Both, the Cardinals and the Harrisonville Wildcats, fought to the end on Wednesday, Oct. 13 with the Wildcats coming out on top 36-25. The Cards had a big crowd follow them to Harrisonville, including the Cheer Squad. The game was moved from Clinton and to Wednesday due to a shortage of officials.
It was clearly a game of turnovers. The Cards had the best of the turnover battle in the first half as they recovered and scored on two Wildcat fumbles. The first Cardinal TD was a Kanden LaFarge pass to Cole Heistand. The second was a pass to Gage Crispi. The Cardinals jumped out to a 16-0 lead. These plays were set up by nice runs from Richie Brown, Crispi and LaFarge. LaFarge was in a shotgun formation the whole game with several wideouts. The Cards’ next two possessions stalled and with kicker Dylan Bloom not available they were reluctant to punt. The Wildcats quickly scored and made it 16-6 and then 16-14.
The second quarter slowed down. The Cardinals turned the ball over on downs, but the Wildcats fumbled again and Jacob Stewart recovered the ball for CHS. Even with a rough start on this possession, the Cards kept their cool and LaFarge went over the top to hit Emrie Neal. Neal made a great catch and broke tackles to get into the end zone. The score was 22-14 Cardinals at the break. This game was quite a contrast to last weeks 0-6 loss to Ex. Springs.
The Cards opened the third quarter giving up an interception when LaFarge tried to connect with Andrew Himes. The Wildcats kept the ball on the ground and scored a TD and because of a flag they got two tries at the 2 point attempt. The game was tied 22-22 and you could feel the momentum shift. But the Cards fought back. They kept a balanced attack, both Payton Sales and Neal got clutch catches. Crispi and Brown kept the running game alive. LaFarge went over the top again to Crispi for a TD. The Cardinals went up 28-22. The Cardinal defense got a needed stop but the turnovers started again with another interception. The Wildcats capitalized on it and the game was tied again 28-28. The Cards were moving the ball when the Wildcats recovered a Cardinal fumble. The wheels were falling off. Even with key tackles by Carson Roskop, Brock Gray and others the Wildcats scored with 2:36 left in the game and went up 36-28. This was Harrisonville’s first lead in the game. The Cards only had 1:28 left. They fell short even with two possessions. A game of two halves for sure. A tough loss as the Cards fall to 2-4. But the team, coaches and fans can find many positives to carry forward. The Game Ball goes to Gage Crispi as he stood out on both sides of the ball.
The Monday, Oct. 18 game started with only two officials, a third official made it but that was it. In such a fast paced affair, honestly it seemed hard for them to keep up. It was only the second home game for Clinton and it was, as one expected, a “Friday” night, just on Monday. There was a good sized crowd with the CHS Cheers, Dance and Band all doing their thing. It was great. The game was also great. On their second possession the Cards scored on a LaFarge pass to Brock Gray. The PAT was blocked. The Cards went up 6-0 and never gave up the lead. The Warrensburg Tigers fumble on their next possession and the Cards took advantage with a TD pass to Neal. The Bloom PAT was good. Quickly the score was 13-0 Cards. That is how the first quarter ended. The Tigers scored early in the second quarter and made it 13-7. The Cards had a great drive on their fourth possession with Mertz having a great catch and YAC (yards after catch). Roskop playing running back was also getting nice gains. But, the turnover bug was still alive when LaFarge threw an interception. But the Cards got a needed defensive stop. The Cards drove the ball but ended the first half with a failed FG attempt. The first half ended 13-7 Cards.
The Cardinals opened the second half with a nice drive which included a long return from Heistand, a 50 yard reception from Mertz and finally a pass to Neal for a TD that made it 20-7. It felt like the Cards had full control of things. Both teams traded punts. But after Crispi got a defensive sack the Cards’ Brent Gray got an interception. LaFarge soon found Neal again for a TD. The score was 27-7 Cards. It was a good night to be a Cardinal. On a great Bloom kick off the Tigers fumbled. Their wheels were falling off. LaFarge found Heistand on a slant and made it 33-7. The Tigers fumbled on their next possession and Crispi recovered. Brown was back in at RB and the Cards moved the ball but were forced to try a 37 yard FG, missing just to the left. The next Tiger possession was a first for many. A penalty was called on the Cardinal Pride Band (apparently they played after the huddle broke). Even after Tennal sacked the Warrensburg QB the Tigers scored and made it 33-14. The game ended 33-14. The game ball could go to the whole Cardinal defense but lets spotlight #74 Isaac Tennal and #25 Carson Roskop both played outstanding games. No stats available, but Kaden LaFarge and Emrie Neal both deserve pats on the back. The Cards travel to Center next Monday, Oct. 25 to finish this rebuilding year. With the performances of the last two weeks one would have to say these Cards are definitely learning how to compete. Next week will be interesting. Go Cards.
