2022 Snapshot: Clermont Northeastern
- Updated: July 11, 2022
Clermont Northeastern RB/LB Jake Mott (photo from Facebook: BHS Sportspage)
After two subpar seasons Clermont Northeastern is ready to re-launch to the winning ways it enjoyed in 2017-19. The Rockets return nine starters on both sides of the ball which should make things very easy for third year head coach Steve Thompson.
“Something we pride ourselves on is discipline. Last year this team had less than 100 yards in penalties. Grit, determination, character, and honor represent this football team,” Thompson states.
Depth is always a factor for success at smaller schools. Staying healthy is a must. Clermont Northeastern has quite a few Rockets going both ways. “We have opportunities. We have a limited number of players which is an opportunity for younger players to earn their stripe and learn to compete,” Thompson says.
With a schedule that only features two teams that had winning records in 2021 now is the time to strike. Take care of business against a favorable slate and CNE should find itself back in the playoffs for the second time in school history.
Clermont Northeastern LB Josh Groeber (photo from Facebook: BHS Sportspage)
Division V, Region 20
2021 RECORD: 2-7, 0-5 SBAAC National
COACH: Steve Thompson (4-15 at Clermont Northeastern, two years; 4-15 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Connor Yeager, So, DL/K/P – Will play a larger role on defense this fall. Yeager was named OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District (P) after averaging 40.0 on 33 punts with a long of 62-yards as a freshman. He also connected on 16/17 extra point attempts.
Jake Mott, Sr, QB/RB/LB/DB – An on-field workhorse for CNE. Mott will lineup at a myriad of positions to best utilize his talents. He threw for 301 yards, ran for 700 yards, accounted for eight touchdowns (seven rush, one pass), had eight receptions for 87 yards, recorded 67 total tackles, had three-and-a-half sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception on his way to OPSWA Division V Honorable Mention All-Southwest District accolades in 2021.
Andrew McIntosh, Jr, RB/LB – Returns to lead a stacked Rockets football team on both sides of the ball. Like Mott, McIntosh won’t come off the field in 2021. A gifted athlete who will start at quarterback and linebacker. McIntosh was in on 61 total tackles, had eight sacks and two interceptions on his way to being named OPSWA Division V Honorable Mention All-Southwest District as a sophomore.
CJ Boothby, Sr, WR/DB/RS – Was rock solid as a shutdown corner in his first year as a varsity starter last season. Boothby tallied 22 total tackles and had two interceptions. On special teams, he averaged 28.8 yards per kickoff return, 22.6 per punt return and returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. Offensively, Boothby caught four balls for 101 yards and a score. He was named Honorable Mention All-SBAAC National for his efforts.
OTHER RETURNEES
Zack Hopkins, Sr, C/LB – Moved from running back to center last fall. Hopkins is a four-year starter, a captain and the leader of the CNE offensive line. He was also in on 48 total tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery a junior.
Josh Groeber, So, QB/LB – A returning starter at linebacker who has a very bright future. Groeber tallied 28 total tackles, had a sack and an interception as a freshman. He also threw for 379 yards and accounted for four touchdowns (three pass, one rush) as the Rockets backup quarterback.
Chase Holtzclaw, Sr, OL – Along with Butler, Holtzclaw will anchor the tackle positions on offense.
Mason Butler, Sr, OL – A returning starter from an o-line that averaged 7.4 yards per carry in 2021. Butler will also see time on the defensive front.
Grant Brown, Sr, WR/DB – An excellent varsity debut saw Brown help solidify the Rockets secondary. He recorded 27 total tackles and came up with four takeaways (two FRs, two INTs) as a junior.
Mitch Braden, Jr, WR/OLB/FS – Look for Braden to make the move from outside linebacker to the headhunting position of free safety this fall. He registered 27 total tackles as a sophomore. On offense, all four of Braden’s receptions went for 30 yards or more.
Clermont Northeastern WR/DB Mitch Braden (photo from Facebook: bhssportspage)
NEWCOMERS
Koltyn Bowen – Was lost to a season ending injury early last fall. Bowen should be a vital piece to the Rockets offense.
Wyatt Van Pelt, So, DL – Is a front-runner to win a job along a defensive line that has holes to fill.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(one appearance, 0-1) – 2020
2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – CLARK MONTESSORI (1-6 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at MVCA (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Batavia (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY (4-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Hillsboro (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – BLANCHESTER (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Th – 09/29/22 – BETHEL-TATE (9-2)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Fayetteville-Perry (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at East Clinton (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/22 – WILLIAMSBURG (7-5) – 7:00 PM
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