Clinton Township

Dedication leads to MAC Bronze title for Clintondale football team

By Jason Carmel Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by David Schreiber Clinton Township Clintondale senior running back James Dhue, a captain, is a member of the MAC Bronze champion. Photo by David Schreiber Clinton Township Clintondale senior running back James Dhue, a captain, is a member of the MAC Bronze champion.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP— Clinton Township Clintondale senior linebacker/running back Ken Bell said everyone knowing their job played a huge role in the Dragons winning the Macomb Area Conference Bronze Division championship.

At press time, Clintondale sat at 8-0, 5-0 in the Bronze, and has secured a spot in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state football playoffs.

The Dragons’ Oct. 19 season finale against St. Clair Shores South Lake took place after press time.

“Everybody has done their job all year long,” Bell said. “That’s why we’re where we are today.”

This is the second division title for Clintondale coach Dave Schindler.

After the Dragons locked up the Bronze with a 32-14 win Oct. 12 over New Haven, Schindler told his players to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“The push for the title started back in January. The players put in a lot of work back then in the weight room,” said Schindler, in his eighth year with Clintondale.

“A lot of the work was done by our seniors. Coaches didn’t have to make sure guys were working out. The older guys on the team did that. That’s shows what kind of discipline these guys have.”

The Dragons were primed for a run, returning 18 starters from a team that finished 5-4 in 2010. On their way to an undefeated record in the Bronze, the Dragons averaged 35.6 points in league games, while allowing MAC Bronze opponents just 14.4 points in five league contests.

Through eight games, Clintondale was tallying 37.9 points per contests while the defense allowed only 13.4 points per game.

“This feels great. We’ve put in a lot of hard work all year,” senior defensive end/tight end Lonnell Davis said. “If we keep our focus and continue to work hard, I think we can have a pretty deep playoff run.”

Schindler, guiding Clintondale to its fourth playoff appearance in his tenure, said it’s possible for the Dragons to make a deep postseason run, but that certain things must fall into place.

“You need a lot of luck in the playoffs,” Schindler said. “But I tell the guys they don’t have to play a perfect game — just play smart and things will work out.

“Hopefully, the football gods will shine down on us.”
Clintondale’s first playoff game will take place either Oct. 26 or Oct. 27.

Other local teams in line for playoff berths

With a win it is Oct. 19 finale against Richmond, the Macomb Lutheran North football team (5-3, 0-3 Catholic High School League AA) would secure a spot in the MHSAA playoffs. The Mustangs would still have a shot with a loss, with computer rankings determining which five-win teams receive playoff berths.

Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse (4-4, 2-3 MAC Blue) needed a win in its Oct. 19 finale against St. Clair Shores Lake Shore to have a shot at a playoff berth.

Playoff selection took place Oct. 21, after press time.

For more information on local teams’ playoff runs, check www.candgnews.com.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jason Carmel Davis at jdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1107. Follow Jason Carmel on Twitter.