Clarkston’s gridiron gang left Southfield-Lathrup’s field in good spirits on Friday.
They avenged last year’s homecoming loss and by beating Lathrup, 38-14, while upping their overall record to 5-0 (4-0 in conference).
‘It was probably our best game we’ve played so far,? said Wolves Head Coach Kurt Richardson.’It was our most rounded game – we scored on defense, we scored on offense.?
Running back Dakota Bender put Clarkston into the lead, scoring on a 13-yard run touchdown with less than six minutes into the first quarter.
Quarterback Tyler Scarlett added one more on a 1-yard run before the quarter closed.
‘They were the ones to set the pace,? said Richardson.
Lathrup scored at the beginning of the second quarter. The touchdown didn’t discourage the Wolves and Scarlett scored on a 23-yard touchdown run with less than a minute to go in the first half.
Returning from their half-time break, Bender scored on a 83-yard kickoff return.
‘Dakota’s return touchdown opening the second half put the knife in their heart,? said Richardson.
The final touchdown came from Andrew Schram, resulting from his interception and running 37 yards into the end zone. Kicker Brian Benway scored a 22-yard field goal and was 5-5 in PATs. Scarlett ended with 107 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Richardson noted Wolves? defense pushed Lathrup from gaining yards – especially when they were on their fouth down and only one yard to go.
‘Defense was good,? he said. ‘We only gave up 14 points.?
Richardson noted a few times the boys stopped them and got the ball it turned into touchdowns for the Wolves.
Besides getting the good performances from both sides of the ball, Richardson said they were able to get all the boys time to play in the game.
‘That was real nice,? he said.
The gridiron gang takes on Royal Oak this week at home.
‘It’s nice to be home,? said Richardson. ‘It seems like we have been on the road forever.?
For the remainder of the regular season, the boys only have one away game and three are at home.
Another aspect of this week’s game is Royal Oak hasn’t won any of their five games.
‘They aren’t an outstanding football team. We have got to make sure there are no let downs,? said Richardson. ‘We just want to continue to get better on running and passing and defensively. We just want to keep improving.?
Another win will secure the Wolves spot in the MHSAA playoffs.
Kickoff on Friday is at 6:55 p.m.
‘Our goal is to win every game and get better every week,? said Richardson.
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JV beat Lathrup, 40-20, and the freshmen team won 35-6. Both games are away.