Post season start at home

BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Gridiron heroes marked the end of the weekend in front of the television as MHSAA announced the pairings during Sunday Selection.
The time came for Division 1 and Clarkston was drawn to host Grand Blanc (7-2) in the Pre-District round this Friday.
The Wolves finished their regular season with a 23-12 win over Farmington Hills Harrison (6-3, 6-1 OAA White).
“It was a great win because that is a very good football team,” said long-time head coach Kurt Richardson. “Anytime you beat a Harrison team it’s great. You know they are well-coached.”
So well-coached that the Wolves celebrated the Hawks’ head coach John Herrington before the game. Herrington became the winningest coach in MHSAA history with 431 wins when Harrison defeated Berkley, Oct. 13.
The Hawks scored on their first play on a 70-yard touchdown run only 14 seconds into the game. The Wolves blocked their PAT attempt putting the score 6-0 for Harrison.
Harrison scored again with four minutes remaining in the first quarter off a 1-yard run. They were blocked again by Clarkston defense as they tried for a 2-point conversion.
The Wolves struck back in the next quarter scoring not once, not twice, but three times.
Senior quarterback Nate Uballe handed the ball to senior running back Josh Cantu for a 1-yard touchdown with 8:23 left in the first half. A successful PAT from senior kicker Jermaine Roemer put the Wolves at seven points.

Senior linebacker Zach Scott helps put a stop on Farmington Hills Harrison. Photo by Larry Wright

Harrison took over control of the ball and during their fourth play senior Zach Scott intercepted the ball to turn and make his second touchdown of his career for Clarkston with 6:43 on the clock. Roemer scored on another PAT and put the score, 14-12.
“We made some great adjustments offensively and defensively,” said Richardonson. “After those two quick ones we played darn good defense. It was a great win for us.”
The next three scores for the Wolves came from Roemer who successfully completed three field goals with two of them for 28 yards in distance and one for 45 yards.
“Jermaine was outstanding tonight,” said Richardson. “We gave him a shot last week and he made it. He came through this week. Tristan Mattson didn’t pout and he was putting it in the endzone. The kicking game, offense, defense – all was good tonight.”
Uballe was 7-for-12 in passing for 157 yards. Senior Tieler Houston caught four of the passes for 77 yards and Scott caught two passes for 65 yards. The leading rusher was Cantu with 56 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown.
Scott led defense with seven tackles, four assists and one interception return for a touchdown. Senior Gino Paese had seven tackles and two assists. Junior Jayviar Suggs had three tackles.
The Wolves host Grand Blanc on Friday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $5 per person. No passes are accepted per MHSAA. Kick off is at 7 p.m.

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