Clarkson/Leigh team saw their season come to an end Thursday night as the Patriots lost 52-8 at Nebraska City Lourdes in the first round of the playoffs.
Clarkson/Leigh was led by Bradley Bunner, who ran the ball 20 times for 63 yards. Bunner added 130 yards receiving on 6 catches.
Anthony Bruhn went 12-23 passing for 187 yards for the Patriots.
Jacob Gall made 8 tackles for Clarkson/Leigh while Bunner notched 7.
The Patriots amassed 309 yards of total offense, including 187 passing.
The Knights racked up 373 yards of total offense, 201 coming on the ground.
Head Coach Jim Clarkson says his team just couldn't get into the game.
"We had some penalties early, couple turnovers that really hurt our momentum. We thought we moved the ball well, and we did some good things defensively, but we just hurt ourselves, and got ourselves in too big a hole to get out of."
"The kids played hard, the team played hard. And it's unfortunate to go down like this. We were hoping to give a better fight on the scoreboard, but proud of our team, and credit to Lourdes, and good luck to them." Clarkson added.
Clarkson/Leigh ends the year at 3-6.
The Patriots started off the season really well, but had difficulties down the stretch, and I think a lot of that was due to Bunner being banged up.
I honestly thought Clarkson/Leigh would go at least 4-4 and win a first round playoff game, but things just didn't work out that way.
The highlight of the season for the Patriots had to be the season opening win over Pender.
The Patriots lose some talent in Bunner, Blake Paprocki, Luiz Mayorga, Dan Arriaza, and Connor Brandt, and Paxten Indra.
Clarkson/Leigh brings back some talented players though, including Isaak Wiese, Gall, Derek Gurnsey, Hector Mendoza, and Anthony Bruhn.
I think the Patriots have a chance to be solid and make the playoffs again next year. Clarkson/Leigh has room for improvement on defense, and even on offense, in my opinion, but I think the Patriots are capable of making improvements on both sides of the ball.
The returning players and newcomers have to work hard in the offseason and get better from now until August.
Participation in other sports is great, but if a player isn't out for a winter and/or spring sport, they should be working on the game of football when they have time.
I know some of these kids probably work jobs, and that's understandable, but it's not good for the players to just sit around and do nothing.
Being active physically is so important for these players, and they need to do their best to stay in and/or get in better shape in the offseason.
With that said, it's important not to overdue things. Proper rest and hydration and things of that sort is critical to having a healthy body.
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