Clear Fork Meets Top Ranked Shelby In MOAC Battle

This Friday, Clear Fork will hit the road to take on the number one team in all of Division Four, the Shelby Whippets. Not only did Shelby take the top spot in the latest AP Poll, but being the first place team in Division 4 Region 14 means there are a ton of playoff points up for grabs for the victor, as Clear Fork is just behind as the fourth place team in the region.

Shelby comes into the matchup against the Colts with a perfect 6-0 record and 3-0 in the MOAC. The Whippets lead the conference in touchdowns scored, led by Brayden DeVito at 12 and Brady Bowman right behind him with 10. Shelby quarterback Brayden DeVito is having a career year passing the football, with an astonishing 1,263 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not only can DeVito hurt you through the air, but his ground attack is just as impressive as he’s run for 504 yards and 12 touchdowns. A dual-threat quarterback like DeVito makes this Whippet offense so dangerous.

The most intriguing thing about this matchup Friday will be the Whippet high-powered offense going up against Clear Fork’s powerful defense. The Colts are only giving up 170 yards per game and just 2.5 yards per carry on the ground. In addition to limiting yardage the Clear Fork has also forced 15 turnovers this season, including nine interceptions.

Last week, Clear Fork’s defense continued its dominance as they smothered Marion Harding, forcing turnovers and capitalizing with points off of them. Junior Nash Evans accounted for 25 of the 31 points last week while kicking, returning, and receiving. Evans continues to grow into the team’s utility man, helping in any way he can.

Clear Fork’s quarterback, Marcus Hoeflich, has also been impressive through the first six weeks by playing selfless, smart football. Hoeflich has done a masterful job running the offense and ripping off three wins in a row, remaining perfect in the MOAC.

Clear Fork certainly has the talent and ability to play with Shelby, but the x-factor could be penalties. Clear Fork will need to limit the penalties, which have been the one issue all season surrounding the 5-1 team.

It's hard to believe the MOAC title game could be in week seven but here we are! Shelby looks to continue its title dominance in the conference in which they’ve won every year except one. A year ago, Shelby defeated Clear Fork 34-7 in the Valley but clearly this Colts team is different.

All eyes will be on the Whippet Athletic Complex this week. You can hear the game on vsbnradio.com at 6:40 PM with Coach Brokaw joining up right before kickoff.