A cold rain assailed down, an unsympathetic wind gusted sideways, and the Clippers lost their homecoming game to Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop 28-0 on Thursday.
But considering how state 16th-ranked GFW had been able to use its deceptive T formation to score points on Cleveland in the past, it was a solid performance by the Clippers, who overall did a good job of not getting drawn into the trickery, said head coach Erik Hermanson.
“We played a great game on defense, maybe the best we have ever played against the Michigan T. The guys really listened to the coaches in practice and learned how to just do their jobs and then rely on and trust their teammates to do theirs.”
But the driving rain and wet field were more of a problem for the Clipper offense, which relies a lot on its air game. The Clippers ended the night with just 36 passing yards and 23 rushing yards.
“When we had the ball, the elements really limited what we could do,” Hermanson said. “The slippery conditions took away our speed and quickness and made it very difficult to make any throws down field. We need to continue to work on better aggressiveness on our run blocking and more polished technique on our pass protection. We have come a long way, but we can keep getting better every day.”
The Clippers punted on their first series after receiving the opening kickoff. The Thunderbirds turned the over on downs on their 46.
Assistant coach Larry Walechka seemed to have a knack for determining the direction the Thunderbird play was going to run and letting the defense know it. Walechka assists the Clippers not only at game time but all through the week, Hermanson said.
“Larry does a little of literally everything for us. He helps with both sides of the ball and special teams. In his free time he helps with all equipment needs and the grounds work. He does the work of multiple people and exudes awesome Clipper Pride while doing it.”
After a trio of Kale Kelley runs, the first for 14 yards, QB Blake Lyons hooked up with his brother Carson Lyons for a 25-yard catch and run to the 14. A penalty helped the Clippers a little bit, but the rest of their plays resulted in negative yards, and the Clippers turned the ball over on the GFW 11.
The Clippers wouldn’t threaten GFW again.
After each team punted, the T-Birds, starting from their 38, rattled off 10-straight runs and scored from the 2. Tanner Simonette stopped the PAT run, and the Clippers trailed 0-6 in the second quarter.
Hermanson said the defensive coaches have been instrumental this season.
“They are true teachers in every sense of the word. Kyle (Atherton) and Matt (Miller) have preached their defensive philosophy all season, and the improvement has been so rewarding. Their schemes and design have helped us stay in games, even when we are physically and chronologically overmatched.”
After another three-and out, it looked like the Clippers would go into the half only down by six, but on fourth and 8 with 11 seconds on the clock, GFW completed a 29-yard pass into the end zone. With the PAT pass, they led 14-0 at the intermission.
A 63-yard touchdown run on the first play after the second-half kickoff put the game further out of the Clippers' reach. The PAT pass was incomplete, but the T-Birds were in front 20-0. With a minute left in the third quarter, they scored again after a 10-yard run on fourth down placed them on the Clipper 4. Running in the PAT, GFW put the finishing touches on the triumph.
Blake Lyons kept the ball six times for a total of 5 yards and completed six of 13 pass attempts for 36 yards. Carson Lyons had one catch for 25 yards. Kelley had four catches for 9 yards and ran the ball six times for 17 yards. Braeden Smith had one catch for 2 yards. Gabe Sullivan ran the ball three times for 1 yard.
Kelly said that overall, the game was enjoyable.
“It’s cold. It was tough to throw and touch to catch, but it was kind of fun getting muddy, and we did awesome against a state-ranked team in the first half.”
With Brady Bostic snapping, Caleb Possin punted six times for a total of 171 yards. Kelley returned one punt and one kickoff. Both were for an 11-yard advancement. Sullivan returned one kickoff for 12 yards, Smith returned one for 20 yards, and Possin returned one for 5 yards.
“Brady (Hahn) has done wonders with the special teams this season,” Hermanson said. “During summer camp, we didn't really have any experienced kickers, punters or long snappers on the team. Our punt team, extra point, field goal and kick return have been a shining positive in every game. The improvement has been exponential each week.”
Despite the conditions, neither team lost a fumble nor was intercepted.
Blake Lyons made eight solo tackles and six assists. Sullivan had seven solos and three assists. Bostic had three solos and three assists. Ian Vlasak had four solos and four assists.
Nick Simonette had three solos and seven assists while Tanner Simonette had three solos and one assist with one tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
Kelly had six solos and one assist. Smith had one solo and one assist. David Draheim had two solos and four assists. Mason Kluntz had two solos and one assist. Carson Lyons had three solos and one assist. Max Esser had one solo while Noah Hermel had two solos.
“These are great kids who have improved every day of the season,” Hermanson said. “They have never stopped learning and working. The benefits of this dedication are hard to notice now but will be very evident in the near future. I care so much about these awesome kids and love coaching them. The entire community should be proud to have this team represent them on the field.”
Last year, the Clippers lost to the visiting GFW 36-6. The T-Birds scored four touchdowns in the first half. Two years ago, the host Thunderbirds posted seven touchdowns in the first half and went on to win 48-6.
The Clippers travel to Lester Prairie on Wednesday. The Bulldogs, whose two losses were to Mayer Lutheran and NYA, beat Randolph 37-6 on Tuesday and were ranked 15th in the state before the game.
Elsewhere in the district, visiting NRHEG beat JWP 12-6, Medford forfeited to WEM, Mayer Lutheran fell 12-6 to host NYA, and St. Clair/Loyola beat host USC 14-8.
Above: Blake Lyons on the keeper. Out front is Mason Kluntz.
With umbrellas and blankets, students Chloe Anderson, Ava Hahn, Jorden Rossow, Greta Hahn and Savannah Meyer were well equipped for a cold and wet couple of hours.
These colors don’t run. The cold and rain didn’t keep the Cleveland Color Guard from performing the opening ceremony, a Cleveland homecoming tradition. It includes, from L-R, Andy Queen, Judy Hahn, Bob Hahn, Kevin Derner, Sue Eppmeyer, Brian Nichols, Anne Hiller and Leonard Seitz.
Caleb Possin and teammates found enjoyment in the mud bowl.
David Draheim reaches to stop a GFW runner.
Blake Lyons fights with a GFW defender.
Gabe Sullivan and Brady Bostic on the tackle.
Kale Kelley cuts away from a GFW defender.
Fill the hill…despite the chill. Considering the rain, wind and cold…and not an overly high prospect for a victory, Clipper fans stuck with their team on homecoming.
Braeden Smith returns a kickoff for 20 yards.
Brady Bostic moves in for a tackle.
Participating in the flag-raising ceremony were, from L-R, assistant coach Brady Hahn, assistant coach Matt Miller, Greg Davis, Gavin Karels, Gabe Sullivan, Aiden Domras, Jack Shouler, Mason Kluntz and Blake Gibbs.