**ARTICLE BY JOSH LONGSTRETH**
The Clare Pioneers didn’t get the outcome they wanted last week in Freeland. The Pioneers would head into a JPC opener against the Pinconning Spartans, a team that would also be looking to bounce back. It didn’t take long for the Pioneers long to get over last week.
The defense would get this one started for the Pioneers. Clare would take a 6-0 lead when Carter Smedley returned an interception 30 yards to open the party. Camden Babcock would then make it a 7-0 game after the PAT. Next, it would be Westyn Bryant who would punch it in to give the Pioneers a 14-0 lead after another Babcock PAT. Bryant would take another one in from 15-yards out. The Pioneers were off and running taking a 21-0 lead.
Miles Haggart would get in on the act next. The Pioneer QB would punch it in from 1-yard out, and it was all Pioneers at 28-0. They were not done yet in the first quarter. Bryant would punch in his third touchdown in the frame on a 3-yard plunge. Pinconning would have to get themselves out of a hole in this one, as the Pioneers would take a 35-0 heading into the second quarter.
Clare would pick right up where they left off as the second quarter began. This time, it was Owhin Thompson taking it in on a 48-yard scamper. Clare was not done there. The passing game would make some noise on the next drive as Haggart would connect with Karson Tocco on a 47-yard touchdown pass. Ethan Cook would kick the next PAT giving the Pioneers a 49-0 lead. They would then decide to tack on another as junior slot reciever, Ryan Rodenbo, would take one in from 30-yards out. A breath would be taken, and the Pioneers would head into the half with a 56-0 advantage over the host Spartans.
A new half allowed a new name for the Pioneers to get involved. Jayden Arthur would start the scoring off in the third on a 52-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Pioneers a 63-0 lead. Pinconning would break through in the quarter giving themselves some momentum on a 2-yard receiving touchdown. The kick would fail, but the Spartans would be on the board. Clare would lead 63-6 heading to the final quarter of this one.
When your offense clicks like the Pioneers experienced on Thursday, everyone’s joining in on the fun. Clare would get Holden Hollingshead involved this time on a 56-yard rushing touchdown. Aiden Van Bonn would join in when he took a carry all the way to the house on an 85-yard sprint. That would put the finishing touches on a night where everyone would get involved for Clare. They would take this one 76-6 over the Spartans. This would notch the first win for head coach, Steven Spranger at the helm.
The Pioneers will head into next weeks home opener, 1-1, where they will face the visiting Beaverton Beavers. Beaverton heads in at 0-2 as they look to spoil the Pioneers home opener. Pinconning will begin the season 0-2 as they travel on the road for the first time against a 1-1 Harrison team who is coming off a tough loss to Gladwin.
