Like the United States and Russia’s space programs in the last half of the 21st century, Clarkston and Lake Orion fought bitterly into double-overtime on Oct. 21.
In the end, a green and white flag waved on the moon of victory as the Dragons beat the Wolves to the prize, winning the game at home 27-21.
‘This was another Clarkston ? Lake Orion classic,? said Clarkston Coach Kurt Richardson.
The X-factor in Clarkston and Lake Orion’s epic showdown was without question the Dragons? streak of a running back Joe Nowicki, who made massive momentum changing plays throughout the game.
In the second overtime, Nowicki blocked Ryan Breen’s 22-yard field goal try, forcing the Wolves to stop Lake Orion in order to extend the contest further. But, much to the chagrin of the Clarkston fans spilling out of visitor’s seating, the Dragons? Andy Miller bulled his way up the middle of the field and into the endzone on Lake Orion’s first play from the 10-yard-line to win the game.
‘You would be hard pressed to find a guy who does more for his team than (Nowicki) does,? said Lake Orion Coach Chris Bell.
Clarkston racked up a few out-of-this-world plays of their own in pushing Lake Orion to the brink.
With 1:43 remaining in the first half, Nick DeVault launched off tackle through a massive exit window created by the Clarkston offensive line; 72-yards and a Breen extra point later, Clarkston held a 7-0 lead.
Twelve seconds later though, Nowicki was crossing the Clarkston goal line, having returned the kickoff 98-yards for a touchdown, tying the game 7-7 after Dylan Van Fossen’s extra point.
Coming out of the half, senior Mike Kittle did a decent Nowicki impression, returning Lake Orion’s kickoff 44-yards before being tackled in Dragons? territory at the 44-yard line. Two plays later Clarkston junior quarterback heaved the ball into senior David Briceland’s arms, who brushed off a tackle on his way to a 40-yard touchdown reception.
Clarkston’s lead lasted longer than their first of the game, but following Briceland’s score, Lake Orion embarked on a 14-play, 71-yard drive culminating in five yard touchdown run by Miller. After another Van Fossen extra point left the game tied 14-14 with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter.
Lake Orion took the first possession in overtime, scoring in two plays. Miller gained nine yards on first and ten from the 10-yard-line and scored on the next play for the Dragons.
Clarkston did not have such an easy time finding their way to the endzone as a pass interference penalty on fourth and five gave Clarkston new life and a first down on the 2-yard-line. DeVault plunged through a tangle of bodies into the endzone to match Lake Orion and send the game to its double-overtime climax.
Coming away from the game, Nowicki’s speed around the corners had Richardson shaking his head. The Lake Orion back gained 120 yards on the ground as part of 277 total yards.
‘We couldn’t stop their sweep,? said Richardson.
Bell felt Clarkston’s inability to slow runners on the fringes of the field opened up the middle for Miller in overtime.
‘They were so sweep conscious in overtime we went right up the gut,? said Bell.
Last year, Clarkston beat Lake Orion 30-12 in the final game of the season to qualify for the MHSAA playoffs, a loss which both Nowicki and Bell admitted helped fuel the Dragons this year.
Clarkston may not have to wait a year for a slice of revenge though as both schools are in District 1 of Region 4 in the MHSAA playoffs. If both teams win their first round games, they will meet in the district final.
The pursuit of revenge could be a theme for Clarkston as they have drawn Utica Eisenhower in the opening round of districts. Clarkston (7-2) plays at Eisenhower (8-1) on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at Swinehart Field. Last year Clarkston lost 10-7 to Eisenhower in the first round of the playoffs.
‘I had a feeling we were going to draw Eisenhower,? said Richardson.
Lake Orion (7-2) needs to get past host Romeo (8-1) to meet the Wolves in the district finals.
‘We need to be more physical and aggressive against Eisenhower. We weren’t as physical and aggressive as we need to be against Lake Orion,? said Richardson.