McClain Struggles Against The Run, Falls To East Clinton
By: Jack Demmler
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It was all smiles at McClain high school as the Tigers hosted the East Clinton Astros on homecoming night. Those smiles would be short lived, however, as the Astros spoiled the parade and won 26 – 7.
Both teams came into this game with a 1-2 record. The Tigers, fresh off a shootout win against Zane Trace, was looking to enter week five with a winning percentage of .500 or better for the first time since 2013.
McClain started off with possession but would be forced to punt after a quick three and out. The Tigers utilized Blake Gall, Matt Bliss, and Branden Wright in three straight running plays that amounted for a total of five yards.
The Astros first possession would be highlighted by powerful running from Todd Wedding. Wedding would have 26 of the 65 yards during the drive and capped it off with a one-yard touchdown run up the middle.
With four and a half minutes left in the first quarter, McClain looked to regroup their offense and tie things up. Continuing to stay with the ground game, the Tigers would get inside the red zone before the clock showed zeros.
McClain would take no time at all in the second quarter to tie the game. Dalton Mischal would give the Tiger’s the momentum they needed with an 18-yard run, breaking numerous tackles.
The Astros offense still proved to be problematic for the Tiger’s defense. On third and goal, Clinton’s quarterback, Jared Smith would connect with Kaleb Kingery for a six yard touchdown pass to give the Astros the lead 14-7.
East Clinton defense would start to become an issue for McClain. On fourth and two, McClain would elect to go for it but would fall short as Jaydon Burns would get stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Clinton would go into the half leading the Tigers 14-7.
The Astros would continue to take control for the rest of the night. On fourth and goal, Astro Jared Smith would scramble his way into the endzone. After a missed point after attempt that struck the crossbar, East Clinton would extend their lead 20-7 with four minutes left in the quarter.
The Astros defense played lights out in the second half. Late in the fourth quarter, McClain’s quarterback Brandon Wright would take a huge hit in the back resulting in a change at quarterback. Preston Saunders would not be able to get much going as the Astros defense would not let up.
East Clinton’s offense would not slow down. With a minute left in the game, Wedding would take it five yards into the end zone for another Astros touchdown.
The Astros defense would continue to haunt McClain as they ended up with a total of four sacks and give up 152 total yards of offense. Just as the defense did their part, East Clinton’s offense was taking care of business.
The Astros tallied up 362 total yards. Of those 362 yards, 309 yards were on the ground. The highlight of their offense was Todd Wedding, who ran for a total of 204 yards with two touchdowns.
McClain drops to 1-3 on the year as they travel to Eastern Pike to take on the Eastern Eagles.