Walled Lake Central cruises past Clarkston FULL STORY
Clarkston still has a chance to finish this year on top
By PAT CAPUTO Of The Oakland Press
It's Clarkston's year.
That was the buzz in the heat of summer as Oakland County's high school football teams prepared for this season. The Wolves entered it with an experienced and deep team on both sides of the ball, one that learned as a youthful group in 2010. Just two years ago, Clarkston was a play or two from advancing to the Division 1 state championship game. The loss to Sterling Heights Stevenson in the semifinals provided tremendous motivation. FULL STORY & Video Below
Clarkston rolls past Pontiac
October 29, 2011
By Dan Stickradt
North Oakland Sports
CLARKSTON - A couple of misfortunes don't appear to be deterring Clarkston on the football field in the postseason. The Wolves, coming off a come-from-behind victory over Lake Orion in Week 9 of the regular season to clinch a playoff berth and a share of the OAA Red Division title, broke open a tight game in the second quarter and eventually rolled past Pontiac, 40-12, in a Division 1 pre-district. Clarkston, which will host Walled Lake Central for a district championship next weekend - the Vikings stunned defending state champion Lake Orion 20-17 in the other district opener - outscored Pontiac 22-6 in the second half to cool the Phoenix, who scored over 100 points the last three weeks of the season. FULL STORY
Clarkston rolls over Pontiac, on to 2nd-round home game
October 29, 2011
By Mike Scott
Special to the Oakland Press
CLARKSTON - The ball bounced off Nik Clark's helmet and hung high in the air for anyone to grab. Once Clark's teammate, cornerback Brad Leuenhagen, caught it, it marked the end of the road for Pontiac. That play happened late in the first half, but it completely turned the tide and gave Clarkston the momentum it needed for a dominating second half in a 40-12 victory over the visiting Phoenix (6-4) in Friday's Division 1 playoff opener. FULL STORY
Off the bubble: As Clarkston prepared to meet archrival Lake Orion last week, fans were telling coach Kurt Richardson his Wolves were almost a lock to make the playoffs at 5-4. "I didn't want any part of that,'' Richardson said. "Obviously, we wanted to get in, but I wasn't listening to that, and I didn't want the kids to hear that." The only reason the Wolves were on the bubble is that a little-used ineligible player cost them two wins, which made the 38-31 victory more meaningful. The score was tied when Mitch Baenziger took a quarterback draw 30 yards for a TD with 51 seconds remaining. "Actually, we were just trying to get 5 more yards or so and we'd be in field goal range," Richardson said. "For a kid that had played two games at quarterback before this season, Mitch is having a phenomenal year."
State Champs! was at Clarkston High School on Friday to film the OAA-Red Championship between Clarkston & Lake Orion
Fourth-quarter rally lifts Clarkston past Lake Orion, into playoffs
By KEITH DUNLAP Of The Oakland Press
CLARKSTON - Ever since the Clarkston football team found out after Week 3 of the season that it had to forfeit two previous wins for using an ineligible player who barely played, many have wondered since exactly what those forfeits would cost the Wolves. On Friday night, it could at least be said that it didn't cost Clarkston a spot in the state playoffs. Thanks to a 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, Clarkston rallied for a heartstopping, 38-31 win over arch rival Lake Orion to not only win a share of the Oakland Activities Association Red Division title, but punch its ticket to the postseason by earning its sixth win. FULL STORY
Wolves down Lake Orion to gain OAA-Red Title Share
North Oakland Sports
BY TIM PONTZER
October 21, 2011
CLARKSTON - With their backs against the wall, the Clarkston Wolves stepped up and rallied in a major way Friday night. Clarkston, needing a sixth win to reach the postseason, came back from a 31-21 deficit in the fourth quarter with a 17-0 spurt to take down arch-rival Lake Orion, 38-31, in the final week of the regular season. FULL STORY
Clarkston's Baenziger deals with countless acts of adversity to shine on the field
North Oakland Sports
BY DAN STICKRADT
October 21, 2011
CLARKSTON - Some athletes have to face all types of adversity. Mitch Baenziger has had to face plenty of it as an athlete at Clarkston High School - and that list is long. Yet the two-sport athlete, who is a quarterback in football and plays guard in basketball, has dealt with each punch and knockdown by just getting up time and time again and has pushed forward instead of living in the past. And he is a standout athlete for good measure, one of the very best at Clarkston High school "I know that things (in life) aren't always easy," said Baenziger, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 190 pounds. "You have to just deal with it." FULL STORY
Clarkston rallies past rival Lake Orion for the OAA Red crown
Geoff Robinson/ Special to The News
Clarkston- With the Oakland Activities Association Red Division title on the line, Clarkston used a fierce fourth quarter to top rival Lake Orion, 38-31, on Friday. FULL STORY
Clarkston tops Lake Orion, 38-31; takes home OAA Red Division football championship trophy
Montezz Allen | MLive.com, October 21, 2011 10:50 p.m.
