Clarion traveled to Slippery Rock University last Thursday, coming away with a 27-10 win. The Golden Eagles improved their overall record to 4-3 and 3-1 in the PSAC West.
“This has been a complete turnaround from last year. We have the same players as the previous years, but the difference is the maturity and drive each one has. The game that turned this season around is when we were at California. That game showed me we can compete with any team,” stated Coach Jay Foster.
The team has been training hard since the off-season to get to the point where they are today, especially in the weight room.
Coming into last Thursday’s game, Slippery Rock was ranked No. 4 in the region.
Before the game Coach Foster got a good vibe from his football team. “On the way down to the game I could see how much confidence and trust they had in the each other. They knew they were going to win the game.”
Even with that mind-set, the team still had to go out and play a complete game to earn the win.
There was some sloppy play throughout the first half of play.
There were a couple dropped passes but the Golden Eagles still held on to keep it a close game. With the score 10-7 Slippery Rock, and 2:46 left in the half, Clarion started driving down the field.
The Golden Eagles were led by quarterback Tyler Huether and running-back Alfonso Hoggard. With one second left, placekicker Rob Mamula connected on a 36-yard field goal to tie the score at half.
Clarion came out of the half ready to make a statement. On the first possession the defense forced a three and out.
“To me, I believe this was the turning point of the game,” stated Coach Foster.
The difference maker came though on the next possession when freshmen cornerback Daily Whitten, intercepted his second pass of the day, and returned it 41 yards for the touchdown.
“I knew they would try to go deep with the height advantage their receivers had on us, but I was able to read the quarterbacks eyes and step in front to return it all the way,” replied Whitten.
With the lead intact, the Golden Eagles rushing tried to put the game away.
It wouldn’t take long for Hoggard to find the end zone.
On just two plays, Hoggard scored a touchdown, including a school record 84 yard touchdown run.
Hoggard has been putting up outstanding numbers since he moved from wide receiver to running back.
“I have played running back my whole life coming into college so it wasn’t that hard of a transition. I have worked hard all of the off-season to keep on getting better, and it is starting to really pay off,” Hoggard said.
Hoggard finished the game with 205 rushing yards and two touchdown’s, while Whitten added two interceptions, giving him four on the year, and two returned for touchdowns.
“I like where we are right now in the season. We still have four tough games to go and we will take one at a time. I can say that we are one of the toughest teams in the conference, and I don’t think anyone will take us lightly anymore,” said Coach Foster.
The Golden Eagles will look to continue their hot play this Saturday when they host Mercyhurst University.
The kickoff is scheduled at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
