CLINTON — The Clinton Maroons’ football team took to the turf of Sprague Field on Friday, September 16 for a match-up with the Central A&M Raiders.  This was also the Maroons’ Homecoming Game, a special event for the seniors as last high school homecoming. 

This seemed to have the team fired up as they took the field for the first quarter.  The opposition received the first kickoff and was stopped by the Maroons’ defense, giving the offense a chance to work their magic.  A long drive culminated in a Clinton touchdown for 6 points with 5:22 left in the quarter.  A 2-point conversion was stopped by the Raiders, but Clinton was on the board.

The second quarter was a no-score affair, with fumble, penalties, and general lack of either team to move the ball effectively for any prolonged period of time. 

The third quarter was another slow process with neither team getting a break.  Then, with approximately 5:45 left in the quarter, a Maroons’ punt pinned the Raiders on the one-yard line.  The Maroons missed their chance by letting the Raiders get away with a 40-yard play to avoid a touchback and more Maroons points.  The rest of the period was in the trenches again with no great success by either team.

Abruptly, the tide turned in the fourth quarter, and the home team was stranded on the field.  Fifteen seconds into the quarter, the Raiders made a long pass play to score 6 points and then added another point on a kick conversion. 

After receiving the kickoff  the Maroons ended up turning over the ball on downs and with 6:56 left in the quarter the Raiders busting loose for another long play and 6 more points.  The extra point failed, but by this time, the Maroons’ fate was almost sealed. 

The home team offense couldn’t muster another significant drive, and the defense was struggling to stop the Raiders.  The Maroons got their final shot with 1:37 left in the game but failed to complete any plays. 

The Raiders dashed the Maroon’s hopes of a homecoming win and a .500 season, winning 13-6.  The Maroons are now 1-3 on the season and next face the St. Teresa Bulldogs at home tonight,  Friday, September 23.