Clear Fork Looks to Keep Building Momentum Against Zanesville

The commencement of the high school football season is always a moment steeped in excitement, hope, and determination. This sentiment was palpably felt last Friday night in the Valley, where the Clear Fork Colts kicked off their season in spectacular fashion against the Sandusky Perkins Pirates. After a 55-0 loss to Perkins last season Clear Fork was ready to measure themselves up against the State Runner up at the Colt Corral.

Under the guidance of third-year head coach Aaron Brokaw, it was evident early on that the culture he has been building was coming to fruition. The Clear Fork offensive line, led by seniors Evan Hamilton and Julian Mills, was instrumental in setting the tone for the game. Dominating the trenches, they established a formidable run game early on, methodically wearing down the Perkins defense. This allowed junior quarterback Marcus Hoeflich to shine. With 168 all-purpose yards and a touchdown pass, Hoeflich showcased the benefits of a solid offensive line.

The Colts' ground game was not to be overlooked either, amassing a total of 147 rushing yards. Sophomore sensation Brayden Hayes contributed significantly with a four-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Alongside veteran running back Porter Schmidt, the running back corp was pivotal in keeping the chains moving and the clock running. As time dwindled in the first half, Clear Fork took a 7-0 lead—one they aimed to protect against an anticipated onslaught from Perkins.

Clear Fork's defense delivered a masterclass in resilience, stifling the Pirates' aerial assault led by Sam Schweinfurth, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards last season. The Colts executed their "bend but don’t break" philosophy effectively, mitigating Perkins' threats. This strategy proved vital as the game came down to the wire, tied at 14-14, with only seconds remaining.

The dramatic climax of the contest arrived when a high snap on a Perkins punt set the stage for junior Nash Evans. With the weight of the game resting on his shoulders, Evans calmly nailed a 29-yard field goal, securing a thrilling 17-14 victory for Clear Fork. Evans' dual role as both a kicker and a standout defender against Perkins’ star receiver, Blake Parker, underscores the versatility and depth of this Colts roster.

As the dust settles on week one, Clear Fork's focus now shifts to their upcoming matchup against the Zanesville Blue Devils. Under the direction of first-year coach and alumni Zach Clapper, Zanesville is seeking redemption after a rough 70-26 defeat against Johnstown last week. The Colts, now riding high on their momentum, will need to remain vigilant; with an opponent hungry for a bounce-back win, they must bring their A-game to maintain their winning streak.

The excitement surrounding week two promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in Clear Fork Colts football. Catch the action live on VSBN radio at 6:40 PM.