Clare vs Chippewa Hills Recap Mid/Northern Michigan Game of Week

Better late than never they say!

As the game of the week in the Mid/Northern Michigan game of the week I traveled up to Clare to see what all the hype was about and I was not disappointed!

Clare jumped on Remus Chippewa Hills early and often in a 47-7 rout in front of the Pioneer faithful as they watched their team cruise their way to their first playoff win since 2014.

Clare opened up with a 20-0 lead after the first quarter which included a Kaden Kelly to Brendan Sersaw touchdown, and two runs of six yards by Tyler Rodenbo both for touchdowns.

With 8:38 left in the second quarter Trevor Swix would score the lone touchdown for the Warriors on a four yard run to cut the lead to 20-7. The Warriors would struggle the rest of the game to move the ball on the Pioneers defense led by Ryan Pummel who had 13 total tackles including five solo to lead the defense. The Pioneers would add another touchdown to take a 26-7 lead into halftime.

The 3rd quarter was all Pioneers as they padded their lead and took a commanding 47-7 lead going into the 4th quarter and ran the clock from there. The win was huge for confidence says Ryan Pummell.

“We know we can do things against Reed City to beat them, we just have to get better and better every week.”

Senior Tyler Rodenbo also added about his quick start on Friday night

“It's a great feeling to get ahead, you don’t like to play behind and being able to gain momentum as the game went on.”

He also added this about the matchup with Reed City next week.

“We’re really rolling right now, Reed City is a great team and should be a great matchup honestly. Going over there will be tough playing in front of their home crowd but I think we can do it with great execution. That was a key tonight we know we’re good physically we just have to keep executing.”

Junior Kaden Kelly was ecstatic to be back on the field after missing his last two games due to injury.

“It felt better than ever. It’s unlike anything else playing in a playoff game.”

Kelly led the Pioneers going 9-18 on passing attempts and throwing for 180 yards and three TDS. He has yet to throw an interception since week 1 at Ithaca. Brendan Sersaw had 4 catches for 131 yards and 6 rushes for 54 yards. Tyler Rodenbo had 6 rushes for 27 yards and one reception for 6 yards. Tanner Punches added 3 receptions for 34 yards and a TD. Ryan Pummel led the defense with 13 tackles including 5 solo.

Clare plays at Reed City on Friday at 7 p.m.