Playoffs Or Bust? High Expectations For Clawson Football

The football team has had a pretty successful run recently. 

Since 2006, it has five straight winning seasons, two playoff appearances and a Macomb Conference Bronze division title. Head coach Jim Sparks is trying to raise the bar even higher.

“We’ve had a couple near misses,” Sparks said. “A few 5-4 (finishes) in there. We don’t want to settle for near misses.”

Part of the problem for Clawson is its out of conference schedule. As part of the bronze division in the MAC, there are three open weeks for non-conference opponents. Sparks doesn’t just schedule easy wins.

They’ve played Marine City for the past four years. That’s a team that has only missed the playoffs twice since 1982.

“Our non-league schedule is a double edged sword,” Sparks said. “You are playing teams like Marine City, Fitzgerald, Lakeview and Lake Shore over the course of the years you get battle hardened, but you have to find ways to beat those teams to get into the playoffs.”

The loss to Marine City almost kept the Trojans out of the post season for the fourth consecutive year. Clawson lost two of thee final three games in 2010. If it wasn’t for a three point win over Warren Woods-Tower (31-28) in week six, the Trojans would’ve been on the outside looking in.

It not only would’ve been the fourth time in four years their season ended early, it would’ve also been the fourth straight time missing the playoffs by a single win.

Sparks hopes this year a dominant defense will make a playoff run easier. He is bringing back a big group of starters on the defensive side of the ball including three linebackers and two defensive lineman.

“We have a great crew of linebackers,” Sparks said. “We have three senior linebackers returning, so that’s a good spot. Deonte Hill, who was our leading tackler as a junior (99 tackles), he’s back. We have two outside backers with experience, big kids. Roger Forney and Greg Gmeiner.”

He called the defensive line stout. His description is pretty accurate when talking about 6-foot-4, 260-pound Jalen Harrison and 6-foot-2, 265-pound James Steffan. Both are two-way starters on the offensive and defensive line.

“We have some power on the defensive line, some size at the linebacker, you really couldn’t ask for more,” Gmeiner said.

The defense really came together in the first few weeks of practice. Most of the players have been teammates for at least two years and some have been together longer.

“Our defense is pretty strong, we’ve played a lot together,” Forney said. “Our defense is a brotherhood. We keep it tight and energetic. We like to make plays.”

Sparks said the defense might have to carry the Trojans a little bit while the offense finds its footing.

Clawson has to replace its starting quarterback Steve O’Connell, leading running Josh Forsythe and leading receiver Joe Smith from last season.

Junior Blake Blue is going to step in as quarterback and DeShawn Gilbert will be a key playmaker at running back and wide receiver.  At practice, the group has lacked consistency, but they are making progress. 

“We had some holes to fill,” Sparks said. “But the attitude and effort has been great.”

Fans will get their first look at this year’s team on Friday night at Clawson City Park. The Trojans will host Bishop Foley at 7 p.m. in their season opener.

Clawson players are hopeful that their season won’t end until November.

“The goal is to go all the way to Ford Field,” Forney said.