The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Clearview’s run halted by Bellville Clear Fork
Clearview’s historic season came to an end Nov. 10 when the Clippers lost, 26-8, to top-seeded Bellville Clear Fork in a Division IV regional semifinal.
It was the first time Clearview (10-2) advanced to a regional semifinal since 2003, and it faced a familiar opponent in the undefeated Colts, who dominated last season’s first-round matchup to the tune of a 44-0 win.
As they’ve said all season, the Clippers are not the same team they were a year ago and would not let the rematch with Clear Fork turn into the blowout loss some might have expected.
The Colts led, 7-6, at halftime and essentially controlled the third quarter after Clearview stalled on its opening drive of the second half.
But the defense kept its team within striking distance at every turn and suddenly the momentum shifted early in the fourth quarter with Clear Fork leading, 13-6.
Clear Fork was forced to punt from its own 20-yard line, but Julian Colbert got a hand up and blocked the kick, and the Clippers got a safety and the ball with a little over 10 minutes to play in regulation.
Unfortunately, Clearview couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity and went three-and-out before Clear Fork scored 13 unanswered points.
“We couldn’t punch it in there after the safety and I think some momentum swung (Clear Fork’s) way,” Clearview coach Mike Collier
said.
“That was frustrating. We were hoping to play off that momentum and get one there on a shorter field, but we just weren’t able to put it together. It’s a credit to Clear Fork. They have a great defense and they do some things that are tough.”
The Clearview defense played stout all night and forced three turnovers in the first half alone, but there was simply no accounting for Clear Fork senior Trevon Trammell, who had a game-high 261 yards and three touchdowns — 223 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries and two receptions for 38 yards and a score.
“(Clearview) just kept fighting, kept pushing,” Trammell said. “They just wouldn’t give up.
“We just kept rolling, kept getting yards . ... Our linemen really stepped up and we pulled away with the win.”
Clearview didn’t have its best night offensively as its run game never truly developed.
Drew Engle had 17 carries for 50 yards and David Renftle added five carries for 47 yards. Quarterback Chase Christensen was 5-of18 with 108 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
“(Clear Fork) was the No. 1 seed for a reason but our guys were able to adjust like they have all season,” Collier said. “They’re tough kids, mentally and physically, Clearview football players. They should be very proud of what they did this year.”