Clear Creek Amana look to sustain success

Editor’s note: Sixth in a class-by-class preview heading into the high school football season

TIFFIN – Last season, Conlan Poynton got by on sheer athleticism.

The Clear Creek Amana football player had juggled a transfer to a school that was starting over with a new head coach. The adjustment was further challenged by a position change from tailback to quarterback.

The result? A dynamic dual-threat junior campaign that provided a ton of enthusiasm for what is to come for the Clippers in 2025.

“There is really a determined mood right now,” said Poynton, who will lead Class 4A No. 8 Clear Creek Amana into its season-opening game Friday at home against Davenport West. “You can see it in the weight room. You can see it translate on to the field from our lifting. You can even see it in the classroom.

“We’re asking questions. We’re not afraid. We’re not afraid to learn.”

After running for 965 yards and 14 touchdowns as a 2023 Solon tailback, Poynton transferred to CCA last season and slowly worked his way under center by splitting time with a teammate. By the fourth game of the season, Poynton was given more of the reins and the Clippers flourished by closing the regular season with five wins in six games.

Poynton finished the season with 1,228 passing yards, 901 on the ground and 28 total touchdowns.

“It’s kind of a natural ability for me,” Poynton said of his skill to run and throw. “But it comes down to, it’s not just one guy. I know I can make plays with my legs, but I also know I can throw to my guys and I expect them to make plays, as well.”

Poynton and his CCA teammates now have the benefit of a full offseason under second-year coach Lance Pedersen, who arrived in Tiffin after 20 successful seasons as a head coach at Mount Vernon (2014-23) and Wilton (2004-13). After back-to-back three-win seasons, the Clippers finished 6-4 in Pedersen’s debut, which ended with a playoff loss to 4A state runner-up Pella.

“This year, our guys have been bought in from November,” Pedersen said. “From the end of the football season when we left Pella to now. From weight room dedication to just really wanting to be successful. Our ultimate goal is, we want this to be the greatest turnaround in high school. … Clear Creek has not been hugely successful over the years and that is what we are trying to do. Build a program that is not good for one year and bad for five. We want to sustain that success that we have here.”

Sustaining that success starts with making the most of Poynton’s final season in high school. Pedersen has marveled at how the senior has made the transition from being an athlete playing quarterback to fully absorbing the nuances of the position.

“Now, he has added the knowledge of the game of football,” Pedersen said. “He lives in the film room. He is always studying. He is recognizing secondary coverages, seeing blitzes, putting us in position to be successful with the oddball system that we have in place. He has really taken on the full role of quarterback.”

To help ease the pressure on Poynton, CCA has three tailbacks ready to go in seniors Ethan Vice and Ian Kelley, plus junior Noah Collis. At receiver, speedsters Tay Seals and Aren Schlemme – plus seniors Nick Daniel and Wyatt Key – will be counted on to replace the production of Owen Rosenberg, who is now at Wartburg College.

Senior Blayke Albert – the lone returning starter on the offensive line – will move from left guard to right tackle.

On defense, the Clippers are led by a pair of twin brothers at linebacker in seniors Dylan and Aidan Schrock. Last season, middle linebacker Dylan piled up 61.5 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Much like the offense, the defense is eager to see the benefit of a full year in Pedersen’s system.

“Really excited,” Schrock said. “It’s tough. There were a lot of things that changed with a new coach and for that first year, people were learning it. Now, everyone has had that year as a bumper and now everyone knows how it’s supposed to be. It’s going great.”

Kelley highlights the defensive line rotation, while Seals, Schlemme and Vice will lead the secondary.

“We think we can put a really good 11 on the field right now,” Pedersen said. “What we are trying to do is develop the 13 to 14th guy. You have got to have some depth.”

In addition to a District 4 schedule that includes 4A No. 3 Pella and No. 7 Newton, CCA has a rugged non-district slate featuring No. 9 North Scott and a Sept. 12 road contest at No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier, which will be seeking revenge after the Clippers’ 28-24 win at Xavier last season.

“Be where our feet are,” Poynton said. “It’s 4A. No schedule is easy, so you can’t overlook games. You can’t look into the next week. You have got to be where your feet are and you have got to be controlled with that.”

AT A GLANCE

Coach: Lance Pedersen (6-4, second season; 155-65 overall, 21 seasons)

Top returners: OL Blayke Albert, WR Nick Daniel, K Aidan Gross, QB Conlan Poynton, WR/DB Aren Schlemme, LB Aidan Schrock, LB Dylan Schrock, WR/DB Tay Seals, WR Avery Sorenson, RB Ethan Vice

Key games: at 4A No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier, Sept. 12; vs. No. 7 Newton, Oct. 10; at No. 3 Pella, Oct. 17

Keys to success: If the rebuilt offensive line can be a strength and playmakers can emerge at tailback and receiver, QB Conlan Poynton will direct a dynamic offense.