BACK ON TRACK

In final non-district tune-up, Class 3A, DII Clifton Cubs post convincing road win at Blooming Grove heading into open week before district competition

Needing to get back on the winning track and build some momentum before district competition begins, the Class 3A, Division II Clifton Cubs went on the road in search of some magic.

In a total team effort, six different players found the end zone as the Cubs wrapped up their non-district schedule with a much-needed 40-8 road win over the Blooming Grove Lions last Friday night at Lion Stadium.

Snapping a two-game losing streak, the Clifton running game produced 336 yards on 40 carries as five different ball carriers scored touchdowns, led by sophomore running back Jackson Ritz and senior quarterback Joaquin De la Hoya, who both gained over 100 yards.

And in the process, the Cubs (3-2) will carry a winning record into District 5-3A, DII play at home against the Eastland Mavericks (3-2) at 7 p.m. Oct. 11. But first, Clifton will have an open week to regroup, heal up and turn its focus to district competition.

“It is always good to go into open week with a win,” Clifton football head coach Brent Finney said. “Two weeks is a long time before the next game, so it was important for us to play well in this last non-district game heading into district.

In a breakout performance for the Cub offense, Ritz shook off a tackle and broke free for a 67-yard touchdown run, before finishing with a game-high 169 rushing on 14 carries, while De La Hoya added 117 yards on 15 scrambles. Junior running back Judd New sprinted 25 yards for another score, senior Tristan Hammond scored on an end around, and junior Elyjah Rodriquez powered his way to a two-yard scoring plunge.

“Being able to run the ball is always our goal,” Finney said. “We were able to move the chains and also get a couple big plays from the running game, so that was really good.”

Despite giving up a first quarter score to Blooming Grove (0-5), Clifton built a 19-8 lead before halftime. Defensively, the Cubs came up with three fumble recoveries with senior Brody Baggett returning one for a touchdown, while senior linebacker James Liardon collected a team-high 12 tackles.

“Our defense kept them out of the end zone in the second half and created some turnovers for us,” Finney said. “Being able to come out in the second half and shut the opponent out and put the game away is a good feeling, especially heading into a week off.”

In addition to leading the Cubs in tackles, Liardon pressured the quarterback for two sacks, while Baggett collected seven tackles, and senior Landon Knox contributed nine takedowns and a fumble recovery. Senior Jayestin Smith picked up another fumble recovery while junior Deacon Williams collected a sack.

With an open date this week, the Clifton coaching staff and Cub players can enjoy the win and focus on returning to the playoffs for the third straight season, aiming for their first postseason victory since 2019. But considering the state-ranked competition they must go through the new District 5-3A, Division II just to make the postseason, the Cubs have their work cut out for them.

Although the Cubs have experienced significant change during each realignment over the last 10 years, the Cubs will not have a single familiar football opponent in district for the first time since 2017, lining up against the Tolar Rattlers (4-1), Brady Bulldogs (4-1), Eastland Mavericks (3-2), Early Longhorns (1-4) and Dublin Lions (0-5).

“We will adjust our practice schedule a little this week and spread it out over the entire week since we have no high school games this week,” Finney said. “And we will get started working on preparing for Eastland. But we will also be able to give the kids and coaches a little time to recharge before heading into district play.”