The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Christensen leads Clippers
Clearview QB has seven passing, two rushing TDs in two games
There are those who believe football is the ultimate team game, and in order for a team to be successful, it requires the 11 people on the field to work as a single unit.
But while a certain amount of synchronicity is required, there can be no denying that there also has to be one person in charge — a leader.
Meet Chase Christensen, the undeniable leader of Clearview’s football team that has opened the season with two victories totaling 96 points while allowing 22. Hoping to lead the Clippers to their third consecutive Division IV playoff appearance, the senior has successfully taken on the mantle of team leader while putting up some gaudy numbers as a standout quarterback.
“Chase is pretty level-headed,” Clearview coach Mike Collier said. “He understands that in order for us to be successful it’s going to be all 11 on the field doing their jobs. He’s been great at doing his job and putting us in good positions.”
While leadership responsibilities naturally come with the position of quarterback, Christensen said he has worked hard at developing his own leadership skills. He took over the starting position midway through the season last year and said there is a major difference between being the starter as a junior and as a senior, especially with the younger players.
It’s a situation that certainly is working. Clearview opened with a 50-22 victory over Toledo Scott and followed with a 46-0 whitewashing of Vermilion, both on the road. Christensen has completed 24 of 34 passes for 344 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has rushed for two scores.
Last year the Clippers won their first-round playoff game before falling in round two, so obviously, Christensen did well last year. But already he’s reached entirely new levels this year. He had two touchdown passes last year and has seven after two games this year. What gives?
“I don’t know,” Christensen said. “Maybe there’s something different that’s gotten into my game. I’m not sure. My ability to scramble and my accuracy have definitely improved. My accuracy with ball placement is also better. Everything has improved. I put in a lot of hard work during the offseason, and I think it’s definitely paid off.”
Collier said there was no simple answer as to why his quarterback has improved so much. The fact is, he has taken last year’s experience and just built on it.
“The game’s definitely slowed down for him,” Collier said. “He makes a lot of great reads for us. He sees the field really well and does a great job of reading the defenses. He obviously had a lot of success last year that’s led into the success that he’s had this year. He’s done a really good job of seeing things and making good decisions. It’s opened up a lot for our offense.”
Another factor is that
Clearview has loads of talent around Christensen. Gone is Drew Engle, last year’s leading rusher who gained nearly 1,200 yards. But eight starters return— backs Robert Davis and C.J. Fleming, wideouts Joseph Norris and Jordan Reed, as well as linemen Victor Molina, Stacey Littlejohn and David Fitzpatrick. Firstyear starters Mason Argenti and Hiram Carreras round out the receiving corps.
It would be easy to assume that with the numbers that Christensen has put up in the first two games, the Clippers are pass-happy. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, they have gained 385 yards on the ground and 368 through the air, a fact that makes Collier very happy.
“We really go into games looking to be balanced,” he said. “We look and see what the defenses are giving us. It
just so happens that the passing game has opened up here early on. That could change from game to game. But so far Chase has done a really good job of seeing what’s out there and making good decisions.
“You take it as it comes, and we’ve been able to throw the ball really well the first two games. Whether teams have been stacking the box or not, we’ve been able to open it up and throw the ball. He’s done an outstanding job of seeing things and taking what’s given to us.”
Christensen is an honor student who is taking classes full-time at Lorain County Community College as well as three online courses.
“I should be going to college next year just a few credits away from my associate’s degree,” he said.
He is being recruited to play at the next level. There is a long list of schools that have contacted him, with
Heidelberg and Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati having made offers. Most of the schools are Division III, but there are a few from the higher levels as well.
It will be interesting to see how a quarterback who stands just a shade under 6-foot and weighs somewhere between 145 and 150 pounds, fares on the collegiate level. But Christensen isn’t concerned.
“I’ve been trying to put on weight since my freshman year, it’s just really hard for me,” he said. “I mean, I can eat anything. But size has never really mattered to me. I’ve always been doubted in that area, and I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder about it. I’ve never really had many injuries, so I’ve never thought size was a big thing.”
Naturally, with last year’s success coupled with this year’s start, the question
arises as to how far this thing could go.
“I know it’s coach-speak, but it’s true,” Collier said. “We take it one game at a time. We have a tough opponent this week in John Hay coming over, and it’s important that we continue to improve on a week-to-week basis if we want to be where our goals are by the end of the year.”
Christensen was a bit more up front about just what those goals are.
“I think our main goal is to win the state championship,” he said. “None of us are satisfied with that loss in the second round last year. I think we can definitely go further with the talent that we have. If we just stay together as a team and as a family, we’re definitely getting there.”
The Clippers host John Hay on Sept. 13. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.