Clarkson/Leigh looking for dynamic season

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Jim Clarkson (21st season) (100-95 career record)

2019 record: 7-3 (lost to Falls City Sacred Heart in Second round of playoffs)

Returning Starters: 7 offense 7 defense

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Patriots figure to be locked and loaded this season with the return of 7 starters on both sides of the ball, including Running Back Tommy McEvoy, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL.

Back on both sides of the ball for Head Coach Jim Clarkson are Lance Paprocki (5'8, 150 SR QB/DB), Eli Hays (5'6, 130 JR RB/DB), Carter Hanel (6'3, 205 JR TE/DE), Mitch Beeson (6'0, 200 JR OL/DE), Trevor Zulkoski (5'11, 185 SR TE/LB), and Cooper Vance (6'0, 245 JR OL/DL). Kyle Kasik (5'11, 170 SO RB/DB) also returns on the offensive side of the ball while Drew Beeson (5'8, 160 SO RB/LB) is the other returning defensive starter. Other returning starters/those likely to play include McEvoy (6'2, 195 SR RB/S), Austin Sayers (5'11, 250 SR OL/DL), Layne Krutz (5'11, 265 SR OL/DL), Kanyon Held (5'8, 175 JR TE/LB), Kyle Holmberg (5'10, 170 SO TE/LB), and Jackson Koehn (5'10, 180 SO OL/DL). 

Coach Clarkson says McEvoy has had D-1 interest. "The Return of Tommy McEvoy. After suffering a Torn ACL in Late July and missing the 2019 season. Tommy will return to the field. During the season and into the winter months despite the injury Tommy has gained the interest of several College Programs including some Division 1 teams. Tommy has gone on several visits no offers yet as teams wait to see how he looks post injury. Tommy is also the son of our Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator Bob McEvoy."

Clarkson says he's like a caged animal ready to breakout. "Tommy coming of the ACL injury, is excited to play Football again. He is angry and pumped at the same time which could lead to an exciting year. I have tried to never over hype a player, and of course I am bias, but I firmly believe that Tommy is the best 8-man football player in the State. His instincts and closing speed on defense is amazing and his vision and toughness combined with his speed make him extremely dynamic. Can't wait to watch him play the game again."

McEvoy is a very talented back who could have a major breakout season and lead this team to greatness. Given what is all the line for him I wouldn't be shocked if he rushed for well over 1,000 yards again, maybe even 2,000.

Clarkson talks about Hays. "Eli came to us last year after moving in from DC West. He is a dynamic player he averaged 168 all purpose yards a game. He had 6 return TD's (4KOR, 2PR). Plus he was our best cover corner. Eli was named All-State in the LJS. Eli is very versatile with his running and catching abilities. He has a very bright future."

Hays helps out the team big time in my estimation.

Clarkson says Hanel is an up and coming player. "Carter is a really good young player. He is a very physical blocker, plays the game very hard, and has really good hands as a receiver. He will move from LB to DE on defense where I think he will excel even more. We really think Carter is a top level player."

Clarkson expects Paprocki to be a team leader. "Lance is a three year starter at QB. As our passing game continues to evolve Lance really became a force on the ground for us last season. We do expect Lance and the team make some big stides in the passing game as we have some good weapons to throw to. But his ability to run our option offense is second to none. Lance also is a very sure tackler on Defense and a leader with moxie."

Clarkson looks for Mitch Beeson to be the motivational leader. "Mitch lead our team in sacks (6) and TFL (10) . He plays with the best motor of any kid I have coached. His effort level is outstanding, and he is very physical. He is also the leader on our offensive line. he plays both Center and Guard."

I think Beeson is the type of player who can and will get everyone fired up before each game and be that emotional leader on and off the field.

Of course this all contingent upon the pandemic not shutting the season down.

Clarkson says the pandemic didn't alter or change the offseason a whole lot. "For us the Summer and preseason was surprisingly normal. Outside of some extra cleaning and a few extra precautions things felt and went Ok."

Hopefully we get to play a full season because Clarkson/Leigh is going to be amazing this year.

Season Outlook:

Clarkson/Leigh figures to have a breakout season. 

Clarkson says the road isn't easy, but his team is ready. "We look to be a very competitive team this Fall. Our schedule is very tough as is our District so it will be a battle each week. We need to come together as a team and learn from last year, we have some good experience coming back but need to make sure we are solid on the line if we want to compete. If all the pieces fall together right we will be a tough out. We feel there is some excitement around the program, and the guys are fired up to play the game of football."

Clarkson/Leigh is in a District with Howells-Dodge, GACC, Wisner-Pilger, and Stanton, plus Madison.

The Jaguars, GACC, and Wisner-Pilger were all hit hard by graduation, but still figure to be tough and good.

Stanton comes down from C-2 so they figure to be tough as well.

Clarkson says his team is thrilled just to have the opportunity to play. "We are super jacked about how the NSAA is handling this very difficult situation. Very satisfied with the plan and how they have put the kids' interest first."

He adds there is a lot of buzz and excitement amongst everyone right now. "There has definitely been an extra pop in our step. We always have good summer attendance in the weight room, that being said this was the best summer we have ever had.  Practices have also been very sharp so far."

The stage is simply set for Clarkson/Leigh to go out there and do great things if the Pandemic doesn't shut things down.

Let's cross our fingers and hope that doesn't happen, and hope everyone stays healthy and safe, and no one gets sick.

The Bacon Bowl against Howells-Dodge on October 16th will be aired on 107.9 the Bull, and that game figures to be for all the marbles.

That should be a great one and if that game is played I can't wait for it and to see who wins it. I really think this could be Clarkson/Leigh's year.

The Patriots open up the season at home against Cross County on August 28th.

2020 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Football Schedule:

08/28/20 Cross County

09/04/20 @ Elmwood-Murdock

09/11/20 East Butler

09/18/20 @ Stanton

09/25/20 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

10/02/20 @ Madison

10/09/20 Wisner-Pilger

10/16/20 @ Howells-Dodge