Speed and agility to fuel Columbiana to victory

COLUMBIANA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Columbiana Clippers are coming off the 2023 high school football season by winning 5 of their 6 games.

The Clippers made the playoffs in 2023 and lost to eventual Division 6 state champion Kirtland.

This upcoming 2024 season, Clippers players said the speed of the team will be how they win games.

“I think we’re a fast team, I think we’ll be able to surprise people with how quick we’ll be on the field,” said Senior Clippers quarterback Liam Surgenavic.

“Score more, run harder, run faster,” said Senior running back Spencer Pruitt. “Every rep could be my last.”

The Clippers finished the 2023 season with an overall record of (5-6) and (5-2) in Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference play.

Columbiana returns starting quarterback Liam Surgenavic who led the Clippers to scoring 24.3 points a game in 2023.

“I got 900 rushing yards last year, so I was super close to pushing across that 1,000 yard barrier, so hopefully this year I can get it,” said Surgenavic.

The dual-threat QB said the goal is to lead the team to success and get big statistical numbers on the way.

“I have a goal of being on the wall somewhere, we have a record wall in the high school,” said Surgenavic. “There’s record walls in the weight room. I want to be on the wall somewhere for something.”

Senior running back Spencer Pruitt said he is also looking to break records this season.

“This season, I want to break my grandpa’s single-game record,” said Pruitt. “Had like 237 yards, I want to break that single-game record. He was the first 200-yard rusher from Columbiana.”

Pruitt’s grandfather Tucker Cope played football for the Clippers. Pruitt said the Clippers are just starting to find their identity in off-season workouts.

“I think our identity is just being able to be together, it hasn’t been hard to bond,” said Pruitt. “We clicked together, and everything’s working out pretty good so far.”

Clippers head coach Bob Spiate is in his 31st year coaching for the school. Spiate said off-season workouts are ways to build the team and leadership.

“That’s the thing we’re looking for here is what’s going to be the chemistry of this group,” said Spiate. “Who’s going to control the locker room? Because that’s who’s going to control the team.”

Columbiana returns six starters on offense and five starters on defense. Coach Spiate and the players said the goal is to win and grow as people.

“Are we better at the end than we were at the beginning? And do we care about each other and the process? That’s what’s important,” said Spiate.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while and we’re walking out. I’m celebrating with them. That’s what I envision,” said Senior center Michael Dunn. “I envision celebrating with my brothers, getting back on that bus.”

The Clippers open the season at Lowellville Aug. 23.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.