Clinton’s varsity football team looks to pick up consecutive TCC titles

By MICKEY ALVARADO

As long as nothing out of the ordinary happens to injure the starters on Clinton’s varsity football team head varsity football coach Scott McNitt believes the Redskins have a good opportunity to repeat as the Tri-County Conference champions.

However, the team is heavily laden with both skilled and new players putting chance into play.

“With that blend, it’s hard to say what might happen,” said McNitt. “Our expectations are high every year. With the skilled kids we have we feel like we can match anybody that we play.”

Clinton’s defensive line is where the big question mark is for the coach.

“How fast they develop will determine the fruit of our season,” said McNitt.

Last year, the Detroit Lions selected McNitt as the week-nine recipient of its High School coach of the Week Program. The Redskins were the TCC champs (7-0) and finished 9-2 after losing to Manchester twice. It was McNitt’s 25th season as Clinton’s head coach.

“I’m in a good place,” said McNitt. “Clinton is a very good place to coach football. It’s a very good place to raise a family and teach. The coaches that’s we’ve had over the years keep me on an even keel, and obviously working with kids is something I’ve always loved. I really do love Clinton. It’s a great place.”

Despite all the changes over the years one thing remains consistent for McNitt and the Redskins; they’re looking to be the best in their league.

“We’re going to try to defend the Tri-County championship and make the playoffs again,” said McNitt.

Hopes are the Redskins will bring a stronger passing game to the gridiron. Returning as the starting quarterback is Hayden Craig and he has the potential to gain big yards by throwing a long ball.

“I think you’ll see the ball flying in the air a lot more than in the past,” said McNitt. “At the same time, good football teams win by running. But, if our line doesn’t develop as quickly as they need to we’ll have to use our strengths in the skilled kids and Hayden.”

Craig has a couple of good-sized targets to throw at, especially in Nate Dreslinski, a 6’4”, 220-pounds tight end. Dreslinski was brought up as a sophomore and has been worth his weight in gold.

“We figured it would pay off and here it is his senior year,” said McNitt. “We expect a big, big year from Nate...He should have an outstanding senior season.”

Defensively, Dreslinski also plays a linebacker position.

The co-captains include Craig, Dreslinski, James Bundy and Joe Hill. Bundy is an outside tackle and defensive end while Hill plays outside guard and linebacker. Clinton’s team from last year selected the captains for this season.

“They’re good leaders and they have a lot of responsibility with this team,” said McNitt. “Because there’s a blend of a lot of youth and a lot of experience. So, they have their work cut out but we’re going to ride them. They’re our leaders.”

Clinton opens its season at Eastern Michigan University on Thursday, Aug. 26, against Manchester.