The Clinton junior varsity football team earned a 26-6 victory over Whiteville in their season opener Thursday night on the road.

The Dark Horses opened the game with a 53-yard touchdown scamper from Albert Deaver on the team’s first offensive possession.

The Horses offense stayed in control and delivered excitement each time they got behind the ball. Midway through the second quarter, QB Jonathan Wright connected with receiver Wade Sumner on a pretty 38-yard touchdown play that put Clinton up 12-0 going into the half.

The Dark Horses opened the third with the same intensity that they had in the first half of play. After a solid drive, Wright hit Blake Davis on a 24-yard touchdown pass. The Horses scored on the conversion and were up with a comfortable 20-0 lead.

Before the third was over, Clinton’s defense took any wind left in Whiteville’s sails after an interception by Kavon Davis. Davis picked off a pass deep in Dark Horse territory and ran into the endzone putting the game out of reach, 26-0, with minutes left until the end of the third period.

The fourth was scoreless and Clinton picked up their first win of the season, as well as the first win for new head coach Michael Bell.

“I was glad we started the season off with a win,” Bell said. “It was the first game and we made some mistakes, had some false starts and we were playing a big 3-A school on the road, so it was good to go in there and come out with a big win for us.”

Tthe team will play again Wednesday night at home vs. Wallace-Rose Hill. Game time is 6 p.m.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.