On Friday, Oct. 23rd Clinton traveled to Monroe to take on the 3rd ranked division 5 Jefferson Bears were undefeated. Clinton came in as the underdog, but jumped out to an early 14-0 lead after a 45 yard rushing touchdown by Gradyn Whelan and a two point conversion followed by Gradyn as well. Clinton was up 8-0. Then it was Bronson Whelan with a 39 yard touchdown run, but the two point conversion failed. Clinton 14 Jefferson 0. At the end of the first quarter Jefferson started to battle back with a touchdown pass for 11 yards and a two point run conversion to follow it up. Clinton 14 Jefferson 8. In the second quarter it was all Jefferson as they scored on an 18 yard pass and converted their two point conversion run. Clinton 14 Jefferson 16. Jefferson managed another score with an 8 yard touchdown run, but their conversion failed. The score at halftime was Clinton 14 Jefferson 22. Clinton came out of halftime inspired and ready for the challenge as it forced Jefferson to punt on their opening drive. Clinton took over the third quarter and drove down with Bronson Whelan punching in a touchdown from 3 yards out. and Darcari Garrison pushing in for the two point conversion. Clinton 22 Jefferson 22. The next drive was finished with a Braxton Randolph touchdown for three yards out after another Clinton defensive stop. Dacari Garrison punched in another two point conversion. Clinton 30 Jefferson 22. Monroe came back and score on a 20 yard pass but their conversion was stopped. Bronson Whelan took a pass from Gradyn Whelan for a 23 yard touchdown. Jacob Pope then caught a two point conversion pass from Gradyn Whelan. Clinton 38 Jefferson 28. Then Gradyn Whelan picked off a Jefferson pass and took it the distance for a 44 yard touchdown. Jaxon Speth converted the kick to make it Clinton 45 Jefferson 28. The scoring was not done though as Bronson Whelan ran for a 25 yard touchdown followed by Jaxon Speth again connecting on the point after to finish the scoring. Clinton 52 Monroe Jefferson 28. This moves Clinton to 8-1 on the season and co LCAA Champs. Clinton rushed for 298 yards and passed for another 29 yards for 327 yards of offense. Gradyn Whelan was the leading rusher with 15 carries for 135 yards. Gradyn also was 3 of 5 passing for 29 yards a touchdown, and an interception. Bronson Whelan rushed for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dacari Garrison rushed for 38 yards on 4 carries. Jake Halchishak rushed for 13 yards on 4 carries. Braxton Randolph had one carry for 3 yards and a touchdown. Bronson Whelan had two catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. Dacari Garrison had one catch. Jaxon Phillip had one punt for 37 yards. Pancake blocks were by Jonah Hahn, Jacob Pope, Roman Roberts, and Owen Wright each with one apiece. Leading the defense was Bronson Whelan with 6 tackles and two tackles for a loss. Daejaun Garrison had 7 tackles on the night and a fumble recovery. Braxton Randolph had 4.5 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Jake Halchishak had 3.5 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Gradyn Whelan had 2 tackles and a 44 yard interception return for a touchdown. Jaxon Phillip had 4 tackles on the night. Others with tackles on the night were: Paul Blanchard(1), Owen Wright(2.5), Isaac Keibler(2.5), Zander Urban(1), Dacari Garrison(2), Aiden Simpson(.5), Jacob Pope(1), and Noah Jenkins(.5). Offensive Players of the Game were Gradyn Whelan and Bronson Whelan. Defensive Player of the Game was Daejaun Garrison. Red Army Player of the Week was Kolton Pruss. Special Teams Player of the Game was Jaxen Speth. Clinton will host the first round MHSAA Playoff Game on Friday, Oct. 30th against Clawson who is 6-3 on the season. Clinton is seeded fourth in their region based on playoff points and is excited about having a playoff game at home.