David Cook
Sports Scene
Thanks to some excellent overall team speed, the Clare football team is off to a fast start this season.
The Pioneers opened the new season by coming out of the gate quickly with a 51-7 win against Grayling. Clare followed that up with a 43-0 win against Sanford-Meridian, a 53-14 win against Midland Bullock Creek and a 26-21 win against Gladwin in a key Jack Pine Conference matchup.
A big element to Clare’s fast start is some excellent team speed.
“So far the strong points of our team is our overall team speed and athleticism,” said Clare coach Steven Spranger, “but as a coach, what’s been most impressive is the way the guys are coming together and playing for one another.”
Whale the Pioneers have started the season fast, they still have a big second half of the season awaiting them along with a number of goals to accomplish.
“Obviously, we’re happy with the way the season has started,” Spranger said, “but we’re nowhere near accomplishing our goals and still have a lot of our season ahead of us.”
Another big factor in the success the team is enjoying is a deep and talented group of seniors.
“We have a very strong senior class that’s been through a lot of big games,” Spranger said, “and we will continue to lean on them as the season progresses.”
Jayden Arthur, the team’s quarterback and a defensive back, is one of those senior leaders. Arthur is off to a strong start this season as he has passed for 781 yards through the first four game. Arthurn is completing 68% of his passes and has also thrown for 12 touchdowns. Arthur has also rushed for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“Jayden is our third year starting quarterback and has been tremendous for us in the off-season and has carried that into the season with his play and his leadership,” Spranger said. “He’s always getting us in the right spot, and making the right reads. His calm demeanor and presence is exactly what you want in a quarterback.”
Senior wide receiver/running back/defensive back Ryan Louch is another senior leader. Louch has caught 15 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns through the first four games. Louch also leads the team in tackles with 38 including a pair of tackles for loss.
“Ryan is another third-year starter for us that we can move all around the field and can count on him making an impact on the game,” Spranger said. “Defensively, he’s our most physical player and is able to go sideline to sideline making plays.
Up front, senior Chase Randall is a leader in the trenchses both along the offensive and defensive lines.
“Chase is another third-year starter that made the move from tight end to tackle to fit our needs and has become a leader of both of his position groups,” Spranger said.
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Dawson Babcock is another leader in the trenches who has made a position switch for the good of the team.
“Dawson is another senior who moved positions to fit the needs of the team,” Sprang said. He moved from right tackle to center and has done a tremendous job.”
At running back, senior Aiden Van bonn has taken over the bulk of the ball carrying duties. Van bonn is also a leader on defense at linebacker. Van bonn has rushed for 365 yards (7.3 avg.) and scored five touchdowns. On defense he has 33 total tackles and a pair of tackles for loss.
“Aiden is a senior who has waited his time to take over the bulk of the carries, and has a done a tremendous job for us,” Spranger said. “With the athletes that we have on the edge, he gets forgotten about at times and that’s when he’s able to bust off a long run.”
Senior Joey Bouchey is a linebacker on defense and running back on offense. Bouchey is one of the leaders of the Pioneer defense.
“Joey is the guy in the middle of our defense who is making all of our checks and making sure that we’re in the right spots defensively,” Spranger said.
A junior turning in a big season is Jacob Halicek who lines up at wide receiver on offense and defensive back on defense. Halicek is a big-play target in the passing game with 11 receptions for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
“Jacob is a two-year varsity player that is doing a great job as our deep threat and has made some big catches for us,” Spranger said.
While the Pioneers are pleased with the fast start, they know that they have plenty more work ahead of them.
“In order to continue our success, we need to continue to win the turnover battle and limits opposing team’s big plays,” Spranger said. “We also have to capitalize on our ability to make the big plays, all while continuing to improve all across the board.”
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