(Clarinda, IA) – The Clarinda Cardinals finish the season on a high note, with four straight wins as they now head to postseason play. Their last win came on Friday against Centerville in an impressive effort. Clarinda battled through the rain and cold to earn a 30-8 win over Centerville as they controlled the line of scrimmage and ended up victorious. Head coach Connor Hanafan was proud of his team’s execution and level of effort throughout the game.
The Cardinals held the Big Reds to under 120 total yards in the game. Centerville is a team that relies on the passing game but due to the weather conditions, it forced Centerville to rely on the running game. While Centerville’s defense was on the field for multiple plays, the Cardinals’ defense was forcing three-and-out plays and tackling well in the game. The Big Reds’ defense had almost double the amount of tackles as the Clarinda defense, which shows the difference in defensive execution last Friday. Clarinda was not only gap sound, they were making tackles left and right to control the line of scrimmage and force Centerville into third and long situations.
Clarinda has seen substantial growth over the season, not only in their athletic ability but in the progression of learning the game. They will be taking on Des Moines Christian in playoff action, another team that relies on the progression of the passing game. The Cardinals will have to rely on Karsten Beckel and Kayden Hawley downfield to halt the passing game of the Lions.
In terms of Clarinda’s offense this season, they have continued to rely on the rushing game with over 2,600 rushing yards this season. They are led by Karson Downey and Dominick Posley in the rushing game with just under 2,000 rushing yards per game combined. Posley has accounted for 971 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while Downey has rushed for 973 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Coach Hanafan wants the offense to continue to be more physical and be relentless on the field.
Clarinda takes on Des Moines Christian this Friday night in the first round of playoff action with a kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
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