A few gridiron heroes stepped in front of their teammates and shared their dance moves in their post-game tradition after claiming their second consecutive MHSAA Football Regional title.
This year they beat Walled Lake Central for the championship, 40-22, securing another trip to semifinals this Saturday.
‘We knew they were going to be a good team,? said junior running back Nolan Eriksen. ‘We worked hard defensively. We came in and defense got the job done. Offense did the best we have done all year. Everyone played a great game.?
To Clarkston’s dismay, it only took the Vikings three plays before the opposing team took control of the scoreboard, 89 seconds into the game with seven points. But the Wolves were up to the challange and didn’t disappoint as they covered 55 yards in five plays to tie the score.
It came down to a 25-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback DJ Zezula to senior receiver Austin Egler and a PAT from senior Alex Kessman to put the Wolves on the board.
The Vikings took over control of the ball and Wolves? defense slowed them down, preventing them from getting the lead back.
‘We got it done when we had to,? added long-time head coach Kurt Richardson.
‘After the first couple plays I was concerned,? admitted Tony Miller, defensive coordinator. ‘We had seen what happened and we made a few adjustments. The kids played well. We have a scheme and every person had their role. After we settled down we gave offense back the ball and they did what they do which was awesome to watch.?
Clarkston had the possession again and with 2:05 remaining in the first quarter they scored again on a 13-yard run by Zezula.
Less than two minutes into the second quarter, Eriksen scored on a 38-yard run, putting the score 21-7.
‘We’ve got that balance,? Richardson added about the running game. ‘The running game helps the passing game and the passing game helps the running game. That’s been our goal and that’s what we try to achieve to regain the balance and take what they give us.?
The Wolves struck three more times in the second half of the game with two touchdowns from Zezula, on a 1-yard run and a 4-yard run. Eriksen finished the game with a 44-yard run with 2:28 remaining in the game.
Zezula was 8-for-16 on passing for 118 yards. Egler caught six passes for 94 yards.
Eriksen carried the ball 15 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
‘He is starting to look like his brother (Ian) every day. He is faster. Tougher, too,? Richardson added with a smile.
Zezula rushed the ball 13 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Kessman was 4-for-5 on PATs.
Junior Carter Linton led defense with 10 tackles and three assists. Senior Merrick Canada had eight tackles and three assists and senior Cole Chewins had four tackles and two assists.
‘We were worried about our protection because they do a good job putting heat on the quarterback,? Richardson added about the offensive line. ‘You have to give some credit to the guys up front. They did a good job protecting.?
The Wolves spend this week preparing for East Kentwood for the semifinal showdown.
‘They are just like us,? said Miller. ‘They are going to throw the ball a lot. They have great team speed. We are going to things very simple and basic and get it done.?
Richardson and Miller agreed they have great leadership coming from the seniors going into this week.
‘Our entire senior class have been great leaders,? Richardson smiled.
‘If you have been there before you know what to expect,? Miller added. ‘All the kids are going to keep their composure and will keep the younger kids composed and show them the way just like the seniors did last year.?
They both added the boys are confident.
‘They understand they had a chance to make another long run and here they are,? said Miller, pointing out the boys are at their 25th consecutive win. ‘Now it is up to them .?