Published: October 20, 2008 09:39 am      

Seniors leading the way for River Kings

CLINTON — Quality over quantity.

The phrase is personified by the Clinton High School football team’s group of nine seniors.

The group consisting of Kaleb Frazier, BJ Kahler, Scott McCright, Matt Murphy, Sam Parker, Jaryd Prince, Tyler Redman, Maurice Walker and Shawn Winoski has helped lead the River Kings to a 4-4 record and hopefully a spot in the Iowa Class 4A postseason field of 32 teams.

Friday’s 13-12 win over Davenport Central has Clinton sitting with four wins and right now it looks like that will be enough to get in.

Clinton overcame a slow start to escape with the win after Central led 6-0 at halftime.

“At halftime we talked about this was our shot at the playoffs and we needed to step it up,” senior offensive/defensive lineman Matt Murphy said. “I think everybody started to get motivated in the second half.”

To open the second half, Clinton tied the game on a 19-yard run by David Johnson.

“Things went against us and the kids did a great job at battling back,” Clinton head coach Lee Camp said. “We didn’t play as sharp and smooth as we could have and yet we came out on top and that’s the first thing you realize.”

A nine-yard touchdown pass from Jake Mangler to Johnson and the ensuing extra point by Parker gave Clinton the lead and eventually the win on a night when things didn’t always go as planned.

The River Kings turned the ball over four times and committed 95 yards worth of penalties, but still emerged with the win thanks in part to the leadership of the seniors.

“That was a big focus this week, for the seniors to lead,” Murphy added. “It’s been 12 years and this is what we have been focusing on all season, making the playoffs, and I think this (win) will give us a good chance.”

“We stepped up and being in the playoffs is a great thing,” Prince said after Friday’s game. “I know they expanded it (the playoff format), but being there means a lot. I think we will focus a lot more through the next couple weeks. I think we’ll be ready for the playoffs and whoever we face.”

“Some of the guys, you don’t always hear their names,” Camp said. “Guys like Sam Parker, (Shawn) Winoski has had some great games, Murph(y). Jaryd (Prince) is pretty quiet, but he keeps coming. I’m really happy for those guys and now we got a shot at a winning season.”

Prince definitely feels the old adage of quality over quantity is appropriate to this year’s group of seniors.

“We picked it up when we needed to, The seniors do their work and a lot of them contribute to the team.” Prince said. “It’s a great senior class, just a small one.”