PHOTO: Linebacker LouLou Young (5) is a big part of Claymont’s stingy defense.
The second half of the high school football season got underway last week and some key games are on the slate heading into Week 7.
Here are some notes about what’s happened so far:
CLAYMONT’S DEFENSE
The unbeaten Mustangs (6-0) are rolling, and a big part of their success comes from its defense.
Through six games, Claymont’s opponents have scored just 16 points and Coach Buddy White isn’t blaming his defense for those.
Fairless scored 10 points against Claymont, but got the ball close to the goal line on a pair of special-teams mixups that resulted in a touchdown and a field goal. The touchdown came on an errant snap on a punt attempt that gave the Falcons the ball at the 5.
The only other touchdown scored by an opponent came on a pick-six by Carrollton.
“Technically, our defense hasn’t given up anything,” White commented during a telephone conversation with Big Time Sports. “Those guys are playing nasty right now… they’re really getting after itl.”
Claymont currently sits ninth in Region 15 (Division IV). Their opponents have a combined record of 6-30, but White isn’t hanging his head over that.
“The teams we’ve beaten this year are the same teams we’ve been playing … the same teams that have been beating our brains out over the last several years,” he said.
That changes this week when the Mustangs head to West Lafayette for a battle with Ridgewood.
That will be followed with a game at Tusky Valley (3-3), followed by home games against Garaway (5-1) and Indian Valley (5-0).
“We’re excited,” White said. “We’ve really been looking forward to this part of the season.
“They (the Claymont players) know the teams we’ve beaten and right now, we’re going to find out how good we really are. We’re excited and ready to play.”
They’ll likely find out Friday night.
Ridgewood is 4-2 and the Generals are coming off a 21-7 loss to Indian Valley.
“Our community is really excited about our success,” said White, whose team blanked Sandy Valley 48-0 last week. “And I’m proud to come back to my Alma Mater and get this program turned around.”
THIS WEEK
Indian Valley will host Tusky Valley (3-3) in an IVC contest at Gnadenhutten. The Braves have won 28 straight regular season games.
Dover will host Wooster, while New Philadelphia will play at Madison Comprehensive.
In other IVC action, Tuscarawas Central Catholic will host Malvern and Strasburg plays at Newcomerstown. Garaway is at Sandy Valley and Conotton Valley is at Frontier.
“I knew I was approaching the record, but at the end of the day, that’s not what this is about. It’s more about getting to the next week successful and healthy. Thankfully, we got both done tonight.”
