Clinton tames Bulldogs to secure a spot in playoffs

Six straight wins in as many weeks by Clinton’s varsity football team have guaranteed the Redskins a position in the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association) state play-offs.Clinton qualified for postseason play with a big 61-21 Tri-County Conference (TCC) victory over Morenci’s Bulldogs on Friday Oct. 4. The Redskins remain undefeated overall with a record of 6-0 and a conference record of 4-0. The contest was controlled by Clinton right from the start with the Redskins taking a 35-0 lead by the end of the first half.Scoring for Clinton were Jared Sackett (27-yard touchdown reception from quarterback TJ Baker), Collin Poore (51-, 80-yard TD runs, 75-yard punt return), TJ Baker (12-yard run), Brett Tschirhart (3-, 48-yard TD runs), Mathew Sexton (37-yard TD reception from Baker), KC Clegg (32-yard TD run, two point conversion run) and Gannon Nelson (converted 6-of-7 extra-point kicks). Collin Poore led Clinton’s rushing attack with 156 yards on nine carries while Tschirhart (5-68), Baker (3-22), Clegg (2-40), Sexton (2-5) and Noah Poore (1-1) added rushing yards. Baker completed 9-of-16 passes for 198-yards. Jared Sackett (3-100), Dylan Spurlock (3-24), Sexton (2-53), and C. Poore (1-21) had receptions. Clinton limited Morenci’s high-powered rushing game to 109 yards.Defensively, Foster Griffins led Clinton with 13 tackles. Ryan Karapas (5), Baker (4, forced fumble), Sexton (4, forced fumble), Sackett (4), Ryan Piatt (2), Reid Clark (3), C. Poore (2), Clegg (4), Tschirhart (8, fumble recovery), Noah Poore (4), Seth Sylvester (2), Kaszuba (4), Keagan Ward (4), Zach Amsdill (3, fumble recovery), Sullivan (4, forced fumble), Kamdan Ward (4) and Fowler (4). Clinton’s Offensive Player of the Week was Jared Sackett while defensive honors went to John Sullivan.Special teams Player of the Week was Collin Poore while Tanner Bowles was Red Army Player of the Week. Clinton is scheduled to host Summerfield on Friday, Oct. 11, for another TCC showdown.