Local Sports Journal

Bobby Clanton is big and on Friday the Orchard View running back had a big night. Clanton finished with 315 yards rushing with  three touchdowns in the Cardinals’ 34-7 win over host Manistee.

Clanton produced touchdown runs of 66, 40 and 55 yards.

Quarterback Jayden Day also had a big night for the Cardinals. The freshman scored a pair of rushing touchdowns from 3 and 63 yards out. The 3-yard TD run put  OV up 8-0.

“Bobby ran really hard tonight and Day’s ability to not get rattled and hold his poise is unheard of for a young man his age,” said OV coach Joe Tanis. “Bobby put the team on his back and was an intimidating presence on the field. Day found the edge on the long run and broke a couple tackles.

“(Clanton) wasn’t happy with his performance last week and he went out and played a great game.”

Orchard View played a clean game and gave up just one turnover on offense. Chris Wells had an interception for the Cardinals in the lone turnover they forced against Manistee.

“Our offensive line was huge tonight, too,” said Tanis. “They gave Day all the protection he needed. We’re taking to heart to protect our quarterback this year.”

Defensively, the Cardinals were led by Julian Crawford with six tackles.