CLINTON – Clinton eliminated Whiteford from the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season Friday, holding the high-powered Bobcat offense in check, winning 36-20.

The Redwolves fell behind early 8-0, but came back to tie the game twice before seizing control by halftime with a two-score lead.

Andres Trejo caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tre Eitniear to put the Bobcats in front early and Rocco Pillarelli’s 59-yard run made it 14-8 before Clinton scored three straight touchdowns to go up 30-14 at halftime.

Whiteford pulled within 30-20 with a third quarter touchdown run by Pillarelli, but could get no closer.

Pillarelli led the Bobcats with 130 yards on 13 carries. The Bobcats had 273 yards of total offense compared to 481 yards by Clinton. Sophomore quarterback Gradyn Whelan had 157 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns. Clifford Jones had 27 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown. Brenden Benscoter had the other Clinton score.

Clinton improves to 8-2 and will face Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in the district final next week.

Whiteford ends the season 8-2.

WHITEFORD 14 0 6 0 – 20

CLINTON 14 16 0 6 – 36

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

W – Andres Trejo 6 pass from Tre Eitniear (Eitniear run)

C – Gradyn Whelan 14 run (Whelan run)

W – Rocco Pillarelli 59 run (run failed)

C – Brenden Benschoter 17 run (pass failed)

Second Quarter

C – Whelan 40 run (Clifford Jones pass from Whelan)

C – Jones 2 run (Bryce Randolph pass from Whelan)

Third Quarter

W – Pillarelli 21 run (run failed)

Fourth Quarter

C – Whelan 55 run (pass failed)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Whiteford: Rocco Pillarelli 13-130, Drew Ruddy 4-51, Brek Ruddy 5-40, Tre Eitniear 10-(minus)-3. Clinton: Gradyn Whelan 12-157, Clifford Jones 27-143, Braxton Randolph 3-63, Dacari Garrison 2-27, Brenden Benschoter 5-26.

PASSING – Whiteford: Tre Eitniear 6-11-0 82 yards. Clinton: Gradyn Whelan 3-9-0 65 yards.

RECEIVING – Whiteford: Drew Ruddy 2-49, Caden Stewart 1-17, Rocco Pillarelli 1-10, Andres Trejo 1-6, Brody Hillard 1-27. Clinton: Dacari Garrison 2-51, Bryce Randolph 1-14.