About Clarkson

ABOUT CLARKSON

    Two-point conversions were a bugaboo for Clarkson this year.
    The Red Devils lost 8-6 to Dodge and then fell 30-28 to Humprey St. Francis, failing to convert on three two-point opportunities.
    But Jim Clarkson, coach of the Red Devils, figured out the problem.
    "It was on me.  I was trying to get too fancy and have special plays for two-point conversions.  We'd march right down the field and then I'd send in some pass play for the conversion," he said.  "We decided to take more of a smash-mouth approach."
    It worked.  Clarkson avenged its loss to St. Francis, beating the Flyers 22-20 in overtime in the semifinals to advance to today's Class D-1 title game against Pope John.  After Eric Brabec scored in the overtime period, fullback Michael Konicek slammed in for the conversion.  Clarkson broke up the Flyers' two-point attempt to seal the win.
    Coach Clarkson said the Red Devils made some position switches during the regular season.
    "Brandon Dinslage was quarterback, with Eric Brabec at fullback and Michael Konicek at tailback," he said.  "We thought we needed to shake things up, so we switched Eric to quarterback, moved Michael up to fullback and Brandon to tailback."
    But Clarkson said it all starts up front in the offensive line, with guard Jonathan Bos paving the way.
    "Out whole offensive line is big and strong and fast.  We have good backs, but our running is a tribute to the offensive line."
    Box (Bos) said experience helps.  He was a starter last year, along with guard Steven Paprocki, guard Nathan Urbanek and tight end Corbin Hammernik (Hamernik).
                                                                                     - Ryly Jane Hambleton

Clarkson (10-2)