By DOUG DONNELLY

CLINTON – The Bobcats gave up touchdowns on Clinton’s first five possessions but were still within a touchdown when the clock ran out.

“We were right there,” Bobcat coach Todd Thieken said. “I’m very proud of how the kids stayed in it. We had some unfortunate things happen in the first half.”

The Bobcats trailed 38-24 but got the ball back with about four minutes left. A big pass play from Tre Eitniear to Brek Ruddy put them into the Red Zone. On a fourth-and-10, Tre Eitniear found Trenton Eitniear on an 11-yard pass to get a first-and-goal. 

Trenton Eitniear’s fourth touchdown of the night and two-point conversion pulled the Bobcats within 38-32. Clinton, however, recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to win the Division 7 first round playoff game.

Eitniear rushed for 59 yards. Ruddy had 83 yards on the ground. Tre Eitniear passed for 75 yards.

Whiteford’s season ends 5-5. It’s the earliest playoff exit for the Bobcats since 2019.

WHITEFORD 8 16 0 8 – 32

CLINTON 12 20 6 0 – 38

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

C – Bryce Randolph 1 run (run failed)

W – Trenton Eitniear 9 run (Eitniear run)

C – Jake Felts 3 run (run failed)

Second Quarter

W – Eitniear 4 run (Eitniear run)

C – Andy Fair 10 pass from Gradyn Whelen (Dacari Garrison pass from Whelen)

C – Fair 59 pass from Whelen (pass failed)

W – Eitniear 3 run (Eitniear run)

C – Randolph 11 run (run failed)

Third Quarter

C – Whelen 13 run (pass failed)

Fourth Quarter

W – Eitniear 2 run (Drew Ruddy run)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Whiteford: Brek Ruddy 11-83, Trenton Eitniear 14-59, Shevy Alexander 6-58, Tre Eitniear 4-19. Totals 35-219. Clinton: Bryce Randolph 12-115, Jake Felts 20-86, Gradyn Whelen 9-34, Andy Fair 5-7. Totals 46-242.

PASSING – Whiteford: Tre Eitniear 5-14-0 75 yards. Clinton: Gradyn Whelen 3-6-0 77 yards.

RECEIVING – Whiteford: Brek Ruddy 2-44, Trenton Eitniear 2-27, Mason DeBarr 1-4. Clinton: Andy Fair 2-69, Jake Felts 1-8.