WITH EYES ON THE PRIZE

Coming off an open week, the Clifton Cubs takes aim at returning to the postseason for the second straight season by opening District 13-3A, DII competition hosing Roger Eagles

Historically speaking, making the Texas high school football playoffs has always been an expectation for the Clifton Cubs. Fresh off an open date in the schedule and fully loaded, the Cubs embark on a tough District 13-3A battle in hopes of returning to the Class 3A, DII postseason for the second straight season.

Opening District 13-3A, DII competition this week, the Cubs (2-3) will host the perennially-playoff bound Rogers Eagles (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Cub Stadium.

“We are excited to get back to action this week,” Clifton football head coach Brent Finney said. “We had a great week of work last week during our open week.

“Rogers will again be a very tough opponent. They have consistently been a playoff team and are picked to do so again. They have a good mix of size and speed.”

After advancing to the playoffs last season, the Eagles were picked to finish second to the previously state-ranked Lexington Eagles in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason predictions, but have played inconsistently during non-district. And after playing three straight games on the road, the Cubs will be at home under the Friday night lights for the first time since Sept. 1.

“As you know, records up to this point do not matter anymore,” Finney said. “Everyone is starting over at 0-0 in district. It will be very nice to get to play at home for the first time in over a month.”

After playing five non-district games, no team has emerged as the clear favorite in district as Lexington (3-2) will host the winless Florence Buffaloes (0-5), while the Buffalo Bison (1-4) will visit the Elkhart Elks (3-2).

“Rogers and Lexington were the favorites coming into the year and that has not changed,” Finney said. “Elkhart has a lot of returners, and Buffalo has been very competitive since they have been in our district. Florence has a new coach and will be improving every week. We are just focused on Rogers right now and taking every game one week at a time.”

With 17 seniors and 21 experienced lettermen, the Cubs enter district play not only expecting to earn a trip to the playoffs, but also hoping to compete for the district title. In fact, Clifton leads the district with fewest points allowed, surrendering only 17.8 points per game.

Senior linebacker Riley Finney leads the way with 51 tackles, followed by junior linebacker James Liardon with 31, senior Ervin Rodgriguez with 28, as well as junior Brody Baggett and senior Andres Devora with 25 each. Devora leads the Cubs with three interceptions, while junior Landon Knox tops the team with two sacks.

Although it has shown promise at times, the Clifton offensive unit has struggled to move the ball consistently during the non-district schedule, averaging 251.6 yards of total offense per game. Driven by the running game, senior running back Parker Tunnell leads the Cubs with 394 yards rushing and four touchdowns, followed by Finney at fullback with 250 yards and five scores.

The Clifton passing game has shown the potential to hit the big play as junior quarterback Joaquin De La Hoya has connected with Devora for three scoring strikes. Devora leads the team with 10 catches for 163 yards.

Posting their 600th win in school history on Homecoming Night this season, Clifton will be aiming for its first district title since 2019. Playing in their 105th season of Texas high school football, the Cubs own an all-time record of 601-386-25 for a .605 winning percentage with 34 trips to the postseason.

“Lexington would probably be the favorite going in,” Finney said. “They were undefeated district champs last year and return a lot of kids. I feel like we can definitely be a top-four team again. We lost a lot of close games last year. So hopefully, we can build on those experiences and win those close games this season.”