Winning two back-to-back MHSAA Division 1 Football State Championships is a huge accomplishment, but for the Linton family it was even more special.
Brothers Lance and Carter Linton accomplished the title wins together.
‘It means a lot,? said Lance, senior offensive lineman for Clarkston Varsity Football. ‘We worked hard together. It paid off.?
‘Growing up together, living together and playing football together,? smiled Carter, a junior linebacker and fullback. ‘It’s our favorite sport so it was really cool to show our hard work and win two state championships.?
As the Wolves beat Saline for the championship, 33-25, Lance contributed with one tackle and one assist as Carter had two tackle assists.
‘They are awesome,? said Rich Porritt, offensive coordinator. ‘I knew them since they were in seventh and eighth grade. They are good guys definitely.?
The Lintons added family chemistry works on and off the field.
‘We count on each other,? Lance said. ‘You can count on all the teammates as well.?
Lance began playing football in fourth grade and Carter started the same year while he was in third grade.
‘It was our dad who led us into it,? Carter added. ‘As soon as we started playing we were hooked on it. We love playing.?
The first two years they played on the same team and weren’t together again until Carter joined the varsity team his sophomore year.
Lance plans to continue playing football in college next fall and is currently looking at Siena Heights University.
‘I like the team aspect and I love the sport,? he smiled.
Carter will be a senior next fall and hopes to have another great season with his teammates.
For aspiring Wolves looking to have the same success the brothers shared their advice.
‘Stick with your heart,? said Linton.
Carter added, ‘hard work pays off. Hard work and dedication is the key to success.?