A week after a 33-31 loss to Goshen, Clinton-Massie steps right back in to the fire against New Richmond.
The Lions and Falcons are both 7-1 this season. New Richmond is 3-0 in the American Division and tied for first with Goshen while Clinton-Massie is 2-1.
The game is set to kick-off at Frank M. Irelan Field at 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week, Clinton-Massie head coach Dan McSurley said his squad was exposed defensively, surrendering nearly 500 yards to a balanced Goshen squad.
“Last week’s game was one of the most intense regular season games we’ve played in a while,” McSurley said. “It ranks up there with both the Chillicothe away games and the Wilmington game from a couple years ago. We came out on top in those games, however, we fell a little short last week.”
Clinton-Massie rallied in the fourth quarter to take a lead against Goshen but then lost the game on a last-second field goal by Gerardo Espinosa-Ley.
“Goshen made a huge pass play to get them out of a big hole after the kick-off,” said McSurley. “Then the momentum turned and we failed to hold on a fourth and eight deep in our territory.”
The Lions are equally adept on the ground or through the air and should provide another stiff test for Clinton-Massie.
“Their QB ranks right up there with the Goshen kid,” said McSurley. “He runs the ball around 25 times a game and can spin it. It’s going to be a challenge for our defense.”
Josh Anderson is the Lions signal-caller. He ran for 222 yards and a touchdown while passing for 123 yards and a score last week against Western Brown.
For the year, Anderson has rushed for 852 yards and five scores while passing for 1,432 yards and 20 touchdowns. Chandler Kinhalt is his top target with 30 catches for 483 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, the Lions also boast running back TJ Gelter, who has 678 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Mitchell Williamson is the leading tackler in the SBAAC with 97 for the year, according to the league website.
New Richmond has been strong in recent years, including a three-game run in the playoffs a year ago. McSurley is hoping the loss to the Warriors helps his team over the final two games.
“Hopefully this will re-focus our entire team for the final run,” he said. “New Richmond is a seasoned team who lost to Trotwood Madison in the regional finals a year ago.”
