Mike Collier learned a lot of things about being a head coach during his first year at Clearview last season, but the hardest lesson came when the Clippers captured the Patriot Athletic Conference’s Stripes Division championship for the second straight year, yet failed to make the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
The biggest culprit of the team’s shortcoming was a 1-4 start to the season that included two non-conference losses to Division III schools that could have earned Clearview much-needed computer points.
“They’re in a little bit bigger division than we are so we understand how the computer points work,” Collier said. “We know those games are going to be important if we want to get to the postseason.”
The non-conference schedule has been a thorn in the Clippers’ side since becoming a founding member of the PAC three years ago. Clearview has gone 2-7 — including losing all three games in the inaugural season — in non-conference games.
The opening portion of the schedule is important to the Clippers because not only are the schools bigger than the Clippers’ PAC opponents, but wins over non-PAC teams could translate into valuable Level 2 points every time those teams win a game. Collier also hopes the other PAC teams do well against their non-conference lineup so that a potential Clearview win over a league rival could gain further Level 2 points.
“We kind of look in the newspapers those first three weeks,” Collier said. “Obviously you have to take care of your own business, but it’s nice to see the teams in your division winning as well.”
Clearview hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2003 and this year’s team is hoping to not only end the drought but also begin a winning tradition the school hasn’t seen since legendary coach Tom Hoch took the Clippers to six straight postseason appearances between 1985-90.
“That’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to build a program,” Collier said. “Our numbers have been greatly improved and we had a ton of competition this summer, which makes everybody better. We’re just trying to get this rolling like we had it (back then).”
The returning players are split concerning the team’s top goal this season — defending their Stripes title for the third straight year or making the playoffs for the 14th time.
“The conference championship is the most important because that’s when the games really count,” senior linebacker John Rosser said. “Then comes the playoffs and that’s when you have to step up, and that’s what we’re trying to do this year.”
Collier believes his players have done that. The Clippers bounced back to win the final five games last season and have a lot of momentum and aspirations as they head into this season. Much of that has to do with the talented players returning in the skill positions, but also with the players who aren’t around this year.
“We had some of the best captains that I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been coaching at Clearview,” said Collier, who was a longtime assistant before taking over the program. “I think some of that rubbed off on this year’s senior group because they’ve done a nice job this summer of pulling the team together and trying to take the program to the next level.”
The Clippers lost running back Antwaun Carlton — 1,183 yards and 15 touchdowns — to graduation, but have junior quarterback Zach Anderson, senior wide receiver James Washington and junior running back Anthony Hitchens all returning to help boost the offense.
“I’m a captain this year and I know I have to step up because my team is going to rely on me a lot more,” Washington said.
Collier praised his skill players, talked about how the lines were improving rapidly and expects the defense to get stronger every game. But Collier knows it’ll come down to a strong non-conference performance and repeating the recent success they’ve had in the league if they want to accomplish their ultimate goal.
“If you make the playoffs, chances are you’re going to win your division,” Collier said. “But we’re just going to take it one week at a time.”
Contact Shaun Bennett at 329-7137 or sbennett@chroniclet.com.

CLEARVIEW CLIPPERS

CONFERENCE: Patriot Athletic (Stripes Division)
2007 RECORD: 6-4, 5-2 PAC
COACH: Mike Collier, 2nd year (6-4)
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15
RETURNING STARTERS: 11

By the numbers

1 — New team on Clearview’s schedule this year —Margaretta, where former Firelands coach Rock Farlow is in his first season, in the season opener.
6 — Playoff wins the Clippers have in their 13 postseason appearances, the most recent 14-6 over Tinora in 2003 .
10 — Conference championships. The Clippers won the past two in the PAC, seven in the Lorain County Conference and the 1945 title in the Southwestern Conference.

Fast fact

Junior quarterback Zach Anderson comes from a long line of successful Clearview football players. Most recently, his father Brad played on the 1985 and ’86 playoff teams, and his cousin Ryan was the team captain on the playoff team in 2002.
“Our family is crazy about Clearview football,” Ryan said.

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