Above: Quarterback Sam Ternes flips to running back Aiden Domras on an option.
A 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Ternes to wide receiver Garrett Heldberg tied visiting USC in the second quarter, but the Rebels took the ensuing kickoff return to the house and went in front 12-6 a minute before the break on Tuesday.
That score held for the entire second half. The Clippers were moving the ball late in the fourth quarter, but on fourth down, USC sacked Ternes and got the ball back on downs and wound down the clock for the close victory.
“One big play,” said head coach Rick Kern. “They just ran right, and we fell apart. Other than that, the beginning of the game was back and forth. We were holding our own in the trenches. It was a good football game."
The Rebels scored in the first quarter on an option run.
The Clippers had just one day of practice before they host Le Sueur-Henderson today in a 5:00 pm contest, but all wanted to go full pads on Wednesday in preparation.
Jack Shouler corrals a USC runner.
Garrett Heldberg slips around a USC backfield player after a catch.
Sam Ternes fights off a USC defender. He slipped through and picked up a few more yards on this play.
Sam Ternes wraps up a Rebel runner.