On Friday, Oct. 21st the varsity football team traveled to Hudson for a show down of undefeated teams and the LCAA Conference Championship on the line.  Hudson had won 22 straight games with the states longest win streak after winning the state championship in 2021.  Clinton came out victorious with a hard fought 32-26 win to finish the regular season 9-0 and clinch the LCAA Championship.  Total offense for both team were almost equal for the night.  Clinton racked up 259 yards rushing and 47 yards in the air for a total of 306 yards of offense.  Hudson ended up with a 122 yards rushing, most of which was earned in the first quarter.  Hudson did pass for 196 yards though.  Rushing leaders were Zak Shadley with 80 yards on 7 carries, Bradyn Lehman with 62 yards on 13 carries, Joey Preston had 33 yards on 7 carries, Cole Breitenwischer had 31 yards on 7 carries, Jake Felts had 29 yards on 9 carries, Nik Shadley had 20 yards on 5 carries, and Andy Fair had four yards on four carries.  Zak Shadley ripped off a 63 yard touchdown in the 2nd quarter led by two huge blocks by Max Stitt.  The two point conversions were huge in the game and proved to be the difference as Bradyn Lehman converted the 2 pt. conversion to make the score 8-8 early in the second quarter.  After another Hudson score, Jake Felts plunged in for a 1 yard touchdown and Lehman again converted the 2 pt. play to put Clinton up 16-14 heading into halftime.  Hudson picked up the only score of the third quarter, but again Clinton stopped the 2 pt. conversion.  Hudson was up 20-16 at the start of the 4th quarter.  On a fourth down play Andy Fair found Nik Shadley leaking out of the backfield for an 11 yard touchdown pass.  Lehman again punched in the 2 pt. conversion.  Clinton 24 Hudson 20.  Another Clinton drive finished with another touchdown pass from Fair to Nik Shadley good from 26 yards and this time Shadley pushed in for the final 2 pt. conversion.  Clinton 32 Hudson 20. Hudson was not done and scored again quickly to make it Clinton 32 Hudson 26 after Clinton stopped their 2 pt. conversion.  Clinton was able to grind out the clock and the game to finish a great high school football battle.  Clinton was plagued with numerous penalties throughout the game and will have to tighten up moving forward, as it almost cost the game.  Improving our discipline and execution will be the focus moving forward.  Clinton showed tremendous toughness and grit throughout the game and the guys in the trenches proved to get the job done on the night.  Pancake blocks earned on the night were, Brandon Felts with 3, Nate Page with 2, Max Stitt, Mason Brodie, Nate Smith, Bradyn Lehman, and Jake Felts all had one pancake block apiece.  

Defensively the run defense continued to tighten up as the game progressed and only allowed 22 yards rushing after the 1st quarter, but the pass defense was tested time and time again.  Clinton picked up a huge interception by Nik Shadley in the 4th quarter, and Jake Felts stripped the ball once as well.  Max Stitt and Joey Preston combined for a sack.  Tackles for losses were gathered by Bradyn Lehman with 6, Jake Felts with 4, Max Stitt and Cole Breitenwischer with 2 apiece, Joey Preston picked up one tackle for a loss.  

Offensive Player of the game was Andy Fair with two touchdown passes.  Defensive Player of the game was Bradyn Lehman with 11 tackles and 6 tackles for a loss. Special Teams Player of the game was Connor Younts who had three recoveries/returns off onside kicks.  Red Army Player of the Week was Trevor Lakatos for his contribution during the week.  

Clinton now will host round one of the MHSAA playoffs on Friday, Oct. 28th at 7pm against Ida.  We are looking forward to playing at home in front of a great crowd.  Thank you for your support.