Players from Clarkston’s gridiron gang walked off the practice field on Monday focused on the end result of the day’s session.
The focus to beat Rochester Adams in the season opener this Friday.
‘It’s a dogfight,? said long-time Wolves? Head Coach Kurt Richardson about the tradition to play Adams at the beginning of the season.
‘It’s a huge game for us,? he continued.
This year’s battle is at the Highlander’s home ground. After the Wolves? loss at home last year – Clarkston is happy to pay them back for the 47-41 loss.
The Wolves have a majority of their offense back from last season including key players seniors Tyler Scarlett as quarterback and Dakota Bender as running back. Completing the offense line are seniors Bryan Haslinger, Dan Davis, Jeff Dean, Dustin Gamble and junior Chris Canada.
Richardson is using the keys he has on offense and is prepared for their defense.
‘I expect a very good defense,? he said. ‘They are young on defense and they will bring everything they have at us.?
Adams has two returning defensive players – Jordan Sanders and Nick DeMiro.
Most of Adams key players from last year graduated and a lot of new players are at the helm, including junior quarterback Andrew Hammett.
‘In general the roles are reversed,? said Adams Head Coach Tony Patritto. ‘Clarkston has a lot of key players returning. Their offense is going to be good. They have a great quarterback and running back.We are untested and will have to see how it all comes out.?
Richardson said the keys to Clarkston’s defense will be junior linebacker Zach Collins and Dean along with returning are senior defensive backs Derek Booker and Andrew Schram and senior outside linebacker Jordan Clark.
‘We going to be better than last year on defense and our offense is really solid,? said senior guard Stever Carpenter. ‘It will be a great game. We put a lot of time and work in this year. We should come out on top.?
The game begins at 7 p.m. on Friday. Highlanders field is located at 3200 W. Tienken in Rochester.
‘This is a non-league season opener and a great game for Oakland County to come out and see,? said Patritto.
‘Clarkston is going to be one of the best teams in the state this season,? he added.