The Clinton Cardinals defense was tough and the offense put points on the board when they needed to in a 26-12 home win over Center in the regular season finale last Friday night.
They now move on to week 10 this Friday night when they travel to California to take on the Pintos in the opening round of districts.
We caught up with Clinton head coach Todd Mowery after the game to get his thoughts on the Cardinals' win and more . . .
OS: What turned this game around for the Cardinals opposed to last weeks loss?
TM: The first thing was two totally different types of teams in Center and Warrensburg. Center has struggled this week but we knew, regardless of that, they were still bigger and faster than we were. We talked about playing with discipline and sticking to fundamentals all week and we did that. We made more mistakes than we wanted but also did a lot of great things.
OS: How was the team attitude as oppose to last week?
TM: There was a different vibe going into the Center game. It was a confidence thing. That's one thing we've struggled with this year is having confidence going into what we know are tough games. We're making strides with this but not 100% there yet. It will come with the more success we see.
OS: What did you do to correct these issues during practice from last Friday?
TM: It's mainly mental toughness. Being able to overcome those negative thoughts and just playing football. Believing in yourself and teammates when we know it'll be tough. We constantly tell them to just trust themselves and each other. It's always, "Do Your Job". If everyone does the job they are supposed to, then everything else will fall into place. We're in one of the toughest conferences in the state, it's never going to be easy.
OS: Tell me about your offensive line
TM: We have struggled at times, but we've also seen a lot of great things. We've had to move some people around at different times and that makes it tough on anyone. Being an offensive lineman isn't an easy job. Each week their job can change depending on the defensive front they see. Overall they've done a great job adjusting to what's in front of them.
OS: Tell me about your defensive line
TM: Our D Line has really been the heart of our defense. Every week they've come up with some great plays. They have had several goal line stands this year and have held some of the league's best running backs to their lowest rushing totals on the year
OS: Brag on some players that you feel helped in this win for Clinton.
TM: We had some big play makers on Friday. Those big plays are momentum changers in any game. Friday, Payton Goth had some great plays, including a huge pick 6 and some great tackles for a loss. Also, Will Golder came up with a big blocked punt. Will has had several game changing plays this season. On the offensive side of the ball, Senior Carson Roskop and Sophomore Markus Oliver have been running the ball well all night against that big defensive front of Center
OS: You had a huge home crowd, do you think that aided in the energy change?
TM: The energy of a home crowd is always a game changer. I'm a firm believer in big crowds playing into team energy. Every home game we've had this season has been a great atmosphere. Big thank you to the student section and the entire community for their support
OS: What else do you have, Coach?
TM: There were a lot of firsts for our team this year. Looking back to Friday, Center was our first ever MRVC win since joining the conference. Also, it was the first time we've beaten Center since 2008 I believe. This week begins the state playoffs and we have a great opportunity to win a big game. We will travel to California, Mo to face the Pintos in round 1