Quarterback Mitch Baenzinger ran for a 30-yard touchdown with 51 seconds left Friday to give Clarkston a 38-31 victory over Lake Orion and the Oakland Activities Association Red Division title. FULL STORY
MI Prep Zone Football Picks Show
Week 9
Fastforward until there is 3:17 to go for coverage of the Clarkston/Lake Orion game.
State Champs! Football Playoff Bubble Team Picks 10/21/11
Fastforward to the 4:21 mark to hear them mention Clarkston/Lake Orion as their Game of the Week!
Rank, School (1st-place votes) (Record) Poll Points
1. Rockford (3) (7-1) 48
2. Plymouth (1) (8-0) 43
3. Detroit Catholic Central (1) (7-1) 40
4. Utica Eisenhower (7-1) 37
5. Grand Haven (7-1) 32
6. Canton (6-2) 21
7. Northville (7-1) 16
8. Clarkston (5-3) 15
9. Brighton (7-1) 9
10. Grand Blanc (6-2) 8
Others receiving votes: 11, Lake Orion 5. 12, Holland West Ottawa 1.
Rivalry Week!
OAA RED CHAMPIONSHIP
Lake Orion (6-2) @ Clarkston (5-3) Friday 7pm
The last 10 years has been quite a rivalry between the Wolves & the Dragons. This year's chapter is destined to be a hard fought contest with the winner taking the league championship. Here is a look at how the last 10 years have faired.
Year
Winning Team
Losing Team
2010
LakeOrion
28
Clarkston
7
2009-Playoffs
Clarkston
17
LakeOrion
7
2009
Clarkston
42
LakeOrion
13
2008
LakeOrion
17
Clarkston
14
2007-Playoffs
LakeOrion
30
Clarkston
27
2007
Clarkston
21
LakeOrion
19
2006-Playoffs
Clarkston
34
LakeOrion
14
2006
LakeOrion
32
Clarkston
8
2005-Playoffs
LakeOrion
30
Clarkston
20
2005
LakeOrion
27
Clarkston
21
2004
Clarkston
30
LakeOrion
12
2003
LakeOrion
21
Clarkston
7
2002
LakeOrion
28
Clarkston
0
Line does it again for Oxford in win at Clarkston
The Oakland Press
October 15, 2011
By Scott Burnstein
CLARKSTON - The more adversity the Oxford football team faces, the stronger it gets. After a 2-0 start, Oxford dropped two consecutive games while in the process losing a trio of three-year starters to season-ending injuries. Putting the injuries in the back of their mind, the Wildcats roared back to win three straight, capped by last week's defeat of state-ranked Southfield. Then on Thursday, Oxford lost two more starters when a group of players were involved in a car accident driving home from practice. FULL STORY
Oxford pushes the 'Line' past Clarkston to clinch playoff spot
North Oakland Sports
October 15, 2011
By Dan Stickradt
CLARKSTON - With blood on his torn and tattered jersey, Prescott Line could only wear a smile late Friday night. The Oxford two-way starter literally carried more than another All-American performance on his shoulders. With several teammates involved in a car accident Thursday night, including one still in the hospital, Line led his Wildcats to one of the biggest wins in recent memory. Line had another grand performance, scoring five touchdowns - four offensive and one defensive - on a night where he rushed 33 times for 296 yards to lead Oxford to a 42-35 triumph over host Clarkston in the OAA Crossover Showcase second-place game. FULL STORY
