Chargers bounce back in win at Clinton - Heritage Hall Athletics

Coming off a tough opening season loss, Heritage Hall was eager to get back onto the field and into the win column. Looking to avenge the Millwood game, the Chargers traveled an hour and a half west to face a longtime rival, the 1-0 Clinton Red Tornadoes, who still had a sour taste in their mouth from last year's heartbreaking defeat to the Chargers.

As if the game didn't already have incredible storylines surrounding it, these two teams were facing a third enemy on Friday night, the weather. With a steady, light rainfall covering Clinton, the conditions became immediately more difficult to play on. Friday night's duel between familiar foes was setting up to be a dandy, and it delivered.

The first half between Heritage Hall and Clinton showed us how much even a little bit of rain can affect a football game. With players slipping and sliding left and right, mistakes were imminent. The Charger offense never found a rhythm, and every time it seemed they were beginning to click, the team shot itself in the foot with a crucial turnover or penalty.

Meanwhile, Clinton's offense was capitalizing early. Quarterback Gage Gaunt, committed to play D1 baseball at Oklahoma State, connected with Atrel Bryson on a 26-yard touchdown to start the scoring. The Tornado offense struck again on their second possession when star running back DayDay Simpkins galloped into the end zone from 23 yards to increase the Red Tornado lead. Clinton missed both conversions, however, which would prove to be crucial later in the ball game.

As the Chargers offense continued to struggle, things worsened when starting quarterback Will Dunn was blindsided and fumbled. The fumble was recovered by Clinton, but more importantly and more devastating for the Chargers was that Dunn came up hobbled. The starting quarterback would not return to the game. Backup signal caller Robert Mbroh took the helm for the Chargers. Mistakes again ended the Chargers chances on multiple drives to close out the half, and Clinton ran into the locker room with a 12-0 advantage.

The Chargers had been punched in the gut and Head Coach Brett Bogert wanted to see how his team would respond. The Heritage coaching staff has historically been known for making key adjustments at halftime – and they did just that.

On its first possession of the second half, the Chargers marched straight down the field and cut into the Clinton lead with a Billy Ross, Jr., touchdown run.

This inspired the Hall's defense as well, which brought immense amounts of pressure on the Clinton passing game. Heritage capped off the third quarter with a touchdown run from "Mr. Do-It-All," Conner Carey to capture the teams first lead of the night. Heading into the fourth quarter, Heritage commanded a 14-12 lead.

The final quarter was filled with action packed excitement, as both defenses stepped up big time for their respective teams. Heritage Hall finally found the endzone again late in the fourth when Conner Carey took a 10-yard run to the house for his second score of the night and an 8-point lead. However, the extra point was blocked, leaving hope for Clinton as time dwindled.

That hope was quickly silenced when Gaunt was obliterated play after play by the Charger defense, who forced a 4 and out, to clinch a 20-12 victory.

The Heritage Hall passing game never found its way on Friday, due in large part to the quarterback switch and the wet weather. Mbroh finished the game 6 of 10 passing with 35 yards through the air, while Dunn finished 2 of 6 for 19 yards and 2 interceptions in his one quarter of action.

Carey led the Chargers in rushing with 123 yards and 2 scores. Ross added 53 yards rushing and found paydirt once. Philip Smitherman's 31 yards receiving on three catches were tops among the receiving corps.

As for that stout defense, Smitherman (11), Hardy Bowers (10), and Preston Nelson (9) were the top tacklers. The Chargers sacked Gaunt 4 times, with Bowers, Nelson, Omari Smith, A.J. Sirls, Jr, all crunching the Clinton passer. Jaden McDaniel boasted three tackles for loss.

After a tight and clutch win in Clinton, the Charger football team is looking forward to its first game in front of a home crowd this Friday night. Heritage Hall will duel with another longtime rival and traditional power in the 2A #11 Davis Wolves. Catch the game live at 7pm on ChargerVision.

Onward!

Written by Rives Mitchell '19
Photos by Kirsten Griffin

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