High school football: Gruver, Clarendon set to face off in Bi-District round playoff
When Clarendon and Gruver face off Thursday night at Dick Bivins Stadium, the two teams will be looking to continue what’s been a successful year — at least on paper — for both squads who enter the contest with similar 7-3 overall records.
Clarendon finished runner up in District 2-2A Division II, while Gruver ended third in District 1-2A Division II.
It's a matchup between a pair of quality teams not wanting their seasons — filled with adversity — to come to an end.
"I think mentally we're in a good spot," Clarendon coach Clint Conkin said. "It's a fresh start with the playoffs after working hard all year. We've had some adversity with tough teams early and some injuries and things like that. We've fought through and I think the kids have done a great job with it mentally."
Gruver knows a thing or two about adversity as well.
Head coach Lee Brandon believes this year's team has had more injuries to deal with than most years. The Greyhounds have pushed through it all and should have some reinforcements returning following an open date last week.
"We've dealt with a lot of different adversities," Brandon said. "Normally a lot of people don't like having that bye week right before playoffs because it messes with momentum. But it was a bye week we desperately needed. We've used that to get healthier. ... We probably feel as fresh as we've felt in a long time. Our kids are excited."
Gruver is not a one-man team by any means, but when the Greyhounds tout a player like Pratt McClain — it always helps.
McClain has been outstanding, compiling 109 tackles and nine pass breakups on defense while leading the team in rushing with 652 yards and six total touchdowns. The Greyhounds will lean on the junior to guide them to victory this week.
"He's a great leader on the field," Brandon said. "He's just one of those kids that has so much fight in him and so much heart. He has a big expectation for himself."
It's no secret that Clarendon running back/linebacker Jmaury Davis is one of the best athletes in the entire Panhandle. He's committed to play for Texas Tech and was recently named the AGN boys basketball Preseason Player of the Year.
Make no mistake, though, it's not the Clarendon Davis', it's the Clarendon Broncos.
"Jmaury is a special talent, but we've got some other kids too," Conkin said. "I think it's helped Lyric Smith, our slot back, has been able to get a lot of yards running because everyone is focusing on Jmaury. Mason Sims, Wilson Ward, Clay Brown, Harrison Howard, they make plays as well.
“Obviously, they know we need to get the ball to Jmaury, but when their name's called they make plays as well."
It's not often two 7-3 teams face off in the opening round of the postseason. Both teams are aware that while it makes for a tougher time on the field, due to both squads having similar mindsets, it's also exactly what fans are hoping to see.
"I think it's important for people to know that I really think us and Clarendon are two of the better teams in the region," Brandon said. "It's almost sad we have to have this matchup in the opening round of the playoffs. It's a really good matchup for the first round."
A matchup where anything can happen.
"Gruver is always tough," Conkin said. "They've got a good football tradition year in and year out. ... We know their kids and they know ours. It's going to be a tough, hard-fought game Thursday night."
GRUVER VS. CLARENDON
Class 2A Division II bidistrict playoff game
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Dick Bivins Stadium, Amarillo
Records: Clarendon 7-3; Gruver 7-3
Coverage: Follow @Hpisani91 on Twitter for live updates, plus post game video, stories and photos to appear on amarillo.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Gruver, Clarendon to face off Bi-District round playoff
