Clear Creek Amana chasing another hit

Clear Creek Amana recorded one of its best seasons in recent years in 2014.

Under third-year co-coaches Matt and Ronnie Hughes, the Clippers' goal is to be more like Billy Joel than Billy Ray Cyrus.

'We don't want to be a one-hit wonder,” Matt Hughes said. 'We're trying to turn the program around and have a competitive team year in and year out.”

With the bar raised, Clear Creek Amana will attempt to continue its winning ways.

Clear Creek Amana was 7-3 last season, reaching the playoffs. Those aspirations are turning into expectations, despite the graduation of about 25 seniors.

'We preached to them that last year wasn't a fluke,” Matt Hughes said. 'We worked hard and got rewarded for that hard work.

'The expectation is still in the locker room to continue what that big group of seniors started.”

The work began long before official practice opened earlier this month. Hughes said many players have devoted themselves to getting stronger and quicker entering the season.

'What I can say is, as a program, our kids have done everything right throughout the off-season in the weight room to strength and conditioning programs,” Matt Hughes said. 'I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity that sits in front of us. I think our kids are going to compete, even though they're inexperienced. It will be fun to see how fast they grow up.”

Matt Hughes said success will depend on how quickly players develop into varsity starters. The skill positions remain a source of speed and athleticism like previous teams. The offensive line has the potential to dictate a few outcomes.

'More than anything we've tried to create a mind-set or attitude in the trenches on the line,” Matt Hughes said. 'We're going to have a pretty big line. My philosophy is you have to win every game in the trenches. I think we have a good start there with young talent that has put on good strength and weight. I think they'll be fun to watch.”

Seniors have stepped in to the leadership role, including fullback/linebacker Aaron Akers and wide receiver/defensive end Evan Downes. They will be crucial in helping their teammates progress.

Akers, a two-time all-district performer, returns the most production. He rushed for 248 yards and nine touchdowns, tallying 30 yards and a score as a receiver. Akers also tied for the team lead with 55 total tackles.

'He's worked extremely hard over the off-season,” Matt Hughes said. 'He looks and is playing great. I look for him to not only be a vocal leader but leader by example.

'(Downs) impressed me with how he's stepped out of his comfort zone to really bring those younger kids along.”

The lyrics still have to be written, but Matt Hughes likes the tune his players have been singing early in practice.

'We have a lot of competition for a lot of different positions,” said Matt Hughes, noting the program has more than 90 players from freshmen through seniors. 'The good news is we have good numbers out and the kids are excited about football.”

CLEAR CREEL AMANA, at a glance

Co-coaches: Matt and Ronnie Hughes (3rd year, 11-8)

Last year: 7-3, 3A playoffs qualifier (lost to Newton, 23-21 in the first round)

Returning letterwinners: Aaron Akers, sr., Evan Downs, sr., Ethan Taylor, jr., Max Moore, jr., David Goldsmith, sr., Daniel Goldsmith, sr., Drake Shores., sr., Drake Brazina, jr., Cory Siders, jr. Mike Wurth, sr., Robbie Swails, sr., Cole White, soph.

Key losses: Tanner Bandy, Nile Rourke, Keyan McAreavy, Mitchell Stopko, Drew Wagner, Harry Lucas, Sage Spiker, Jon Jacobson

Key to making the playoffs: The Clippers lost a huge senior class to graduation. The chore will be getting starters much needed experience. CCA has good athletes and enough speed in skill positions. The a big offensive line might determine the Clippers overall success.

Games to watch: Opening with Center Point-Urbana will be a good indicator for the Clippers. Davenport Assumption and Washington are perennial powers.

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 - Center Point-Urbana

Sept. 4 - at Mid-Prairie

Sept. 11 - *at Washington

Sept. 18 - *Fort Madison

Sept. 25 - *at Keokuk

Oct. 2 - *Mount Pleasant

Oct. 8 - *at Davenport Assumption

Oct. 16 - at Vinton-Shellsburg

Oct. 23 - *Fairfield

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