Clinton Red Devils Triumph in a Thrilling “Battle of the Belt”
On a beautiful Friday night in Clinton, with the sun shining brightly and warm temperatures reaching near 80°F, fans gathered at the stadium for what has become a beloved tradition—the Battle of the Belt against the Newberry Bulldogs. This year, it was a fierce contest, but the Red Devils emerged victorious with a score of 23-14.
A Stellar Performance from Javen Cook
The night truly belonged to junior running back Javen Cook, who had an incredible performance, racking up an impressive 235 rushing yards. Cook carried the ball 22 times and managed to find the end zone once, solidifying his position as a critical player for Clinton’s offense. With a stout offensive line backing him, Cook’s efforts were crucial in overcoming the Bulldogs’ defense.
Throughout the game, Clinton relied heavily on their rushing attack, accumulating a total of 369 rushing yards on 47 carries. The team’s passing game was minimal, with quarterback attempts limited to just 6 passes for a total of 35 yards. Coach Corey Fountain‘s game plan proved effective, enabling the Red Devils to control the clock and keep Newberry off the field.
Clinton’s Defense Shines Brightly
While the offense stole the show, Clinton’s defense also played an integral role in the victory. They managed to hold Newberry, a team that had averaged over 40 points in their first two games, to just 14 points and a total of 252 yards. The Bulldogs struggled on third downs, converting only 1 of 8 attempts, and were plagued by 12 penalties costing them a whopping 128 yards. In contrast, Clinton dealt with less discipline issues, being penalized only 8 times.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The first half was a bit of a nail-biter, with Newberry leading 7-6 at halftime. However, the real drama unfolded in the second half. As the Red Devils came back after the break, they demonstrated their resilience and strength. After a defensive stand that stopped Newberry on 4th and 2 at their own 20-yard line, Clinton regained possession and shifted the momentum.
With just under 5 minutes left in the game, Cook made a critical 25-yard run, helping to run down the clock and seal the victory. Furthermore, kicker Lukas Kuykendall, returning from injury, added to the score with a 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, pushing Clinton’s points to 23 as they drove Newberry to desperation.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks Clinton’s second consecutive win in the Battle of the Belt and bolsters their standing as the #4 team in State AA. With this win, the Red Devils have now successfully extended their win streak to four games in this storied rivalry that has been ongoing since the 1920s. Both teams now sit at 2-1 for the pre-region season.
As Coach Fountain noted, the team must now shift focus. “We’ve got to take that momentum on the road to Chapman in Inman,” he said. The challenges are far from over, and the players will need to channel the excitement from this win into their preparation for the next games. Clinton will face tougher opponents as they head into road games before returning home for Homecoming against Union County on September 27.
For now, the Red Devils and their loyal fans can bask in the warmth of victory, savoring both the thrilling moments of the game and the beautiful autumn night. Here’s to more exciting football ahead!
