POSTSEASON THREE-PEAT

Securing a third straight trip to the playoffs, Clifton Cubs runs past Dublin on Senior Night, faces Brady in District 5-3A, DII second place showdown

With everything coming together on the field at the optimum time, the Clifton Cubs delivered their best performance of the season when they needed it most.

Coming off a disappointing loss, the Cubs bounced back to clinch their third straight trip to the Class 3A, Division II playoffs with a dominating 56-28 victory over the Dublin Lions to secure at least third place in District 5-3A, Division II on Senior Night last Friday at Cub Stadium.

Producing a season-high 481 yards of total offense, Clifton junior running back Judd New broke loose for 202 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while senior quarterback Joaquin De la Hoya scored three times. With New delivering the best performance by a Clifton back this season, the Cubs scored on the opening drive of the game and never looked back.

“We were so proud of our team Friday night,” Clifton football head coach Brent Finney said. “We wanted to honor our seniors in their last home game and put last week behind us. We did just that. We challenged our kids all week to persevere and keep grinding. We had a lot at stake and a lot to play for Friday night and I can’t be more proud of the effort and how they responded.

“Our coaches did a great job of preparing our kids. With some injuries and illnesses, we had to move some people around and the coaches had them ready to play, and they stepped up and played very well.”

With more work to do before focusing on the playoffs, the Cubs (3-1 in district, 6-3 overall) will hit the road for a two-and-half hour trip to Brady for the District 5-3A, DII showdown for second place against the Bulldogs (3-1, 7-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Brady will be coming off a disappointing 42-21 loss to district champion Tolar (4-0, 6-3). The Cubs lost to Tolar, 41-0, two weeks ago at Cub Stadium.

“Brady is a really good football team,” Finney said. “They have some really big lineman and have been able to run the ball and score all year.”

Led by the backfield one-two punch of senior running back Johnny Menefield with 971 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns and junior Ashton Taylor with 966 yards and 10 scores, the Bulldogs rely heavily on the run while effectively mixing in the pass.

Junior quarterback Sean Jacoby has completed 53 of 90 passes for 773 yards and 12 scoring strikes while tossing only four interceptions, connecting with two primary receivers – seniors Ashton Ramsey and Mason Airheart.

Clifton complemented the run with an efficient passing game against Dublin as De la Hoya completed five of seven passes for 135 yards and a touchdown, all on big plays to senior wide receiver Diego Rodriguez. Senior James Liardon tallied 62 yards rushing and a key 50-yard first quarter touchdown run, while De la Hoya finished with 43 yards on 11 scrambles.

“We were able to take advantage of some big plays and get some explosive plays both on the ground and in the air,” Finney said. “Again, credit to our kids. They made the plays tonight when they had the opportunity to do so. Our offensive line did a great job blocking and in pass protection, and our backs all ran the ball hard.”

Certainly, Clifton had its hands full with dual threat quarterback Kaden Gaiten, and the Bulldogs answering the Cubs early. But the Clifton defense limited the high-powered Dublin offensive attack to only 277 total yards.

Junior Zach Sedberry led Clifton with five tackles and an interception, as well as junior Gavin Tattershall with five tackles, followed by Liardon and sophomore Rowdy Bishop with four takedowns apiece. Junior Jared Ramirez contributed three tackles and a fumble recovery while senior Brody Baggett added two tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

After scoring the Cubs scored on their opening possession, Dublin quickly answered to tied the score in the first quarter. But Clifton promptly scored again to regain the lead, then took the second half kickoff down the field for a touchdown to maintain the control and momentum on their way to an impressive victory.

“We knew they were an explosive offense,” Finney said. “They had been scoring points on everyone. Our defense had a great plan and did a good job of getting some stops and getting them off the field allowing us to create some cushion. It is always scary playing teams that can score so quickly.

“With the lead at halftime, being able to get a stop and then score on our first possession of the second half was huge.”