SLIP SLIDING AWAY

Despite a fast start out of the gate, Clifton Cubs eliminated as East Bernard Brahmas stampede to victory in Class 3A, DII Bi-District playoff matchup during dreary night in Taylor

Without a doubt, it just wasn’t their night. After making their second straight trip to the Class 3A, Division II football state playoffs, the Clifton Cubs came up short in their quest to capture their first postseason victory since 2019.

On a rainy and wet evening under the Friday night lights, the East Bernard Brahmas handed the Cubs a decisive 55-6 defeat in a Class 3A, DII Bi-District Playoff matchup at Taylor Stadium. Even though the opening possession made it look like it might be an entirely different game, the momentum shifted quickly as the Brahmas (8-3) took control of the contest before halftime.

“East Bernard is a really good football team,” Clifton second-year head coach Brent Finney said. “They were able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They were the better team Friday night.

Powered by a 37-yard scamper by senior running back Parker Tunnell, the Cubs offense came out strong in the game’s opening possession, marching down the field. But the drive stalled, and the ensuing field goal against a strong wind bounced off the upright in the wrong direction.

East Bernard took over and promptly marched the length of the field to jump out to an early 7-0 lead. Then on Clifton’s next possession, the Cubs turned the ball over deep in their own territory and the Brahmas immediately capitalized for another scored.

Trailing 21-0 in the first quarter, the Cubs got back in the game when senior fullback Riley Finney broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown run. From that point on, Clifton struggled to get the offense back on track, finishing with only 161 yards of total offense, most of which came on the two big runs by Tunnell and Finney.

And in the meantime, East Bernard responded with two more second quarter touchdowns to take a commanding 35-6 lead into the locker room at intermission. Featuring their balanced attack, the Brahmas moved the ball at will, and the Cubs could not find the answer to stop East Bernard the entire game.

“We were able to hit a few plays, but were unable to consistently move the ball,” Finney said. “Likewise, we got a few stops, but were unable to consistently slow them down.”

Defensively, Tunnell led Clifton with nine tackles, followed by senior Camdyn Mobley with eight, as well as junior Brody Baggett and Finney with five each.

After wrapping up third place in district behind champion Rogers (5-0 in district, 8-3 overall) and runner-up Lexington (4-1, 8-3), the Cubs (3-2, 5-6) advanced to the Class 3A, Division II playoffs for the second straight season after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

“We are very proud of this team and their accomplishments,” Finney said. “We not only improved upon last year’s record and return to the playoffs, but we improved each week throughout the season. Finishing third in district was an improvement as well, and we played the district champion and runner-up in two very close games. These guys were playing their best football when it mattered most.”

Playing in their final football game as Clifton Cubs, 17 seniors will be lost to graduation this season. But with a strong junior class, along with both the junior varsity and 7th grade teams winning the district titles, the Clifton football program has plenty to look forward to in the near future.

“We are sure going to miss a wonderful senior class that provided some great leadership and work ethic,” Finney said. “But we are also excited for the future as the bar continues to be raised. Like we said last year, making the playoffs is a yearly expectation, not a goal. We expect to be in the playoffs every year.

“But our goal is to win championships, and we have 18 of our 32-man roster returning. With the experience those returners have gained combined, along with the JV and 7th grade both being district champions, the future is very bright for Cub Football.”