Clinton(9-1) enters the MHSAA District Final ranked #2 in Division 7. We last saw the Redwolves, last Friday night, defeating Blissfield 15-7 in pre-district play. Monroe St. Mary(6-4) ranked #10 in D7, is fresh off a thrilling 10-7 overtime victory vs Detroit Loyola. This will be the 9th time SMCC and Clinton have faced off on the gridiron. SMCC has the edge with a 7-1 record.
Clinton Redwolves
Head Coach: Casey Randolph(3rd season) 30-5
Clinton Playoff record: 28-23. 12th straight appearance
Record vs 2023 Playoff Teams: 5-1 ( Notre Dame Prep 37-21 loss, Detroit Central 59-20 win, Ida 40-21 win, Blissfield 50-0 win, Hudson 29-0 win, Blissfield 15-7 win)
Players to Watch:
Nik Shadley(RB/DB): 1,333 yards rushing(11.01 avg per carry) 13TD. 285 yards receiving 3 TD. 2022 1st team All-State as DB. 4 year starter and Captain, 2023 All-LCAA as RB and DB.
Jake Felts(RB/LB): 820 yards rushing(7.59 avg) 10 TD. 122 yards receiving.
Cole Breitenwischer(RB): 640 yards rushing(5.71 avg) 12 TD.
Andy Fair(QB/DB): 38 for 69 passing for 640 yards and 5 TD. All LCAA at DB.
All LCAA guards Wyatt Hicks and Teddy Pizio along with ALL LCAA tackle Nate Page , anchor the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, the Redwolves are led by Bryce Randolph (80 tackles, 2 Int, 2 fumble recoveries, 20 TFL), Joey Preston (4 Int, 45 tackles), Breitenwischer( 2022 All-State).
Thoughts from Coach Randolph: “As a team we have rushed for 3,613 yards and passed for 691 yards. We have a similar offense as SMCC and like to run the ball like they do. They are a well coached team that has great tradition. SMCC poses a great challenge for us, they fly to the football on defense and run the ball well.”
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Falcons
Head Coach: Adam Kipf(9th Season) 67-31, 2019 D6 State Champion
SMCC Playoff Record: 57-24. 7th straight appearance
Record vs 2023 Playoff Teams: 3-3 ( Michigan Collegiate 36-7 Loss, Airport 41-23 Loss, Milan 14-7 Win, Riverview 35-13 Loss, Flat Rock 27-18 Win, Loyola 10-7 Win).
Players to Watch:
Drew Harris Jr(RB): 633 yards rushing(5.55) 4 TD.
Ian Foster Jr(QB): 487 yards rushing(6.24) 7 TD rushing. 4 Passing.
Evan Marcon Sr (RB/LB): 392 yards rushing(4.40). 4TD.
Brady Hines So (RB): 359 yards rushing(4.66) 7 TD.
Ethan DeLand Sr, JJ Hawkins Sr, Jon Geiger Jr, Jon-Marc LaVanaway Jr, Trey Worrell So, Philbert Dietrich III Sr, Jimmy Rostash So and Joel Treece Jr make the offense go, on the line of scrimmage.
Defensively the Falcons are led by Brock Cousino So (60 tkls, 1 Int), Andrew Beggs Jr (49 tkls, 2 Int), Buddy Snodgrass Sr (37 tkls).
Thoughts from Coach Kipf: “Clinton is a big, physical football team up front. They play the game hard. We certainly have our work cut out for us. Offensively, they have great linemen who plow open holes for their running backs. The backs are good, have great balance, and are difficult to bring down. We will have to gang tackle. Defensively, they fly around. Their linebackers play fast and can get anywhere on the field. We have to take care of the football, can’t afford any turnovers. We also have to play disciplined and eliminate penalties on both sides of the ball. Clinton is really good in all three facets of the game.”
FNV Outlook: This is a battle between two programs with very strong state-wide credentials. Each have multiple trips to Ford Field along with numerous District and Regional crowns. Both Clinton and SMCC have played two of the toughest schedules in all of Division 7. Clinton’s only loss is to 5th ranked Division 5, ND Prep. Their schedule also includes a victory over the 9th ranked team in D8, Hudson. Last Friday was the first time SMCC has faced a team in their division, playing well up in the previous 9 games. To include state ranked Michigan Collegiate(#1 D6), Airport(#5 D4), Flat Rock(#10 D5) and Riverview(#4 D3). It’s safe to say, both teams will come into Friday night, well tested. Offensively, both Clinton and SMCC feature a very similar style of attack. If successful, neither will come out of the Full House T very often, if at all. The game will be won at the line of scrimmage. Whoever has their way with the big boys upfront, will be victorious. Staying ahead of the chains will be key. Execution on first down is a must. Folks in attendance will be treated to a good one at Clinton High School. How often the wolf howls through the loud speaker, will let those not in attendance but nearby, get a feel for the game as well.
Well Smcc fans it won’t be long now, say your prayers or what ever you guys need to do to think you have a chance to win this game. Us Redwovles are going to welcome you to Clinton High School for your biggest beating in your football history. We are not going to let up, we remember what you did to us in 2014 we are going to return the favor but much worse. We are going to put 60 on your soft team. We are going to send you back to Monroe wondering what just happen. Heck Smcc might just stop playing football and just stick to girl sports after this game. So that being said I hope this gets posted for all Monroe to see. Can’t wait till 7:00pm beginning of the end to the Smcc football program.
Falcons have very good shot at winning People claim they are soft upfront really have no clue. Going to be a battle for sure and if Clinton truly believes it’s an easy game they are in for a rude awakening.
It was actually on this date back in 2017 that the Falcons faced a Hudson team that was highly ranked in D7, and were a heavy underdog to. It ended with Wyatt Bergmooser hitting the game-winning field goal as time expired to win 19-16.
#LetUsPrey
This game is over before it starts. Smcc is to soft in the trenches just like they have been for the past 4 years. Plus the Smcc coaching staff cant coach from behind I don’t know what is stopping the coaching staff to run something they haven’t. This coaching staff has no imagination. Trap trap trap trap power cmon Smcc coaching staff win a game your not suppose to. You know you are out matched in the trenches let see what you can do? How about a screen to your fastest back? Do something because running trap isn’t going to get it done against Clinton.
They did beat Flat Rock. They were 28 point dogs.
Saying that the stag doesn’t win games they aren’t supposed to is just silly. I can name MANY games SMCC has won over the last 10 years, that they were supposed to lose.
Compare strength of schedule. SMCC played far better teams with only one exception. The game you will see is nothing like the one your imagining. Not guaranteeing a SMCC win but they are definitely going to give it a shot. I for one think they are ready.
New Boston Huron
Flat Rock
Country Day
Sounds like sour grapes. How’s things going in the beaches ?
Falcon power,,good luck boys!!
Won’t be close. Clinton is to tough up front..Clinton will score every time they get the ball.. Smcc will go for it on 4th downs and come up short.. This game could get ugly if Smcc can’t convert their 4th downs.. that being said Clinton will roll the falcons 42-6.. to tough up front..
You will all be surprised. It’s great Clinton thinks it’s an easy game. I am not guaranteeing a win but SMCC for sure has legitimate shot.
I can assure you that besides this person nobody in Clinton believes this to be an easy game. Look at the series, we have only beaten SMCC once, and that was by 4 with an NFL player on our team and perhaps the best team we have ever had.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!