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Concord Football Tony Brooks jr

By Mike Moore

Staff Writer

Concord It wasnt long ago this program was an afterthought, a Friday night chance for any opponent to take out some aggression and pick up an easy win.

That was then, this now.

A now with the Concord football program that includes back-to-back appearances in the state playoffs.

A now that includes the first ever Big 8 Conference title.

A now, that for the first time since 2001, features a home playoff game.

Yes, playoffs at Concord.

How far things have come.

Ive always believed in this,coach Max Clark said. I coached when things were rough, but always felt that if we could get people in the community on board to what we were trying to do, and get the kids that are here to play football, wed be all right. I think weve built this up the right way. We probably do things little different, but it shows you when you go about things with a positive approach, positive things can happen.

The drop off for the Yellowjackets was drastic.

The 2001 team went 10-3 and reached a Division 7 state semifinal.

The next year Concord went 5-5, losing in the opening round.

After that, it was forgettable.

Four seasons with one win.

Three consecutive seasons without a single win.

But when Clark arrived, something started to click.

In just his third year he guided the Yellow Jackets to a 7-2 regular season in 2015

The guys in purple and gold were 7-2 again this fall, and host Springport Friday night in what should be a classic battle between conference foes.

We have a pretty good game plan,Clark said. Really, for us, it comes down to taking care of the ball. In that first game, we made some mistakes early and gave the ball away too much.

The teams met Sept. 30 at Springport, and the Spartans (7-2) defending home field with a 20-16 victory.

The loss was the first of the season for Concord.

Wed been scoring a ton and they stopped us,Clark said. But when you turn it over, its tough. We gave it away in crucial times.

Springports dual-threat quarterback Dallas Burger will also have to be contained. He rushed for 166 yards in the first game, while the defense forced three turnovers.

We expect their best game,Clark said. I think every time we play them, its phenomenal. The past 10 years or so, weve had overtime games, one-point games, everything. Its going to be fun to be part of.

As for playing at home?

Great crowd,Clark said. The community is behind us. We expect the atmosphere to be special.

Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. Hes also the author of Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.

Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.

Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.

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