Clovers look to take Sectional title away from Sheridan

Having already assured themselves, the first winning season since 1996, the Cloverdale Clovers are looking to keep the 90's vibes going Friday night when they chase their first sectional title since 1992.

"It’s big for our program. We have continued to improve and get better every year. To think five years ago, the school board was contemplating shutting down football at Cloverdale to now back to back sectional title games. It is pretty awesome to see our community rally for us and we would love to get the job done this year," Cloverdale head coach Tyler Lotz told The Putnam County Post. 

Standing in the way is a Sheridan team that enters with a 7-2 record under first year head coach Jake Chesney. The Clovers, on the other hand, are 7-4 under  Lotz. 

A season ago, Sheridan defeated Cloverdale, 42-14, in the sectional. However, this is two entirely different teams this season.

For starters, Cloverdale has explosiveness on offense, as the Clovers enter averaging 41 points per game and have outscored opponents, 103-20 in the playoffs. 

And, for Sheridan, while his name may be on the field, Hall of Famer Bud Wright is no longer pacing the sidelines. 

"Sheridan is similar to last year's team. They are big up front with long athletes at wide receiver and short, stout running backs. Defensively they love to load the box and play man to man defense," Lotz said. 

The Clovers have benefitted offensively from the play of quarterback Landon Duncan and running back Keshaun Taylor. On the season, Duncan is 87-of-158 for 1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns. Taylor has carried the football 178 times for 1,470 yards and 25 trips to the end zone. 

For the Blackhawks, quarterback Brock Hagan closed out the regular season with 444 yards passing and four touchdowns, while rushing for another 175 yards and three scores. Hayden Alexander has carried the load for Sheridan, rushing for 897 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jonathan Barnes has added another 401 yards and eight touchdowns. Furthermore, Alex Cravens has rushed for 835 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

For Cloverdale to pick up a sectional win, Lotz said a few things have to happen. 

"We will have to do a great job up front on both sides of the ball. We have to finish every drive with a kick and play together as a group for a full 48 minutes," Lotz said.