Clarion finished its regular season with a win this past Saturday over Cheyney University, who was winless on the year.
Going into the game, the Golden Eagles knew they would need a convincing win in order to have a shot at making the playoffs.
It was another rough start for the Golden Eagles. Clarion got on the board first, when quarterback Tyler Huether hooked up with Jacques Robinson, who had a nice catch and run for a 20-yard touchdown.
The special team woes continued as they missed the extra point, making it 6-0. Cheyney hung in there and kept on fighting, eventually going ahead 12-6 in the first half.
With just seconds left in the first half, running back Alfonso Hoggard rushed in for three yards to tie the game.
The game remained tied going into the half after the Golden Eagles failed to get the two point conversion.
Still knowing that they would need a big win, Clarion came out strong in the second half, just like they have the whole season.
Clarion would get the ball back after their defense would force a three and out on Cheyney’s first possession of the second half.
After starting the drive near midfield, the Golden Eagles marched their way down the field. Hoggard would record his second three-yard touchdown run of the game.
This time their two- point conversion attempt was successful, as Hoggard ran the ball in to make it 20-12.
Freshmen star cornerback Daily Whitten would pick up another interception on the next possession, returning the ball 29 yards to the Cheyney 20 yard line.
Clarion took advantage of the very short field, when Huether called his own number, rushing in for the touchdown from two yards out.
Another two point conversion failed, keeping the score at 26-12. The offense would add another touchdown from Hoggard, his third of the day, making the final score 32-12.
Even with the convincing win, the Golden Eagles were still left out of the playoffs.
“Basically we have to continue to work like we did this past year but even harder because next year we will have a bull’s-eye on our backs. We will be a top team in the conference next year. But I think we going to get even better next year,” said Robinson.
Just like every other team, the Golden Eagles and Coach Jay Foster had goals set at the beginning of the year.
“Our goals were to climb the ladder in the PSAC West. We were picked seventh out of eight teams in the West. We climbed all the way to the second rung by the end of the season,” said Coach Foster.
Hoggard became the fourth player in Clarion history to rush over 1,000 yards on the year, finishing the year with 1,046 yards. He also broke a new school record with 17 rushing touchdowns.
“It means a lot to me, reaching 1,000 yards on the season was a goal set by the offensive line and me so it means a lot to all of us,” said Hoggard.
Senior quarterback, Huether, finished the year with 242 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.
“It means a lot to me and the other seniors, because it shows all the hard work and dedication that we have put in here during our time here. It is just a special way to end a great season like this and great way to go out as winners,” said Huether on ending the season on a six game win streak.
The Golden Eagles finished the season 8-3 and second in the PSAC West.
