Preparing for another gauntlet of a season after reaching the state semifinals for the first time since 2013, the Clifton-Clyde Eagle football is gearing up for another postseason run.
After a talented senior class graduated, the Eagles lost a lot of key members, but there’s still a great deal of talent on this year’s team. James Jarvis was all-league honorable mention, alongside utility player Joseph Fahey, and tight end/defensive end Luke Nobert. Another returning starter from last year’s team is Ryan LeClair.
“We’re probably going to anchor a lot of what we do around him (Fahey),” said head coach Russ Steinbrock. “He brings a lot of experience on both sides of the ball.”
The Eagles get thrown to the fire early on to start the season, traveling to Frankfort to open the year, with the Wildcats delivering a 70-34 loss to the Eagles last year. The Eagles home opener this year is against Hanover, who retained most of their talent from last year when the beat the Eagles 50-0.
“Seems we are about where we were a year ago, we felt like our defense would be pretty tough, we really didn’t know our offensive identity… we’re wondering what our identity will be this year. Opening with Frankfort and then Hanover, opening with two tough opponents, but nothing is really lost or gained with what we consider as a preseason game. It gives you a measuring point to see where you’re at.
“Last year we lost both of those games, but the kids took off afterwards, we got things rolling. We didn’t show up against Hanover last year, and they’re probably going to be better this year.”
The Eagles reached the semifinals game last year after defeating Solomon, Oswego, and Madison, before falling to Central Plain on a final drive by the Oilers to take the lead. “I think this is a confident group (returning). Last year I think we shocked everybody, i don’t think anyone expected us to be that good,” said Steinbrock.”All we’ve been talking about is Frankfort, they kids are focused and want to get the season started with a win.”
Steinbrock is hoping to utilize the success of last year’s team to further develop this program and capitalize on the experience that everyone gained in last year’s postseason run.
“We talked a lot about last year’s group of seniors, that was probably one of the best group of overall leaders in my 24 years (of coaching). We’ve noted to our senior class this year how important that is, and we keep going back to that, and hoping that our seniors this year realize how fortunate they were to play with a group like that and hope that rubbed off on them to lead this team and be successful and lead us through adversity.”
Clifton-Clyde begins the season on Friday, September 5, on the road at Frankfort. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
