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The first five weeks of the Three Rivers Athletic Conference season, Clay was struggling to find its way.
After starting 1-7, the Eagles won their final two games to close out the season on a high note, finishing 3-7 overall and 2-5 in the TRAC, good for fifth place. And, despite having a losing record, the team did manage to quiet some critics after having been picked to finish last in the TRAC in the preseason coaches’ poll.
The question for the program now is whether or not it can take the next step and become consistently competitive with the likes of the elite teams in the area, among them Whitmer, St. John’s Jesuit and Central Catholic.
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Clay sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Kyle Row (12) looks for
a place to run in the Eagle's 30-13 loss to St. Francis at Clay Memorial
Stadium. (Press photo by Sherry Timofeev/www.apogeephotos.com) |
Coach Mike Donnelly just finished his fourth season at the helm and was pleased with how his team performed in the season’s final two games, victories over Fremont Ross (17-14) and Lima Senior (31-14).
“It was definitely a very positive felling,” he said. “It was nice to see the kids play well (and) it was a good reward for our seniors — they very easily could've quit midseason when we were struggling.”
That’s why the two victories at the end of the season are so fulfilling for the program. The fact that the team was coming off seven consecutive losses, Clay very easily could’ve thrown in the towel but instead decided to remain focused.
The victory over Ross was especially fulfilling, given that the Little Giants have established themselves as a perennial playoff contender. Perhaps that victory could be the kick-start the Clay football program needs to move to another level.
“It was nice to put together a full 48 minutes,” said Donnelly. “Our defense played well (and) we were able to stop the running game for the most part. It was a very good win.”
Offensively, the team was led by twin running backs Devin and Damon Dominique, who each played key roles. Combined, the two ran for 992 yards on 150 carries and eight touchdowns this season. Devin had 540 yards on 94 carries and four touchdowns and Damon had 452 yards on 56 carries and four touchdowns.
Donnelly also notes the contribution of defensive linemen Garrett and Jarred Grey, adding that good things could be in store for Jarred, a junior.
“I think he had a very good season. He was able to pressure the quarterback and stop the run. If he puts in some time and effort, he could be a top-flight defensive lineman in our league,” Donnelly said.
For Donnelly, a 1993 Clay graduate, he understands that there is much work left to be done if the Eagles, who have gone a combined 11-19 in the last three seasons, are to compete for a conference championship and postseason berth.
He knows a thing or two about success, having won the 2005 Division II state championship as an assistant with Central Catholic. Donnelly was the offensive coordinator of a team that was led by former Ohio State standout and current Chicago Bears wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher.
“We've made some progress, but we have a ways to go,” he said of the Clay program. “We want to be in the top half of the league and compete for a playoff spots — we're nowhere near that right now.”
He says for the Eagles to reach that goal, the players must be willing to invest year-round in football, whether it be by competing in other sports to remain in shape or by taking part in the school’s offseason weightlifting program.
Unfortunately, it is a constant struggle getting kids to compete in athletics.
“It's very frustrating (and) it's very difficult,” Donnelly admitted. “It's a battle getting kids out and getting them to believe in themselves in the offseason program. We live in very much of an instant gratification society.
“It's a very difficult kind of commitment to make,” he continued. “(But) if you're going to be able to compete against the bigger schools in our league, you need to make the commitment.”
Donnelly understands that it also is a community-wide effort that must take place for the culture to change.
“Are our players, parents and the community ready to make that commitment?” Donnelly said.
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