By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Concord — Another weekend, another chance to further what has become somewhat of an unforeseen story.
For those outside the Concord football program, that is.
The 2016 squad has been rewriting the record book at every turn, and now, at 9-2 on the season, has won more games (16) in a two-year period than any other time in program history.
Win No. 16 came last Friday as the Yellowjackets did more than enough to beat Homer 48-32, winning the program its first district title since 2001 and it’s first road playoff game ever.
“It’s just awesome,” coach Max Clark said. “It’s great for this program and great for these kids.”
Tony Brooks Jr. continues to power the Concord offense. In the win against Homer, he completed 15-of-28 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 141 yards on 23 carries.
Now his, and Concord’s challenge, is a Cassopolis (10-1) team that allows just 15 points per game in a Division 7 regional.
“It’s the same old thing I’ve been saying. You have to take care of the football,” Clark said. “That’s a team that played in a great conference and has a roster with a lot of playoff experience.”
Concord is slowly gaining that playoff experience as well.
“I think our guys have done a nice job adjusting to all this,” Clark added. “Going to Dansville last year in the playoffs helps. It’s similar to this year in the fact we’re playing a team we haven’t seen. It’s a long drive. It’s a shot to keep this going. Our goal wasn’t to just make the playoffs, we want to be there with a regional title. And we have that chance.”
Cassopolis also has an offense hitting on all cylinders.
The Rangers haven’t scored less than 40 points in a game since Week 4.
“We have to play great defense, that’s for sure,” Clark said.
Concord allowed 14 points in the pre-district to Springport, and last week’s 32 points included two kickoff returns for touchdown.
“So the special teams have to be better too,” Clark said with a laugh. “Really, we have to play the best game we’ve ever played.”
Really, that’s the case of any team in any division right now, with just eight squads remaining in each.
For Clark and the Yellowjackets, this weekend’s challenge is also a chance to prove last year, and the progress this year is coming from a team that belongs among some of the best.
“We have to go into the game knowing we’re good enough to be here and deserve to be in the situation we’re in,” Clark said. I think there was a lot of attention about some of the other teams around us when the season started, and not too many people talked about us. We’ve taken that personally all year. We feel like the team to beat right now.”
Concord is looking for a spot in the state semifinals for the first time since 2001.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.
