Gameday Preview: Week 10 at Clinton

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Week 10 of the high school football season is here which means one last chance for some teams in Oklahoma and Texas to solidify playoff spots and for those in Kansas round 2 of the playoffs is a chance to continue a pursuit of a title. The Boomers hit the road to take on rival Clinton. Clinton finds themselves in a spot not too familiar as they look to sure up a third seed heading into the post season, but Woodward will have a final chance to continue to build towards the future as well as give the seniors a final time on the gridiron. Let’s take a deeper dive into what the Red Tornadoes bring to the table:

Record & Rank: 5-3 (3-2), not ranked by the AP. Ranked 10th by the Oklahoman. Last season Clinton captured their 15th state title in school history by beating Tuttle 35-0 in the 4A state championship game. The Red Tornadoes had lost to Wagoner 42-13 in the title game in 2020

Meet The Coach: John Higbee is in his 5th season at Clinton and has compiled a 53-27 record in his seven year career. Higbee previously coached at Purcell before taking the reigns at Clinton.

Team Preview (Offense) : Clinton brings their traditional power I offense stapled by the patented sweep. Senior fullback Trey Bennett (5’11” 194lbs) and sophomore running back Zaedon Collins form (5’10” 195lbs) a dynamic duo in the backfield. Bennett displays the power and toughness up the middle while Collins has the speed and quickness to attack the edge. Under center is junior Cooper Sulley (5’9″ 161lbs) has done a fine job in first season as a starter for the Red Tornadoes by displaying solid decision making and flashes of athleticism on both sides of the ball. Junior reciever Jeremiah Barker is the x-factor in this offense with the speed he brings to the position. Overall the offense will establish the run early and often then look for those big splash plays over top.

Team Preview (Defense):  The Clinton defense is led by senior end Trey Bennett. Bennett has a relentless motor and great pursuit when trying to fight to the ball. Senior linebacker Javion Hill (6’1″ 178lbs) can get downhill fast when bringing pressure, but also has the ability to drop back in coverage and ball hawk the underneath routes. Senior corner Deandrae Fanshier (6’1″ 165lbs) has proven himself to be a reliable player for the Red Tornadoes on both sides of the ball. Overall this defense will challenge you to beat them over the top by bringing the pressure nearly every play.

Keys To The Game: Woodward’s ability to run the ball and control clock is the key to the Boomers being able to have a chance to win it in the end. The wildcat package led by Ace Long and the Woodward offense line has produced 225 yards per game over the last two weeks. Defensively Woodward will have to stay away from giving up the big play. Jeremiah Barker had a big game against Woodward last year by opening the game with two long touchdown passes.