Clark's comeback earns share of title

Font Size

Email

Bookmark

Black Text

White Text

Clark running backs Kyle Gipson and Twon Jones never lost faith.

The two combined for 235 rushing yards and three touchdowns as Clark rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit to stun Harlan 36-26 Saturday at Rockne Stadium.

Clark (5-3), Harlan (6-2) and Manley each finished 4-1 in the Illini Heartland. 

Jones scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 34-yard run with 6:32 remaining then ended Harlan’s comeback effort with an interception on the ensuing possession.

Things appeared bleak for the Eagles when Harlan took a 26-8 halftime lead on quarterback Tashaun Johnson’s four touchdowns. Johnson connected with explosive receiver George DeBerry on scoring plays of 40, 13 and 40 yards and threw a 9-yard scoring pass to Rasaan Williams.

‘‘At halftime I just told everybody they had to stay focused and just play through it,’’ said Gipson. Johnson (12-of-24, 222 yards) was just 2-of-12 for 19 yards in the second half.

Gipson (22 carries, 109 yards) scored on runs of 8 and 13 yards and Jones (16 carries, 126 yards) scored on 34-yard touchdown run that gave the Eagles their first lead at 30-26.

Moments later, Jones intercepted a tipped pass that set up quarterback Dexter Beverly’s 1-yard touchdown run. Beverly also threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Marco Dodd.