Class 2A Clash "Small Town, But Big Game" Players Turning Heads.

I love when I have the opportunity to give some love to the small town football clubs around the show me state. I would like to give thanks to the entire Clever Community for allowing me to scout their football game last weekend, it was a great time and these athlete's put on a show that i'm certain everyone enjoyed. Fair Grove pulled out a 27-20 win over the Clever Bluejays, but both teams really left it all on the football field.   These five young men had an amazing outing and really impressed me in this close nail biter of a football game.    Kolton Klindworth really made his presence felt against the Clever Bluejays.   The Fair Grove Eagles deploy a defense that has been one of the stingiest units in the state of Missouri. A big reason why is the play of the Senior Kolton Klindworth. Standing at 6'5 230 pounds that can play any position along the defensive line, Klindworth was a revelation against a highly talented Clever offensive unit. Kolton was fantastic last weekend, it didn't matter where you lined him up on the line he was creating constant pressure all Friday night. The most surprising part about Klindsworth is how severely underrated this man is, he definitely deserves more love when you mention the top defensive lineman in the state of Missouri.      [player_tooltip player_id='2265556' first='Brayden' last='Flood'] looked like a dominant force on the defensive side of the football.   I was pretty high on [player_tooltip player_id='2265556' first='Brayden' last='Flood'] in his Junior year where he posted over 140 tackles and 8 sacks. So I was pretty excited to see him in his Senior year. Flood did not disappoint in this highly anticipated matchup against the formidable Fair Grove Eagles. [player_tooltip player_id='2265556' first='Brayden' last='Flood'] has a nice feel and plan when rushing then passer, he knows the angles and leverage game and has the correct hand placement to get himself free to make a play. One little wrinkle I didn't expect is how fluid he is in pass coverage, he was more athletic than I expected and moved laterally very well.        Missouri State baseball commit was in full command against the Clever Blue jays.   Thomason was at the top of his game against a tough defense in the Clever Blue Jays. Fair Grove likes to oppose their will with a strong run game, and indeed at times last weekend they ran the rock right in the heart of the defense and churned out some good yards. Thomason is tough on the ground and sports good size for the position so he's a tough guy to get to the ground. Fair Grove also showed they can put the ball in the air as well, Thomason is a calm, cool, and collected passer that can sit in the pocket and tear you apart.     It was pretty hard not to notice the play of Kendall Piper from Clever High School.   First things first Piper stands 6'0 220 pounds and he knows exactly how to use his size. Piper is your classic down hill, one cut, tone setting type of runner that is pretty fun to see. So many times last weekend Piper should have been stopped for negative yards and he just kept his legs churning and fell forward for 4 to five yards and kept the chains moving. Piper seemed like he just got stronger and stronger as the game went on.   Piper has some interest from some college programs and I think as the year goes on others will jump aboard.     Big play [player_tooltip player_id='2411660' first='Trenton' last='Allen'], had himself an eye opening outing last weekend.   I was pretty unfamiliar with [player_tooltip player_id='2411660' first='Trenton' last='Allen']'s game before I paid his Clever Blue Jays a visit last Friday night. After his battle with the Fair Grove Eagles he has gained a fan with me. Allen's defensive IQ was on full display, along with his overall intensity at the safety position. At one point I believe in the 2nd quarter when the Blue Jays needed a stop to swing momentum in their favor, Allen made all three tackles for minimum gains to get his defense off the field. Even more impressive was his interception in the 4th when he returned it 90 plus yards weaving through traffic to set up the Kendall Piper touchdown to put his team back in the game.   Allen is only a Junior and he is playing some highly impressive football regardless of the class he's in.

I love when I have the opportunity to give some love to the small town football clubs around the show me state. I would like to give thanks to the entire Clever Community for allowing me to scout their football game last weekend, it was a great time and these athlete's put on a show that i'm certain everyone enjoyed. Fair Grove pulled out a 27-20 win over the Clever Bluejays, but both teams really left it all on the football field.