↓ CLARE TAKES THE JPC WHEEL

By: Matthew A. Anderson

In a showdown for Jack Pine supremacy, the Pioneers held serve at home, defeating Meridian 28-14. While Clare's offense powered them to the lead in the 1st half it was their defense that took control the rest of the way, propelling them to a 4-0 record and in command of their own JPC title destiny.

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Clare in general has dominated the Jack Pine because of several things amongst others; great coaching, a system that works, players that buy into the system and a good collection of athletes, year in and year out. This year is no different. Meridian on the other hand, has a program that is headed in this direction with some recent success, a good coaching staff and a set of skill players that are starting to pop up every season. Clare had control throughout but did not win in a lopsided effort. A series of little plays, bounces and the flawless execution of the rest was the difference. Meridian didn't play terrible but they were in the wrong place at the wrong time and seemed to make several plays that were detrimental to themselves. Case and point was the opening of the game.

The Pioneers took the ball to start the game after Meridian deferred. Clare mixed up the run with the pass on the first drive, a formula that would carry on throughout the game and to great success. The biggest play of the drive came on a big pass from QB Kris English to WR Matt English that got the ball down to the 22 yardline. Several plays later on 3rd and Goal from the 3, K. English called his own number off of left guard for the games first score on the keeper. He also added the extra point putting Clare up 7-0 with 5:29 to play in the opening quarter.

Meridian answered with a drive of their own that went deep into Pioneer territory. Then, the first of two major mistakes happened on the evening. The Mustangs converted on a big third down pass but as soon as the receiver caught the ball, he was hit by K. English and lost control. Ryan Nivison pounced on the loose ball and Clare took control, stopping the deep drive. What made matters worse is that Clare went on the attack again. Kris and Matt hooked up for a big play again on a pitch and catch that got the ball down to the 8 yard line. On 2nd and Goal from the 6, Matt lined up wide right, ran a quick in and Kris delivered the ball low, right on the money and away from the defender that had Matt locked up. The diving catch was made just past the goaline. Kris added the xtra point and with 8:26 remaining in the 2nd quarter, the Pioneers were now up 14-0.

Meridian answered with another great drive but unlike they last drive, they finished the job. The biggest play of the drive was on a huge run by Eric Decker who broke several tackles and used his great speed before being brought down at the Clare 16. 2 Plays later, Decker scored on a 8 yard inside draw straight up the gut. Chard Larsen added the extra point, cutting the lead to 14-7 with 5:22 to play in the half.

With over 5 minutes to play with, Clare put together a championship type drive. It was almost stalled however as they were faced with 4th and 2 at the Meridian 17. With 2:31 to go in the half, Head Coach Kelly Luplow, sent his offense back out, put it in the hands of Michael McFadden and he got the 2 plus an additional yard, down to the Meridian 14. McFadden had been the workhorse up to that point. Kris English, on several keeps, got it down to the 3, setting up 1st and goal. McFadden was rewarded with another carry and finished the job from 3 yards out with just 36 ticks left in the half, putting the Pioneers up 21-7. Meridian moved the ball in a hurry on their next drive but the threat was ended by a Matt English interception, ending the half.

Like I mentioned earlier, 2 miscues were a big difference in the ballgame, the first came on Meridian's first drive on offense and the 2nd came late in the third. The third quarter was controlled by defense but Clare started to move the ball well again as the 4th approached. At the 12 yardline, the Pioneers were stalled with a 4th and 3. This time, they elected to go with the field goal. On the attempt, Meridian jumped offsides, giving Clare an automatic first down. Clare used the golden opportunity to punch it in the endzone this time. On 3rd and Goal from the 1, McFadden punched it in again and with 11:11 left in the game, the Pioneers were now up 28-7.

Down 21 points late in the game, Meridian hardly called it a night and packed it in. They put together an answer that showed why they are such a solid team and one of the pre-season favorites in the Jack Pine. The play of the drive came when the Mustangs sent Cody Wendt out of the backfield and up the left sideline. He slipped passed the entire defense and made a nice leaping grab down to the 5 yardline. Decker finished the job from 3 yards out, cutting the lead to 28-14 with 8:58 to go in the game.

The Mustangs held Clare on a three and out on defense but Clare responded with a defensive stand of their own. Then a drive that didn't result in any points but ate up most of the clock and by the time Meridian got the ball back again, their wasn't enough time to rally from 14 down, making the score final at 28-14.

The end score was about right because I thought Clare won the battle of the trenches and their offensive balance took control of the game but it wasn't a huge difference. In football it doesn't have to be, it's already a game of inches and Clare was just a few inches better on most of the plays. I was really impressed with the passing game from Clare. When the running game wasn't working, Kris English went to Matt and Tyler Beatty. I was at the playoff game last year against Montague and I left with a feeling tonight, that this team has the potential to be even better than last season but the season has a long way to go. Clare is one step closer to another Jack Pine title but Meridian is far from out of the race. Houghton Lake should provide a pretty good test for Clare in week 7. Until then, we have some pretty good football to be played.

To view the Extended Photo Gallery Archive from the Big Game, follow this link - Legends Photo Archives