Clinton’s first home game of the 2026 season presented the Maroons with a difficult challenge Friday night, as Warrensburg-Latham used turnovers and explosive plays to seize control early and hand Clinton a 53-0 loss.
The final score told the story of Warrensburg-Latham’s efficiency, but Clinton continued competing throughout the night and found a few positives defensively despite playing from behind for nearly the entire game.
The Cardinals wasted little time establishing themselves. Warrensburg-Latham opened the scoring with 7:21 remaining in the first quarter when Jaxson Alderson (#7) turned a short pass into a touchdown, giving the visitors a 7-0 advantage.
Clinton’s troubles mounted as turnovers began providing the Cardinals with additional opportunities. Jordan Branson (#2) scored from one yard out with 3:31 remaining in the opening quarter, extending the lead to 13-0.
One of the game’s biggest momentum swings came shortly afterward. Warrensburg-Latham’s Tyler Dampeer (#5) intercepted a Clinton pass and returned it approximately 40 yards for a touchdown. It was the first of two interceptions recorded by Dampeer on the night and pushed the Cardinals ahead 20-0.
Clinton then lost a fumble late in the first quarter, with Joey Dominick (#9) recovering for Warrensburg-Latham. The Cardinals capitalized almost immediately as Dennise Pratt (#4) broke free for a 29-yard rushing touchdown with 1:06 remaining, making it 27-0 after one quarter.
Despite the difficult opening period, the Maroons continued searching for ways to establish their offense. Sophomore quarterback Cole Thomas (#7) handled much of the work under center, while Clinton attempted to get players such as Cash Tanner, Liam Wilson, Jaxon Cooper, Owen Miller and Kale Mock involved.
Warrensburg-Latham’s defense, however, continued making things difficult. Dampeer recorded his second interception with 9:10 remaining in the second quarter, and just 22 seconds later Branson broke loose for a 33-yard touchdown run. The score increased the Cardinals’ advantage to 33-0.
Branson emerged as one of Warrensburg-Latham’s primary offensive threats. According to the game notes, he finished with 10 carries for approximately 104 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver.
The Cardinals added two more touchdowns before halftime. Dampeer caught a short touchdown pass with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter, and Brennon Bonds (#1) scored on a three-yard run with 3:12 left, sending Warrensburg-Latham into halftime with a 46-0 lead.
While Clinton’s offense struggled to generate sustained drives against an aggressive Cardinals defense, the Maroons continued battling for possessions. The Clinton roster features a relatively young group, and Friday’s matchup provided another opportunity for that group to gain varsity experience against a physical conference opponent.
Warrensburg-Latham added its final score with 7:48 remaining in the third quarter when Isaiah Cook (#19) caught a short touchdown pass. The extra point made it 53-0 and initiated the running clock for the remainder of the contest.
One of Clinton’s best defensive sequences came late in the third quarter.
After a mishandled Warrensburg-Latham punt return, Marshawn Fitch (#5) recovered the loose football for the Maroons, giving Clinton possession. The Cardinals responded on the very next play by forcing a fumble and recovering it, preventing Clinton from turning the takeaway into points.
Although the scoreboard was lopsided, the Maroons’ effort continued through the fourth quarter. Clinton’s defense kept Warrensburg-Latham off the scoreboard after the running clock began, holding the Cardinals at 53 points over the remainder of the game.
For Warrensburg-Latham, the victory was built around a combination of rushing production and takeaways. Branson’s two rushing scores were complemented by touchdowns from Alderson, Dampeer, Pratt, Bonds and Cook, while Dampeer’s two interceptions — including the first-quarter pick-six — helped the Cardinals consistently win the field-position battle.
For Clinton, Friday represented another difficult early-season test for a team trying to find its footing under head coach Ron Bass. The Maroons entered the night following road games against Dakota and Heyworth, making the matchup with Warrensburg-Latham their first opportunity to play in front of their home crowd this season.
Clinton will now turn its attention toward correcting the turnovers and offensive inconsistencies that allowed Friday’s game to get away early. Even in defeat, the Maroons showed flashes defensively and continued competing after the game moved to a running clock — areas Clinton can attempt to build upon as it moves deeper into its schedule.
Warrensburg-Latham, meanwhile, leaves Clinton with a convincing 53-0 victory, using a dominant first half and a defense that repeatedly created short fields for its offense. The Cardinals entered Friday after defeating Deer Creek-Mackinaw 41-20 the previous week.
For the Maroons, the focus shifts quickly to the next opportunity. Clinton is scheduled to travel to face Ridgeview/Lexington on Friday, Sept. 11, as the Maroons continue through the 2026 season.
