06 Aug 2016 CLINTON: High numbers, move to 3A bode well for Yellow Jackets

Conference: 1-3A
Coach: Chris Dufrene
’15 Record: 2-8

After nine wins in 2014, the Clinton Yellow Jackets fell on hard times last fall. Injuries disrupted what was supposed to be a hopeful season.

“It was a tough year,” said Coach Chris Dufrene. “But in Week 10 at 2-7, we still practiced hard.”

Last year’s misfortunes have left this year’s squad with a ton of experience, and a move back down to class 3A also bodes well for Clinton.
Senior Kort Weaver started four games at quarterback last fall. The running game consists of seniors Chase Cooley (wingback), Mitchell McNeill (running back) and Wyatt McCoy (fullback). Sophomore Caleb Bowman will start at tight end. Offensive linemen include senior Jeremiah Roberson (left tackle), junior Stiles Booher (right guard), senior Josh Pryor (center), junior Jonathan Ochoa (left guard) and senior Gunner Ward (right tackle).

Junior Hunger Passmore (tackle) and sophomores Corey Sledge (nose guard) and Cort Bagley (tackle) hold down the defensive line. McCoy, senior Dalton Hoyle, senior Danny Bittle and sophomore Sky Davidson project as starting linebackers. Senior Bradley Amos (safety), senior Jake Ferrell (corner back), junior Charlie Sowell (corner back) and sophomore Nathan Ross (safety) fill out the secondary.

“Both our offense and defense should be very good,” Dufrene said. “We are trying to go one way on both sides of the football. I think we should be really good in our new conference. We have good numbers.”