The first week of football is in the books, with the Clearfield Bison starting out once again on the right side of the scoreboard. Last week’s 45-7 victory over St. Joan of Arc kicked off a season of tough competition each week, with each game an opportunity to get better, and more efficient.
The Bison once again will get to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the Bison Sports Complex, as their 2013 season starts with back-to-back home games.
Up next on the schedule is yet another tough task, especially with their opponents coming off a narrow victory. The Penns Valley Area Rams are coming to the BSC for what should be a very intense contest. One thing the Rams are hoping for is that a repeat of 2012 does not occur.
It was just about a year ago when Clearfield would walk onto the field at the Penns Valley High School, and left not only victorious, but absolutely dominant. The Rams could get no offense going all night long, and the Bison defense would not be out muscled on that night as the 47-0 rout was on, just the second step in Clearfield’s undefeated regular season.
But one guy that could change this year’s results if not kept in check is the Rams starting quarterback, senior Cameron Tobias. In their win one week ago against Juniata, Tobias was on the throwing end of all three touchdowns that helped the Rams to their 21-16 victory. At one point the Rams were up 21-0 before Juniata made a charge in the third and fourth quarters, but Penns Valley was able to hold on and secure the victory. Two of Tobias’ three touchdown passes were over 30 yards, which showcases the strong receivers the Rams have on the squad.
The Bison will have to have a strong effort from their secondary, which at a few points one week ago got beat on some passes, but Clearfield knows what they have to do, and that is play their kind of game.
Last week in the victory, Christian Lezzer again showed that he will be a player to be watched all year, as he started his senior campaign with over 200 yards of total offense, with 147 of those yards on the ground, and four total touchdowns. Lezzer was averaging over 10 yards a carry at game’s end, or at least his game’s end, as he was relieved of his duties in the second half to get some younger players some playing time.
But in a surprise, at least to those in attendance, it was a different running back that took the most accolades. Normally, Lezzer is flanked by Tyler Stratton, just like one year ago. However, early in the game following just three rushes, head coach Tim Janocko pulled his senior due to his recent injury that occurred at the final scrimmage before the season. Janocko did not want to risk injury to one of his top players, but in his absence a young man took the ball and not only ran it, but made a statement that he can be one to watch as well.
Freshman Seth Caldwell took over most of the rushing duties late in the first half, but at the end of the night carried the ball for 123 yards and one touchdown, averaging over seven yards a carry.
Caldwell became a name that everyone seemed to suddenly recognize and cheer despite this being his first year, but if there is any indication after one game how good he is and how good he could be, the next game and the rest of the season could be quite interesting as each week progresses.
One week does not make a season, and each player on the field knows that. But, not one team wants to experience a loss, much less a first loss on the season. At the end of this night, one team will have a .500 record, while another continues a wave of momentum.
Kickoff at the BSC is set for 7 p.m.