With three-quarters finished, Clarkston’s gridiron gand knew in order to beat Troy they needed intensity in their game.
The Wolves brought it into the game and defeated the Colts last Friday, 25-21.
‘They played a great fourth quarter but we weren’t very good early,? said Clarkston Varsity Head Coach Kurt Richardson. ‘We have a lot of things we have to correct and take care of.?
Troy closed the third quarter scoring their third touchdown to put them at 21 points, leaving Clarkston trailing by 11 points.
The Wolves edged closer to the end zone and with just over nine minutes left they positioned themselves in between the 10-yard and 9-yard line.
The snap went back to Quarterback Tyler Scarlett and he passed the ball to Dakota Bender’s waiting hands.
Bender ran forward and into the end zone for the touchdown.
Instead of going for a PAT, they opted for a 2-point conversion. Scarlett threw the ball into the endzone and Dustin Gamble caught it to bring the score 21-18 in nine plays and a 63-yard drive.
Troy took possession of the ball and it was time for defense to turn up the heat.
Jeff Dean put pressure on Troy’s quarterback as he threw the ball. Zach Collins intercepted the pass to turnover the possession for the Wolves.
They started at the 44 yard line in their own territory and ended with Bender pushing through Troy’s defense blocks to add another touchdown with 4:31 remaining. Brian Benway kicked for the PAT to bring the boys at 25 points.
‘It was a way to come over adversity and get the win,? Bender said about taking the lead. ‘We knew we could do it.?
The boys gained the lead less than three minutes into the game. They were on their fourth down on the 19 yard-line. Benway kicked a field goal to put the score 3-0.
Scarlett threw a pass to Gamble in the end zone to score the first touchdown before the first half concluded. They scored in 8 plays and 81 yards.
Troy retaliated scoring their 21 points.
‘We just tell the kids ‘keep your composure,?? said Richardson after the lead changed. ‘They started to drop their heads a little bit, but they came back.?
Dean led the defense line during the game.
‘He was outstanding for us,? said Richardson. ‘He’s a three year starter for us and causes people a lot of problems. He brings it and plays every down. He’s a tough kid.?
The boys remain undefeated (3-0) as they head to West Bloomfield on Thursday for an OAA Red match.
‘They are very athletic,? said Bender.
Last time the Wolves faced West Bloomfield the regular game finished tied and ended after two overtime periods thanks to a touchdown from Scarlett.
‘We are going have to play better than we did against Troy,? said Richardson. ‘It’s going to be tough we have to get ready in three days. They (West Bloomfield) will come with extra energy because they will have a huge win tonight. It doesn’t get any easier.?
The Lakers beat Royal Oak on Friday, 44-7. The game starts at 7 p.m.