Clarkston Holds Off Stoney Creek 14-7 in Defensive Battle

Ty Duffy delivered the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter as Clarkston’s defense shut down Stoney Creek’s final comeback attempts.

By Caleb Bushell | DVS Lead Reporter

CLARKSTON, Mich. — In a game dominated by defense, turnovers and field position, Clarkston found just enough offense — and one final defensive play — to hold off Stoney Creek for a 14-7 victory.

The Wolves never led by more than a touchdown, and Stoney Creek remained within striking distance until the closing minutes. But when the Cougars received one more opportunity to potentially tie the game, Wendell Childs Jr. came through with an interception that helped slam the door on the comeback attempt.

It capped an impactful night on both sides of the football for Childs, who also scored Clarkston’s first touchdown.

Defenses Set the Tone Early

Points were difficult to come by from the opening possession.

Clarkston running back Ty Duffy provided some of the Wolves’ early offense with a pair of strong runs, while Stoney Creek quarterback Brandon Gergics used his mobility to extend plays and move the Cougars downfield.

Stoney Creek also generated an early takeaway opportunity when Zac Avripas tipped a Clarkston pass that was intercepted.

Neither offense could turn its opportunities into points, however, and the opening quarter ended 0-0.

Childs Breaks Through for Clarkston

The Wolves finally broke the stalemate during the second quarter.

Childs turned a reception into a big catch-and-run for a touchdown, putting Clarkston ahead 7-0.

Stoney Creek’s defense kept the Cougars within reach. Mason Black delivered a key sack, while penalties and additional defensive stops prevented Clarkston from extending its advantage before the break.

The result was a one-possession game at halftime, with Clarkston leading 7-0.

Turnovers Help Stoney Creek Fight Back

Stoney Creek emerged from halftime with renewed energy.

Gergics continued hurting Clarkston with his legs, and Ethan Gendich intercepted a pass to give the Cougars another takeaway.

Clarkston’s defense responded with plays of its own, including a tackle for loss from Samuel Fetzer, but Stoney Creek eventually received the break it needed when the Cougars recovered a Clarkston fumble.

This time, they capitalized.

Black finished the ensuing possession with a touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 and setting up a fourth-quarter battle.

Duffy Puts Clarkston Back in Front

With the game tied, Clarkston turned back to its ground attack.

Alex Waszczenko helped get the Wolves moving with a big catch-and-run for a first down before Duffy began doing damage on the ground again.

Duffy eventually finished the drive himself, punching the ball into the end zone on a run up the middle to give Clarkston a 14-7 lead.

But there was still plenty of time for Stoney Creek to respond.

Gergics continued scrambling and picking up first downs as the Cougars drove deep into Clarkston territory. The possession lost momentum after Gergics went down with 6:31 remaining, and Clarkston eventually stopped Stoney Creek on fourth down.

The Cougars’ defense wasn’t ready to quit.

Quinn Zezula recorded a tackle for loss, and Stoney Creek forced an incompletion on fourth down to put the ball back in the hands of its offense with another chance to tie the game.

Childs Seals It

Stoney Creek’s final opportunity ended in the hands of the same Clarkston player who had put the game’s first points on the board.

Childs intercepted a deep pass late in the fourth quarter, ending the Cougars’ comeback threat and delivering one of the biggest plays of the night.

Clarkston then went back to Duffy, who picked up a first down on the ground and allowed the Wolves to work the remaining time off the clock.

For Clarkston, the formula was simple: run the football, play defense and make the decisive play when the opportunity arrived.

Duffy provided the go-ahead score.

Childs provided the finishing touch.

And after four quarters of physical, defensive football, Clarkston walked away with a 14-7 victory over Stoney Creek.

FINAL: Clarkston 14, Stoney Creek 7

Detroit Varsity Sports was on-site for the matchup. Stay with DVS for highlights, postgame interviews and more coverage from The Varsity Report.