Line's 5-TD night lifts Oxford over Clarkston
Detroit Free Press
October 14, 2011
By Perry Farrell
With a playoff berth on the line, Oxford's Prescott Line turned in one of the most dominating performances of the season as the visiting Wildcats tamed Clarkston, 42-35, Friday night. The senior running back/linebacker rushed for 296 yards on 33 carries and five TDs, giving him 33 TDs for the year. Clarkston spotted Oxford 14 first-quarter points, then rallied, but couldn't keep up with Line in a crossover game between the Wolves of the Oakland Activities Association Red and the Wildcats of the White. FULL STORY
Photos Courtesy of Wright Action Pix & Clarkston Photography. Click the Links at the bottom of the page to see more pictures.
Photos Courtesy of Clarkston Photography & Wright Action Pix
Clarkston Shuts Down Royal Oak
The Oakland Press
October 7, 2011
By JAKE THIELEN
Clarkston quarterback Mitch Baenziger threw for three first-half touchdowns as the Wolves defeated Royal Oak, 45-7, in an OAA Red Division football matchup Friday night. Baenziger threw for 177 yards on 6-of-9 passing in the opening half, including touchdown passes to Michael Schwartz, Mac Pearce and Matt Dellinger. Clarkston (5-2, 5-1 OAA Red) finished the first half with a 38-0 lead and held on in the second half for the win. Senior running back Joey Goss ran for 103 yards on 12 carries with two scores, including a 50-yard touchdown run up the left sideline in the third quarter that gave the Wolves their final 45-7 margin of victory.FULL STORY
Clarkston sharp in sliding past Rochester
North Oakland Sports
BY DAN STICKRADT
September 30, 2011
ROCHESTER HILLS - Rochester honored some of its all-time great athletes Friday night with its annual Hall of Fame induction. It was Clarkston that more than stole the limelight. Playing in the driving rain and near-freezing temperatures, the Wolves ran roughshod over the injury-riddled Falcons. Clarkston won its third straight game after its two-game forfeiture, pounding the Falcons 28-0 in OAA Red Division play to remain in second place with Troy Athens in the conference. FULL STORY
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The Oakland Press
Clarkston 28, Rochester 0 - At Rochester, Doss (Joey Goss) had 22 carries for 111 yards, caught 3 passes for 83 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns to lead Clarkston (4-2, 3-1).
Photos Courtesty of Clarkston Photography
The Oakland Press
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Clarkston 42, Pontiac 18 - At Clarkston, quarterback Nick (Mitch) Baenziger led Clarkston's offense with five touchdown passes and 215 yards on 9-of-14 passing to improve its record to 3-2. Pontiac's (2-3) running back Mark Cargle rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 15 attempts.
