CLAY CENTER TIGERS

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Clay Center managed to switch into high gear at just the right time for a surprising playoff run – surprising to anyone outside of their locker room that is. After entering the last game of the regular season against Marysville with a 4-3 record, the Tigers reeled off four straight victories that took them deep into the playoffs, including dominant upset wins over Wichita Collegiate (35-0) and Cheney (24-6) fueled by stalwart defense.

It wasn’t until faced with an Andale team in the state semifinals in the midst of a historic streak that head coach Marc Henry’s squad was finally turned back. From that group Henry continued on page 28 returns 10 defensive starters and seven on offense. Headlining that group are All-State seniors Brody Hayes and Braylon Berry.

Lining up at safety, Hayes dominated as a junior with 105 tackles, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, an interception, and a sack. Aside from pointing out his personal growth as a “vocal leader,” the senior also saw growth in the team as a whole.

“We learned that we can compete with anyone,” Hayes said. “When we come together as a team we can accomplish great things. Great weight room attendance in the summer along with a great atmosphere created great camaraderie within our team. Once we learned to trust each other we were tough to beat.”

Berry was another defensive force for the Tigers, recording 60 tackles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries opposite graduated All-State D-end Brett Loader.

Despite the excitement of last season, Berry is approaching 2023 with a clean slate.

To be honest, it feels like starting all over again, but I see that as being humble and keeping our mind on the goal of winning state.”

Others back from last year’s defense include senior linebackers Tucker Jackson (46 tkls.), Carter Long (52 tkls.), and junior Weston Hammond (31 tkls.), and junior Cole Pladson (75 tkls.), defensive lineman

Paxton Ryals (25 tkls., sack), as well as senior defensive backs Jackson Henry (22 tkls., 4 INTs), Talyn Pfizenmaier (81 tkls.), and junior Owen Craig (32 tkls.).

Offensively, Henry’s flexbone offense complements the physical Clay Center defense well, with a running back committee led by Long (163 car., 844 yds., 8 TDs) at fullback with Hayes (104 car., 836 yds., 14 TDs; 11 rec., 238 yds., 3 TDs) and Craig (52 car., 643 yds., 5 TDs) at the wingback spots.

With last year’s 1,000 yard passer Mark Hoffman (Cowley County CC baseball) graduating in May, Pladson is set to take over at QB with Henry (26 rec., 423 yds., 2 TDs) back at wideout as the team’s leader in receiving yards, along with Hammond (17 rec., 298 yds., 4 TDs) at tight end as the leader in TD receptions. Ryals, Berry, Jackson, and senior Colton Spellman are back along the offensive line.

“We’re looking forward to building off of the great season we had in 2022,” Henry said. “(We want to) compete for an NCKL championship and make a state run again.”

Keegan McCullick is a full-time Staff Writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly six years of experience covering high school and college sports across Kansas.