JOB WORTHY OF PRAISE

After making third consecutive trip to Class 3A, DII playoffs, accolades abound as Clifton Cubs earn all-district recognition; Bearden, New draw superlative awards

Continuing the progress toward restoring the Clifton High School football tradition during the 2024 Texas high school football season, the Cubs closed out their best campaign in five years with their third straight trip to the postseason and the first winning record since 2019.

Although Clifton came up short in its goal to post its first postseason victory since 2019, the Cubs (3-2 in district, 6-5 overall) capitalized on a third place finish to earn All-District 5-3A, Division II accolades announced last week.

“Looking back, this team improved on the overall record, secured a winning season and third straight playoff appearance,” Clifton football head coach Brent Finney said. “We had some seniors step up into leadership roles, and lots of underclassmen step into starting positions.”

Leading the way with two superlative awards, senior placekicker Kanin Bearden was named the district’s Special Teams MVP, while junior Judd New drew Newcomer of the Year honors.

On the season, Bearden nailed 21 of 24 extra points attempts, while New tallied 33 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery as a fulltime defensive back, also rushing for 271 yards and four touchdowns in a limited role at running back.

“Bearden had a really good year kicking for us, especially in district,” Finney said. “He was like 12 of 13 extra points in district and did a really nice job of placing our kickoffs. We were able to recover a few of the pooch kicks, but he could also place it deep, if needed.

“New was one of the many first-year varsity players for us this year. He did a really good job developing into a starting safety defensively. Judd also was a valuable special teams player, kick returner, and running back.”

Senior center Hunter Weir was Clifton’s only offensive first team selection, while senior linebacker James Liardon, senior defensive back Diego Rodriguez and junior defensive lineman Luis Galindo were named to the defensive first team.

While Weir anchored the run-oriented offensive line handling the snaps at center, Liardon led the Cubs defensively with 65 total tackles and two sacks, followed by Rodriguez with 22 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery, along with Galindo collecting 29 tackles and two sacks.

“Hunter had a really great year at center,” Finney said. “He was our anchor on the offensive line and helped everyone stay on the same page with blocking schemes and calls. Liardon and Rodriguez, both returning starters, were solid for us throughout district play. And Galindo was our anchor on the defensive line.”

Placing seven players on the all-district, second-team, the Cub offensive selections included senior quarterback Joaquin De la Hoya, senior wide receiver Diego Rodriguez, senior fullback James Liardon and sophomore lineman Alijah Calderon.

Engineering the Cub offensive attack, De la Hoya rushed for a team-high 713 yards and nine touchdowns while completing 43 of 96 passes for 465 yards and two scores, connecting with Rodriguez 11 times for 211 yards and two scoring strikes.

“Joaquin was definitely our leader on offense,” Finney said. “He did a great job helping everyone get lined up correctly and pointed in the right direction. Diego and James really stepped up during district play. As two way starters, they rarely came off the field. Calderon as a sophomore really improved and was very consistent on the offensive line.”

Clifton’s second-team defensive selections included senior defensive back Landon Knox, junior linebacker Gavin Tattershall, and sophomore defensive back Jackson Ritz. Knox tallied 50 tackles and a fumble recovery, Tattershall collected 46 takedowns, and Ritz pulled down four interceptions and 36 tackles.

“Landon was one of those kids you just love to coach,” Finney said. “He played hard every play, in every game or practice. Tattershall really improved as a junior and made some great plays for us down the stretch in district. As a sophomore, Ritz also developed into a very consistent playmaker in the defensive secondary.

Cubs drawing Honorable Mention recognition included senior Tristan Hammond, sophomore Odin Rountree and sophomore Jackson Ritz.

“Hammond was another guy that rarely came off the field for us,” Finney said. “He played every snap at corner and rotated at wingback. Rountree ended up developing into a starter on the offensive line for us as a sophomore. And Ritz, also a sophomore running back, was very instrumental in the running and passing game.”

With success on the field carrying over into the classroom, Cubs named to the Academic All-District squad included New, Rodriguez, De La Hoya, Ritz, Hammond, Liardon, Bearden, Rountree, Weir, Landon Knox, Kyle Rogers, Lenora Busby, Eduardo Garcia, Rowdy Bishop, Deacon Williams, and Montana Brewer.

For the Cubs, qualifying for the playoffs has always been the expectation every season as long as anyone can remember. Playing Texas high school football since 1919, the rich and storied Cub football program entered the 2024 season as one of the state’s newest members of the coveted all-time 600-win club.

As the Cubs close out of their 106th season playing Texas high school football, Clifton owns an all-time record of 610-394-25 for a .605 winning percentage with 38 trips to the postseason and 31 district championships.

“Our goal all year has been to be better than we were last year,” Finney said. “Just like week to week and day to day, our goal is to be better than we were yesterday, then better than last week. This team did that. They improved on the overall record, secured a winning season and a third straight playoff appearance.”

After graduating a huge senior class following the 2023 season, the Cubs will be losing another dozen to graduation this season — Jaystin Smith, Brody Baggett, Diego Rodriguez, Kyle Rogers, Joaquin De la Hoya, Tristan Hammond, Landon Knox, James Liardon, Kanin Bearden, Hunter Weir, Lenora Busby and Montana Brewer.

“We had some seniors step up into leadership roles, and lots of underclassmen step into starting positions,” Finney said. “Out of our 30 varsity players, 12 were seniors this season. And we are certainly going to miss them.”

But with 18 returning lettermen, the cupboards will not be empty for the Cubs in 2025. And certainly, the success the subvarsity teams enjoyed during the 2024 season provides hope for a promising future.

“We should have six or seven returning starters on each side of the ball next season,” Finney said. “And with the JV football team finishing the season at 7-3, the 8th grade football team finishing at 7-2, and the 7th grade football team finishing the year 8-1, we are very excited about the future of Cub football.”