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WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Highlights
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North Oakland Sports
Saturday, September 24, 2011
CLARKSTON 42, PONTIAC 18: Nick (Mitch)Baenziger fired a season-high five touchdown passes and the Wolves continued to cruise on the field with this decisive OAA Red Division victory Friday over the Phoenix. Baenziger, who missed most of last season with an injury, finished 9-for-14 passing for 215 yards to pace Clarkston (3-2, 3-1), which hasn't lost on the field but has forfeited two games due to the use of an ineligible player. Clarkston led 7-0 after the first quarter and used a 21-6 run in the second quarter to break the game open and build a 28-6 lead at the half. The Wolves scored their other two touchdowns in the third period. Joey Goss (34-yard reception), Evan Montgomery (27- and 28-yard TD catches), Mike Schwartz (4-yard TD catch) and Matt Dellinger (34-yard scoring reception) were on the receiving ends of Baenziger's passes. Ben Kaminsky added a 1-yard run for Clarkston's final score and Alex Barta was 6-for-6 on extra points for the Wolves. Mark Cargle had 103 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns for the Phoenix (2-3, 1-3), who trailed 42-6 entering the fourth quarter. Cargle scored on runs of 1 and 4 yards, while Chris Hall returned a fumble 25 yards for the other score for Pontiac.
Shots from Clarkston Photography
State Champs recently filmed from the Clarkston Sideline. 9/18/11
Clarkston ends tough week with big win
Tom Markowski/ The Detroit News
September 17, 2011
Troy- A week of uncertainty and disappointment placed Clarkston in a foul mood, and it took its frustrations out on Troy on Friday night. Clarkston scored on two big plays and another set up another as Clarkston raced to a 21-0 halftime lead en route to a 28-13 victory in an Oakland Activities Association Red Division game. FULL STORY.Video
Clarkston bounces back from adversity with a win
By DANIEL TALLANT Special to The Oakland Press
September 17, 2011
TROY - Although the Wolves' record was only at a mark of 1-2 headed into a Week 4 matchup with Troy, the Clarkston football team played like a true unbeaten on Friday night.After becoming the center of attention in local prep football this week by announcing that it would forfeit two of its three wins for using an ineligible player, the Wolves put the pair of losses behind them and continued on their path to qualifying for the state playoffs by notching a 28-13 win over the host Colts. FULL STORY
TROY - Having to forfeit two of its first three games could have sent Clarkston into a downward spiral. It had the opposite effect on the Wolves. Behind a solid running game and stingy defense, Clarkston bounced back with a resounding 28-13 OAA Red Division victory Friday over host Troy. Clarkston, despite being stuffed inside the Troy five in the first quarter, scored on three drives in the first half and even blocked a field goal in building a commanding 21-0 lead the break. In the second half, the Wolves never allowed the Colts to get closer than 15 points. FULL STORY
Wolves win! It was a solid team effort against the Troy Colts. Below are some photos courtesy of Clarkston Photography
The Oakland Press
Saturday, September 10, 2011 Clarkston 40, Troy Athens 20 - At Clarkston, receiver Mike Schwartz had four catches and 83 yards with two touchdowns and quarterback Mitch Baenziger accounted for four total touchdowns as Clarkston (3-0, 2-0) doubled up Athens (2-1, 1-1).
Clarkston all over Troy Athens in 40-20 rout
BY DAN STICKRADT
North Oakland Sports
September 10, 2011
CLARKSTON - A year ago, Clarkston won by defense. While the Wolves' defense has still been stifling at times this season, Clarkston's offense is starting to make a statement as well. The Wolves continued to impress Friday night, as Clarkston raced out to a 33-0 lead and cruised to a 40-20 OAA Red Division victory over visiting Troy Athens to remain perfect on the year and start 3-0 for the fifth time in 12 seasons. FULL STORY
Standout linebacking duo allows Clarkston the luxury of running more complicated defensive schemes
By Keith Dunlap of
The Oakland Press
September 8, 2011
CLARKSTON - Most football coaches like to preach simplicity and want about as much to do with complications as a fisherman wants to deal with a lake that doesn't produce bites on the lure. But every once in a while, getting to be complicated for a football coach is as much of a luxury item as lobster for dinner or a Porsche as the family car. Full Story
Click the HERE for video of Collins & Dellinger's interview
CLARKSTON 34, WEST BLOOMFIELD 7: Clarkston added to its win total Thursday with this convincing OAA Red Division road win over the Lakers. Mitch Baenziger finished 9-for-12 passing for 215 yards to lead Clarkston (2-0, 1-0). Baenziger added a 12-yard run for another score. Mike Schwartz had three catches for 91 yards and had touchdown catches of 32 and 58 yards. Joey Goss added 90 rushing yards and scored on runs of 5 and 61 yards for Clarkston.
