In a non-conference battle of two state-ranked teams - and also a rematch of last year's Level 2 playoff thriller - the McDonell Macks (1-0, 0-0 North Central Conference - East) looked strong on both sides of the ball early against the Bears (0-1, 0-0 North Central Conference - West), jumping out to a two-score lead.
In the second half, however, Clayton began to win the battle at the line of scrimmage, slowly closing the gap. The game would come down to a few crucial plays in the final minute, as the Macks held off a final charge and headed home with a victory to start their 2024 campaign.
WOGO "RadioActive" Award Watch:
QB Grant Smiskey tossed four touchdown passes in his senior season debut, while fellow senior, WR David Anderson, had three TD receptions and two absolutely critical tackles on defense. Junior DL Mason Busse and Caleb Leet were warriors on the interior.
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