Clarkdale finds winning formula

By By Steve Swogetinsky / Special to The Star
November 3, 2004
If at first you don't succeed, try something else.
That has been Clarkdale coach Jud Gartman's method when putting in an offensive game plan his team could win with.
The Bulldogs' misdirection offense has rival defenses scrambling to find the ball carrier.
It has also propelled the Bulldogs to a second-place finish in the Division 5-2A standings, as they won four of their last five games. The Bulldogs only lost to powerhouse Philadelphia, which finished first in the division.
Clarkdale will host Hinds AHS in the first round of the State 2A playoffs Friday at the Chris Mabry Memorial Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Chris Skinner is the leading rusher for the Bulldogs with 743 yards on 106 carries. Chris Sirven has 722 yards on 77 carries, and Cedric Burns has 654 yards on 99 rushes.
Clarkdale is coming off a 34-27 victory over Newton High School last week. The Bulldogs trailed 27-13 at the half but scored three second-half touchdowns to claim the victory.
Hinds AHS is led by quarterback Austin Divinity, who is considered a Division I prospect.
Last week against Wesson, Divinity scored six touchdowns. Five were on runs of 28, 48, 10, 2 and 54 yards, while the final came on a 58-yard punt return.
Hinds AHS comes into the game with a 7-3 record. Two of its losses came to St. Andrews and McLaurin, which finished first and second respectively in the Division 6-2A standings.
Clarkdale is making its second playoff appearance in the last three years.