By Chris Parker
Clever football has a new head coach in Mac Whitehead this season. Whitehead, who was previously an assistant at Clever, has 27 years of coaching experience with stints as head coach at both Pierce City and Diamond.
“After my first year as an assistant coach (2023) I knew there was potential for success,” Whitehead said. “Last season, we were able to put together some wins and make great strides in the weight room. When Coach Howard decided to step down, I knew that I wanted to continue working and building the program. The kids have really taken ownership in the weight room and have committed to doing all the things we have asked of them.”
He takes over a team coming off its best season in history. The Blue Jays won five games last season which was two more than they had won in their first four varsity seasons combined.
“I think the kids are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing,” Whitehead said. “They are investing themselves in the weight room. They are doing all the little things right to build the program into a competitive program. Our seniors have really bought into the culture we are trying to build. We did a lot of talk in the winter during our leadership meetings focusing on “team” and “brotherhood”. It’s definitely an exciting time in Clever football history.”
Six starters return to an offensive unit that will look to run the ball well.
“Our offensive mindset this year is to be physical and run the ball,” Whitehead said. “We have the running backs to definitely do this. Our big question right now is will our young lineman rise to the challenge. I know they have had a great summer, and I look forward to watching them compete.”
Those running backs include Quintin Lemmer, Travis Lemmer, Kendal Piper and Trenton Allen. Quintin Lmmer rushed for 700 yards as a junior on his way to second-team all-conference honors.
Experience returns at wide receiver as well with Lucas Peebles and Allen. Peebles led the team in touchdowns with six last season. He caught 19 total passes for 300 yards on his way to third-team all-conference honors at wide receiver. Allen, who was voted team offensive MVP last season, had 19 catches for 356 yards and four touchdowns.
Brayden Flood will be the tight end.
This skill group looks to be a strength for Clever.
“I truly believe that all of our offensive skill personnel have the potential to have big years,” Whitehead said. “As a head coach and offensive play caller, it’s my job to make sure we put them in the best possible position for success. I really like the amount of work these kids have put in all winter and spring in the weight room and how it is paying off for them. We have several dynamic playmakers and balancing the offense around them will be the key to our success this year.”
As for who will be distributing the ball, there is an open competition for the quarterback spot with Brayden Baker, Brecken Vestal and Gavin McManmie.
“Right now our quarterback position is wide open,” Whitehead said. “We have three guys who are competing for the position. Brayden Baker is a senior who saw time as a sophomore at quarterback. He played wide receiver last year and is looking to transition back to the quarterback spot. He is joined by Brecken Vestal, a sophomore. Brecken had a great junior varsity season last year as a freshman. The third is Gavin McManmie. (He is) a senior that decided to come out and compete. All three have had a good summer and bring different things to the plate as quarterbacks.”
Up front, tackles Max Allie and Isaiah Hutson return for their senior seasons. Juniors Ben Pexa and Christian Swearengin along with sophomores Kendrick McClanahan, Jaxon Ferguson and Brandon James will fill out the offensive line.
The defense, which also returns six starters, will have a similar identity as the offense.
“Very similar to the offense we preach being physical,” Whitehead said. “One of our main focuses going into this season is being great tacklers. I think you will see a difference in how physically we play and our tackling this year.”
Travis Lemmer returns to the middle of the defense at linebacker after earning third-team all-conference honors last season as a junior. Malachi Crawford, Ryan Hill and Quintin Lemmer are a senior trio that will also be in the mix at linebacker. Sophomore Mason Griffin is looking to turn a strong summer into fall playing time at linebacker.
Peebles and Allen return as starters in the secondary. Peebles earned third-team all-conference honors as a defensive back last season.
Skyler Broaddus returns after starting a limited amount last season before injury cut his season short. Juniors Tysyn Clark and Lucas Fields along with sophomore Blaine Abbot will look for playing time in the back half of the defense. Senior Gavin Pilkington is also in the mix for secondary snaps.
On the defensive line, it is all juniors and sophomores looking for time. Pexa and Swearengin are juniors who could play on both offensive and defensive lines. James, McClanahan and Ferguson will also be two-way options on the offensive and defensive lines in their sophomore seasons.
Clever travels to Sarcoxie for a jamboree on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season on Aug. 29 at Miller.
“I think our work ethic will be our strength this year. I contribute that to our senior leadership. These guys have really put in the work during the off-season and set the standard for future Clever football teams. I can’t say enough about the commitment to success these guys have,” Whitehead said. “We want to be competitive in every game we play. Last year we had some games that we felt we could have done better. This year we want to have a chance when it comes to the fourth quarter.”
