Aspen One Hour

By Mike Moore Staff Writer   Concord — It was a year that began with big ambitions, and one that ended with heads held high.   As the Concord football program looks back on the history books, the 2016 season will down as one of the best the Yellowjackets have ever known.   And given where this team and program has come from, that’s saying plenty.   “I grew up with this program, and as a player watched the success we had.” coach Max Clark said Wednesday, just five days removed from the season-ending loss to Cassopolis. “It was a matter of doing the right things and sticking with the right things. At the same time, knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight thing. Still, this probably all happened quicker than people wanted.”   What ‘this’ was, was a 9-3 season that included a host of records and a trip to the Division 7 regional final.   Keep in mind, when Clark took over prior to the 2013 season, Concord had won 15 games in nine years.   Football was an afterthought at the school.   But Clark wanted to tap into something he experienced as a player from 1998…

By Mike Moore Staff Writer   Concord — Another weekend, another chance to further what has become somewhat of an unforeseen story.   For those outside the Concord football program, that is.   The 2016 squad has been rewriting the record book at every turn, and now, at 9-2 on the season, has won more games (16) in a two-year period than any other time in program history.   Win No. 16 came last Friday as the Yellowjackets did more than enough to beat Homer 48-32, winning the program its first district title since 2001 and it’s first road playoff game ever.   “It’s just awesome,” coach Max Clark said. “It’s great for this program and great for these kids.” Tony Brooks Jr. continues to power the Concord offense. In the win against Homer, he completed 15-of-28 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 141 yards on 23 carries. Now his, and Concord’s challenge, is a Cassopolis (10-1) team that allows just 15 points per game in a Division 7 regional. “It’s the same old thing I’ve been saying. You have to take care of the football,” Clark said. “That’s a team that played in a…