Clinton Central senior Amrin Barrett set records for most touchdowns in a game and most points scored in a game as the Bulldogs defeated Faith Christian 63-14 Friday night.
Barrett found the endzone six times and added two two-point conversions for 40 total points.
The Bulldogs dominated in the run game, posting 447 yards on the ground. Barrett had 261 yards, and Creed Mennen added 102.
“We got to the outside, we definitely have a lot more speed, so we wanted to hit the outside as quickly as possible,” Barrett said. “Even our line, the good thing about our line being young is they can hit the outside and block for us.”
The Bulldog defense played a big role in Friday night’s win. After giving up two first-quarter touchdowns, the defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way.
Clinton Central forced four turnovers, including a fumble recovery by Kaleb Robinson for a touchdown.
“We’ve made an emphasis over the last two years to build on our speed, size and strength,” Clinton Central coach Jeremy Fendley said. “Right after the game, we were complimented by the other team, through testimonial, that we beat the brakes off of them physically. We physically are just going out and gang tackling and swarm blocking.”
Clinton Central has now started 2-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2006-2007.
One of the biggest changes for the Bulldogs has been a shift in their mindset and expectations.
“Our boys now, the expectations are that we’re going to win,” Fendley said. “I felt like our first year we would do some great things, and then when the first thing went wrong, it was just a breakdown.”
The focus for Central now moves to next Friday’s Corn Bowl matchup, where the Bulldogs will battle Clinton Prairie.
Last season, the Bulldogs led late before a fourth-down conversion by Alex King and a rushing touchdown from Hunter Cooper gave the Gophers the win, 28-26.
“It’s going to be a good corn field fight for sure,” Fendley said. “And I expect Coach Schlicher to have Prairie ready. I’m not taking anything away from those guys. I just hope they understand that this is not going to be the same Clinton Central team that they’re used to, and I guarantee it.”
The game will be available to watch on HoosierlandTV.com as the Game of the Week.
The winner will not only receive the Corn Bowl trophy, but will also claim the county and get a key conference win.