BACK WHERE THEY BELONG

Despite Class 3A, DII Bi-District playoff loss to Tidehaven, Clifton Cubs prove worthy in first postseason appearance in three years

BASTROP – Although they did not get the outcome they had hoped for in the playoffs, the Clifton Cubs proved they were back where they belonged. And even though the final score was not indicative of the contest, the Cubs made their presence in the Class 3A, Division II postseason known.

Returning to the playoffs for the first time in three years, the Cubs could not overcome a first half deficit with a strong second half as the District 14-3A, DII champion El Maton Tidehaven Tigers eliminated Clifton, 27-7, in a Bi-District playoff matchup last Thursday night at Bastrop ISD Memorial Stadium.

With representatives from both teams on hand for the ceremonial coin flip, the rematch of the 1967 Class 1A state championship game also offered some nostalgia 55 years in waiting.

“It was really great being back in the playoffs,” Clifton first-year head coach Brent Finney said. “The amount of support from the parents, booster club, fans and community was amazing. We are very blessed to be playing and coaching football here in Clifton.”

Trailing 27-0 in the fourth quarter, when the Cubs finally scored as senior quarterback Trent Guinn connected with junior fullback Riley Finney on a six-yard scoring strike, it proved to be too little, too late. But from the opening kickoff, Clifton produced scoring opportunities only to draw untimely penalties to stall drives.

Regardless, the Cubs moved the ball effectively as Finney led the way by powering his way to 93 yards rushing on 15 carries while junior running back Parker Tunnell countered with 64 yards on 19 attempts and three catches for 60 yards. Guinn completed eight of 18 passes for 110 yards.

“We were able to move the ball against their aggressive defense,” Finney said. “Unfortunately, we were not able to capitalize on a couple scoring opportunities in the first half. There were a couple plays that didn’t bounce our way that were huge momentum changers.”

Facing a 13-0 deficit in the second quarter, the Cubs had one touchdown called back on a penalty before being dealt a crushing blow by the officials. Driving to make it a one-score game, Finney clearly fought his way to a first down only to had an inadvertent whistle stop the play short. After the Cubs consequently turned the ball over on downs, Tidehaven capitalized to take a commanding 20-0 advantage into halftime.

“With a 7-7 second half, one or two of those could have made a huge difference,” Finney said. “They obviously had some big play capabilities offensively, and I thought our defense did a really good job limiting them.”

Tidehaven jumped out to an early 7-0 lead when freshman quarterback Kale Russell hit sophomore receiver in the corner of the end zone for a 25-yard scoring strike with 6:28 left in the first quarter. Then after taking a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter, the Tigers used the big play to strike again just before intermission.

But in the second half, the inspired Cub defense bottled up the Tigers and limited their production. Senior Carter Tunnell led Clifton with 11 tackles and an interception, followed by Finney with nine takedowns and a sack, senior Makail Brandenberger with nine tackles and a sack, and senior Peyten Urbanovsky with seven tackles.

“As I have said all year, we are very proud of these young men and how they have continued to battle and improve all season,” Finney said. “It was great for these 14 seniors to help return Clifton to the playoffs. And likewise, it will be great motivation for the 21 underclassmen returning to keep us there.”