BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
One by one, over 30 seniors emerged from the tunnel of the Clarkston gridiron heroes after receiving hugs and pats on the back from teammates and coaches after a 41-7 loss to Romeo in the MHSAA Division 1 Regional finals, last Friday.
“The seniors were awesome,” said long-time head coach Kurt Richardson, watching the Wolves head off Clarkston’s field. “They did a great job. They are a great bunch of kids. I hate to see them go.”
The Bulldogs opened the scoring four minutes into the game on a 4-yard run by Nathan Goralski.
The Wolves closed on Romeo’s endzone to even the score with runs by junior running back Michael Fluegel and senior quarterback JT King. King had enough for a first down on the 33-yard line but with a fumble on the play the referees turned the ball to the Bulldogs.
Junior Zach Scott and senior Tyler Retford, along with penalties called against Romeo, helped to slow down the Bulldogs.
Junior Gino Paese put pressure on the Bulldog’s quarterback on the fourth down and the pass went incomplete.
Romeo picked up the pace in the second quarter to score twice and end the first half with a 21-0 lead.
The third quarter opened with Wolves in possession and junior Tieler Houston caught the kick off, running to the 30-yard line before he was stopped.
King handed the ball to Fluegel who made a long run into Romeo’s territory. With penalties against the Bulldogs the ball was moved to the 13-yard line.
From there King threw a 12-yard pass to senior Ryan Prisby who caught it and stepped a few yards into the endzone for the Wolves’ lone touchdown at 8:39. A PAT from senior Zach Mansour put the score, 21-7.
“It is the same thing Romeo did last year,” said Richardson. “They were tougher than us. They blocked better, they did everything better. They outcoached us.”
King went 12-for-28 in passing with one interception and one touchdown. He carried the ball 17 times for 34 yards.
Fluegel was the leading rusher running the ball 82 yards for 18 carries.
Senior Nick Stalworth led defense with seven tackles and one assist. Prisby had five tackles and two assists; Houston had four tackles; and Scott had three tackles and two assists.
The Wolves finished the season with an overall record 9-3, going 5-1 in the OAA Red to share the league title with Southfield Arts & Technology. Clarkston defeated Davison for the district title and to make it to the Elite Eight in Division 1.
“The kids have had a great season,” said Richardson. “I don’t think anyone really expected them to do this. It sours it a little bit. This group was so fun to work with and there were no issues. They are just great kids. Sometimes that’s more important.”

  clarkston, Varsity Football