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Dragon offense clicked last week: Will it continue?

The Clinton High School Dragons (2-6, 1-3) played much better last week in a 54-28 defeat to the second-ranked team in 5A — Oak Ridge High School (7-1, 4-0). The Dragons put up 230 total yards on the Wildcats.

Clinton will look to keep their offensive success rolling into their Region 3 matchup this Friday at Campbell County High School (4-4, 2-2).

Campbell County is led by their running back Drew Jordan. Two weeks ago, Jordan set a Campbell County single-game school record with 338 rushing yards against Karns. The Dragons defense will need to prevent Jordan from having a big game.

Oak Ridge put up 272 yards on the ground against Clinton, so look for the Dragons’ defense to improve in that category. The Cougars are only averaging 24.5 points a game, but have still managed to scrap out four wins.

If comparing similar opponents was reliable in making predictions, the Dragons look to have a shot at defeating the Cougars. Campbell County lost to Oak Ridge 44-14, as well as shutout 56-0 last week by top-ranked Fulton. However, those results mean nothing and will determine nothing this Friday. Additionally, comparing similar opponents and results might be the worst avenue to go down when attempting to make future predictions.

While Clinton might have gained a few moral victories against Oak Ridge, the numbers show there is still much for the Dragons to improve on. The Clinton offense was three-of-ten on third down conversions last Friday. The Dragons also had four turnovers last week—two failed fourth down conversions, an interception, and a fumble. The defense as a unit: Clinton still gave up 54 points last week. The Dragons will have to keep the Cougars around or below their average if they want to leave with a win.

Also, the Wildcats were seven-of-ten through the air last week. Clinton’s secondary has struggled to defend the pass all year, but will need to tighten up if Campbell County goes to the air. Preventing big plays and getting off the field on third downs might be the keys that result in a Dragons’ victory.

Seniors Josh Breeden, Isiah Washington, and Luke Harrison lead the Clinton High School Dragons. Breeden and Washington are the Dragons’ biggest playmakers. Both are threats in the ground game and Washington is Harrison’s favorite target through the air. All three Seniors will need to play well, and lead their team. The bout with Campbell County is a game that is very much a winnable matchup for Clinton. However, without improvement defensively, Clinton’s chances to lose will be just as high as their chances to win.