continue the great football tradition in Clinton.
Even though the field was wet and tough to get traction with all the rain, we were able to grind things out on offense and play great team defense for the win.  The team stands at 5-2 currently and is working towards a playoff berth with their final two regular season games.  The team travels to Onsted this Friday at 7 p.m.  We are looking forward to the challenge and a great crowd as we continue to battle.