Article by Josh Longstreth
The Clare Pioneers bounced back in a big way last week to defeat Harrison, 41-0. This week they would impress yet again by knocking off Okemos.
Clare came out with a big time sense of urgency in this one. They would take back a 77-yard touchdown run to grab the first points of the night and put themselves up 7-0. Next, they would get their special teams involved on a big 65-yard punt return. The Pioneers looked up at an early 14-0 advantage. Keeping ‘Uncle Mo’ rolling, Clare began to pull away even more after a 7-yard run to grab a 20-0 lead. They weren’t done yet as they would punch another one in from 1-yard away. Clare would lead 27-0 after one quarter of play.
Okemos came to Clare to play a football game and the Pioneers just weren’t having it. Clare would make their mark first in the second after a 53-yard scamper to lead 34-0. The Pioneers had the ground game fully intact, they would find another from 2-yards out. After another good PAT, Clare would hold a 41-0 advantage. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. That could be the quote of the night from the Pioneers as they added another rushing touchdown in the half. Clare marches into the locker room with a 48-0 lead over the Wolves.
Things would slow down a bit to begin the half but it would be another Pioneers rushing touchdown to grab the only points in the third. A 49-yard run would give Clare the 55-0 lead heading into the final twelves minutes of play.
This was the night of the Pioneers run game and their defense. Clare would add a 2-yard plunge and that would do it for their night. The Pioneers go on to take down Okemos, 61-0.
Okemos will fall to 0-6 on the season. They will take on a DeWitt team who is coming off a tough win over a very good Grand Ledge team. The Panthers roll into Okemos next Friday night.
Clare grabs their second win in a row to improve to 4-2. They have a chance to really keep things rolling when they take on a Sanford Meridian team who has really struggled the past couple weeks. The Pioneers will welcome the Mustangs in week seven.