The Clare Pioneers wasted no time showing they’re the superior team in the Jack Pine conference, scoring two early touchdowns en route to a 35-24 victory over Roscommon. The Bucks came into the game undefeated on the season. Clare quarterback Travis Vida punched the ball in the end zone early in the game. Then running back Gabe Denton ran for his first of two touchdowns on the evening. But Roscommon woke up quickly, turning a Pioneer turnover into a Jacob Syad touchdown run, and cut the Pioneers lead to 14-8 at the end of one quarter.
Clare started pulling away in the second quarter when Denton found the end zone for the second time. Then Brandon Zinser scored his first of two touchdowns. Clare took a 28-8 halftime lead.
After trading drives to begin the second half, Zinser found the end zone one more time, giving Clare a commanding 35-8 lead. Roscommon responded one more time in the fourth quarter with a Gabe Stern touchdown. Thomas Pastel added a late touchdown for Roscommon, but it was too little too late. The Pioneers held on for the 35-24 victory.
The one-dimensional Roscommon offense couldn’t adjust to the tough Pioneer defense. The Bucks surrendered four turnovers against Clare on the evening, and never really established a passing game.
Brandon Zinser had an excellent game for Clare. His two second half touchdowns gave the Pioneers a nice cushion, and he dominated the Bucks on defense. Overall, Zinser ran for 128 yards on 21 carries. For his efforts, Zinser won our JNR Engraving Player of the Game honors.
Clare now controls their Jack Pine conference title destiny with games against a tough Beaverton team and Houghton Lake to finish the season. With the win tonight, however, the Pioneers secured a playoff spot. Roscommon also secured a playoff spot last week. They finish their season with games against Farwell and Harrison.
Next week, we travel to Coleman as the Comets host Sacred Heart. The Irish come off a 42-6 victory over Montabella tonight. We’re on the air once again at 6:45 on My 1043.
