High school football special section 2024: Clinton

What to know about Clinton before the Maroons open their season Friday night against East Alton-Wood River:

Their quarterback is ...

Josh Bass, Keaton Graves or Colton Walker, each of whom took snaps under center during the Maroons’ summer program. The main battle, however, is between Bass and Graves as they look to replace the services of the now-graduated Mason Walker.

“It’s been fantastic to watch these two guys go at it,” coach Ron Bass said. “They’re fantastic players, they have a high ceiling over the next couple of years and it’s a good problem to have in the sense that you know, if something happens, you’ve got someone who can run the offense.” And the younger Bass has embraced the challenge while supporting Graves and Walker through the process. “It’s been fun, and it makes you work harder to get what you want,” Josh Bass said.

Their quarterback of the defense is ...

Defensive lineman Dawson Thayer, who is back in the fold after being selected to the All-Central Illinois Conference First Team as a junior in 2023.

He’ll be joined by Walker, who was an all-conference honorable mention selection for his efforts as a defensive back last season.

“Chemistry is a big thing,” Walker said. “We all played together in JFL, and we’ve always been pretty good, in my class at least. And I just have full confidence that my teammates are going to be there if I mess up or something, or if they mess up, they know I’m going to be there. We’re on the same page, that’s the big thing.”

A successful season means ...Nabbing the first playoff victory in the history of the Maroons’ program, which dates back to 1911. Sure, the Maroons occasionally found success before the IHSA adopted a postseason in 1974. But this year’s group is eager to build on a 6-4 campaign in 2023 and make the program’s 10th playoff berth the one that bucks an unfortunate trend.

“We’re thrilled about the opportunity,” Ron Bass said. “We did lose a lot of players last year, a really good senior class, but we replaced those seniors with most of their siblings, so we’re excited about what they can do and what they can bring.”

Clinton’s 2024 scheduleDate Opponent Time

Aug. 30 vs. East Alton-Wood River 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Alton Marquette 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 vs. Tremont 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Ridgeview/Lexington 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 vs. Eureka 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Tri-Valley 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 vs. Shelbyville 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at El Paso-Gridley 7 p.m.

Meet the staffHead coach and defensive coordinator:

• Ron Bass

Offensive and special teams coordinator:

• John Johnson

Offensive and defensive line coach

• : Darren Moser

Offensive and defensive line coach:

• Craig Witts

Lineman, linebackers and special teams coach:

• Chad Martin

Wide receivers and defensive backs coach:

• Kyle Patterson

Running backs coach:

• Garrett Wayne

Junior varsity coach:

• Jerad Wisler

Junior varsity coach:

• Kyle Rudolph

Junior varsity coach:

• Lance Clark

Junior varsity coach:

• Rob Beck

Joey Wright