08 Aug 2015 CLINTON: Yellow Jackets ready for more

Conference: 4-4A
Coach: Chris Dufrene
’14 Record: 9-4 (5-2)

Clinton made history in 2014 as the Yellow Jackets made it to the 4A quarterfinals for the first time.

“Last season was a fun year,” said Coach Chris Dufrene. “It was my son’s senior year, and we had a great year. Going to Dollarway and beating the No. 1 ranked team was the defining moment of our season.”

Senior Kannon Bradley takes over at quarterback this fall for the Yellow Jackets. He’ll be joined in the backfield by juniors Mitchell McNeal (running back), Kort Weaver (wingback) and Wyatt McCoy (fullback). Senior Kaleb Haney starts at tight end, and senior Travis Farmer gives Clinton a solid option at receiver. Seniors Jared Widener (right tackle), Austin Clark (center), Chase Cook (left guard) and Garrett Bagley (right tackle) and sophomore Styles Booher (right guard) make up a strong offensive line for Clinton.

Junior Gunner Ward and senior Jesus Robles rush the edges for Clinton at the defensive end positions. Bagley mans the middle at nose tackle. Senior Seth Hunt and McCoy field the outside linebacker spots. Junior Danny Bittle and senior Trevor Dawson (a 501 Football Team honoree) start at inside linebacker.

“We expect Trevor to be a starting linebacker and special teams player,” Dufrene said. “He started the last five games as a junior and made lots of tackles.”

Junior Jake Ferrell and senior Travis Whitson start on the corners, and junior Bradley Amos and Weaver start at the safety positions in the secondary.

“Our conference is going to be very competitive again this year from top to bottom,” Dufrene said.