Lake Orion and Clarkston played their closest game since 1954 on Friday night, with the host Wolves claiming a 21-19 victory in the most recent chapter of the storied rivalry.
And, as is usually the case with rivalry games, this one was decided by the big plays, with the biggest two going Clarkston’s way.
Erik Thompson’s 82-yard touchdown run in the third quarter put the Wolves up 14-6 and then Julius Porter took a Nick Shamoun pass 49 yards to set up Jimmy Popp’s late touchdown run that sealed the win by putting Clarkston up two scores.
‘It was a typical Clarkston/Orion game,? Clarkston Coach Kurt Richardson said. ‘They were all banged up, but did a great job of putting their game plan together. They moved the ball pretty well on us.?
With the win, Clarkston wrapped up the OAA Red title, their first outright league crown since 2000. Lake Orion, meanwhile, fell to 5-3 and will have to win their home finale against West Bloomfield to ensure a playoff berth.
‘They made plays when they needed to,? Lake Orion Coach Chris Bell said of Clarkston. ‘Breakdowns at key times probably cost us.?
It was the Dragons, however, that were benefactors of the game’s only turnover on the very first play from scrimmage, as Popp’s fumble gave LO the ball on Clarkston’s 31-yard line.
Lake Orion drove down to the Wolves? one-yard line, but was turned back on a fourth-down rush by A.J. Palko.
‘It’s early in the game, we’re on the road and we’re moving the ball well, so that’s why we went for it early,? Bell said.
The game stayed scoreless until early in the second quarter, when Branden Oakes? one-yard dive put the Dragons on the board, capping an 11-play, 63-yard drive. Evan Moran’s point after was no good, however, leaving the score 6-0.
Clarkston came right back, getting good field position from a 23-yard Thompson return and marching down the field in just six plays. A Carlo Mollicone 26-yard grab and a 21-yard scamper by Popp were key plays in the drive, which ended in Popp scoring from two yards out. Thompson’s extra point gave Clarkston their first lead exactly two minutes after LO had scored.
The teams then exchanged three-and-out possessions, with Lake Orion getting prime field position on a 20-yard return by Ryan Broth.
A few plays later, on fourth and five from Clarkston’s 37-yard line, Broth was sacked, giving the Wolves good field position with less than three minutes left in the half.
Their drive would come up just a foot short, as Thompson was tackled inside the one-yard line as time expired in the half, leaving the score 7-6 at the break.
In the third quarter, the Dragons found their offensive rhythm with Palko and Oakes sharing carries and marching the ball downfield. Their opening drive went deep into Clarkston territory, but another Wolves? stand on fourth down stopped Palko a yard short inside the 20.
‘We were moving the ball, we just didn’t cash in drives,? Bell noted.
After the teams traded punts, Clarkston found themselves 93-yards from pay dirt. That’s when Thompson took over, getting nine yards on an end around and then striking it big with a counter play.
‘Our strategy all year long has been to just outlast the other team,? Thompson said.
‘We all have faith in our linemen that they can move guys, open a hole and we got it.?
The Dragons showed some resolve, however, marching 69 yards in a seven-and-a-half minute drive that spanned two quarters and ended with Broth scoring on a quarterback keeper on fourth down from the two.
A two-point conversion attempt that followed went awry from the start, with Broth colliding with a running back before throwing a pass, intended for Chad Nieswand, out of the back of the end zone.
Trailing by two and needing a stop on defense, the Dragons put Clarkston in a third-and-eight a yard shy of midfield. That’s when Porter found a seam in the defense, slipped a tackle and set up the clinching score.
With just over three minutes left, the Dragons marched down the field, getting four catches from Nieswand, a pass interference call on fourth down and, eventually, a 14-yard touchdown catch courtesy of Mike Nelson.
Trailing by two again, but with just 21 seconds left, Lake Orion’s onside kick attempt was recovered by Chad Blackstone to preserve the win for Clarkston.
‘My kids played hard,? Bell said. ‘They have nothing to hang their heads about. They came in here, slugged it out and went toe-to-toe.?
Clarkston will try to cap an undefeated regular season (matching the feat of LO last year) by beating Harrison on the road next week.
The Dragons will have to deal with a 5-3 West Bloomfield squad with playoff aspirations of their own, with the loser of that game likely finished.
‘Essentially, the playoffs start next week,? Bell said.
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Game notes?
*Popp finished with 101 yards rushing on 22 carries, while Thompson added 137 yards from scrimmage for the Wolves. The Dragons were led by Palko’s 90 yards rushing and 62 total yards by Oakes.
*On the defensive side Bryant Craft and Alex Popp were in on a combined 23 tackles for the Wolves. Lake Orion was led by Blaine Stormer’s six tackles and five apiece by Kevin Kelly and Kevin Loney. Marc Huffman recovered the early fumble for the Dragons.
*The Dragons won most of the statistical battles, with a higher third down percentage (47% to 43%), more first downs (16 to 12), fewer penalties (two for 10 yards, compared to three for 25) and getting the lone turnover, but the two big plays proved to be too much.
*The teams could meet again in the early rounds of the playoffs (should LO qualify) and both coaches said to expect the same type of game if it happens.