Coach KR issued the Varsity Players a homework assignment tonight... Watch the video below in the attachment.
mlive Clarkston pulls ahead of Rochester Adams, 28-21, in an Oakland Activities Association football opener
The rivalry between Rochester Adams and Clarkston's football team has been a heated battle since 2004. And this year it was no different. The two respective teams began the season facing one another yet again, and like their previous meetings; this one was nothing short of a jaw-dropper. Clarkston (1-0) held off Rochester Adams, 28-21, Friday night on Adams' homefield in MLive.com's Oakland Activities Association Metro Detroit Football Spotlight game. FULL STORY
The Oakland Press: Clarkston intercepts Adams' comeback attempt
ROCHESTER HILLS - It was Chris Calvano to the rescue on Friday evening for the visiting Clarkston Wolves football team against arch rival Rochester Adams. With Adams driving for a potential tying touchdown, the junior linebacker intercepted a pass at midfield in the final seconds of the game to secure Clarkston's 28-21 victory on opening night of the 2011 season. FULL STORY
August 24, 2011 - The Wolves hit the field hard in practice as the countdown continued to wind down to the season opener at Rochester Adams, this Friday. "Adams is always a great challenge and they are always a great opener," said Kurt Richardson, Clarkston Boys Varsity Football head coach going into his 25th season. FULL STORY
Up Next... The Highlanders
Metro Detroit Football Spotlight: Clarkston and Rochester Adams set for opening night clash of OAA powers
Jared Purcell | MLive.com, August 23, 2011 9 p.m.
Despite playing in separate divisions of the Oakland Activities Association, the rivalry between Clarkston and Rochester Adams has been a staple to start every season since 2004 with the exception of 2007.Full Story
On Thursday the Wolves host a 4-Way Scrimmage. Grand Blanc, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Sterling Heights, @ Clarkston. The Freshman scrimmage begins at 12pm. The JV scrimmage begins at 2pm. Varsity begins at 4pm. Stop by and cheer on the Wolves.
Also Friday is the annual "Rush for Food" Click herefor details.
Blue prevailed 14-7 in the 3rd Annual Football for a cure: Blue-Pink Game. August 14, 2011 CLARKSTON-The Blue team capitalized on their passing game and some sturdy defense to hold off the Pink Team. Despite the nasty weather Saturday night a nice crowd showed up Sunday to watch the conclusion. A Big Thank You to all that were involved to make this year's game a success! Click herefor Roster information and dedications.
The 3rd Annual Football For A Cure is coming soon!
Saturday, August 13, 2011 @ 7pm
Matt Dellinger & Travis Smith stopped by Fox 2 News studios to talk about the Game for a cure.
August 6, 2011
myfoxdetroit.com - The boys will trade in their blue and gold jerseys for pink and light blue jerseys with the names of family and friends touched by cancer. Full Story & Video
North Oakland Sports: Clarkston's Dellinger headed for Kent State
August 1, 2011
CLARKSTON - Clarkston's football season last year was interrupted by countless injuries. In fact, most of the Wolves' starters and top reserves spent time on the disabled list due to the rash of injuries. Matt Dellinger was one of the few Wolves who did not hit the injured reserve list. He was busy carrying the load while playing multiple positions, anywhere from linebacker to slot receiver and even some safety. FULL STORY
Kurt Richardson, Clarkston High School's head football coach, has led three teams to the state semifinals, won numerous league titles and has had only three losing seasons in 24 years. Still, despite competing in one of the toughest leagues in the state, Richardson has often operated in the shadows.
