Youth, leadership, and a fresh start have the Clinton Maroons focused on laying the foundation for the next era of football.
After enduring a difficult 2025 campaign, the Clinton Maroons aren’t dwelling on the past. Instead, the focus has shifted toward a new beginning, one built around youth, development, and a belief that brighter days are ahead.
Head coach Coach Bass enters the season with one of the youngest rosters in the area, but he’s encouraged by what he’s seen throughout the offseason. A strong summer of seven-on-seven competitions, workouts, and team development has laid the foundation for a program determined to take the next step.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids that competed well all summer,” Bass said. “Our seniors have done a great job bringing those younger players along, and we’re excited to see where this group can go.”
A Young Leader Takes Control
One of the biggest storylines entering the season is at quarterback.
After projected starter Brody Adair suffered an offseason injury, sophomore Cole Thomas has stepped into the starting role. While it’s a lot to ask from an underclassman, Thomas has embraced the challenge.
“It’s definitely pressure being a sophomore,” Thomas said. “But I feel like I can handle it. I just want to compete, help our team win games, and keep getting better.”
Bass echoed that confidence.
“Cole has been coachable from day one,” he said. “He was taking backup reps all offseason, so while we’re adjusting, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him.”
Thomas says the mentality around the program is simple.
“Last year is over. We want to make the playoffs and do better than we did last season.”
Veteran Leadership Still Matters
Although the Maroons are young, they still have key veterans leading the way.
Senior tight end Lucas Baker has been one of those voices.
Baker believes the extra work throughout the summer has prepared Clinton for a much different season.
“Coach Bass always gets us ready for competition,” Baker said. “We work harder than we have to so when the games come, they’re fun.”
Like many around the program, Baker isn’t afraid to set expectations.
“Our mindset is making the playoffs. We just want to keep building, win more games than last year, and keep pushing higher.”
Defense Brings Experience
While several new faces will see action offensively, Clinton returns valuable experience on defense.
Bass expects Luke Baker, Micah Wheeler, Liam Hooker, and quarterback Cole Thomas to provide leadership on that side of the football as the Maroons continue developing their younger players.
Tough Road Ahead
The season begins with one of the longest road trips of the year as Clinton travels more than three hours to face Dakota.
Rather than viewing it as a challenge, Bass believes it’s valuable experience.
“It’s a playoff-type atmosphere,” Bass said. “You’re traveling a long way to play a quality opponent. Those are experiences that help prepare your team.”
Conference play won’t get any easier.
Bass believes the CIC will once again be one of the toughest conferences in the state, highlighting El Paso-Gridley, Tri-Valley, Eureka, Shelbyville, and Central A&M as teams capable of making deep postseason runs.
Patience Today, Promise Tomorrow
Bass knows growing pains will come with such a young roster.
His message to the Clinton community is simple.
“Be patient,” he said. “We’re going to have freshmen and sophomores playing on Friday nights. There will be growing pains, but if these kids stick together, I really believe we’re going to be a very good football team over the next couple of years.”
That patience is something Clinton has always provided.
The Maroons continue to enjoy one of the area’s strongest football communities, and the players know the support behind them never wavers.
With a talented sophomore quarterback, experienced senior leadership, and a roster eager to erase the memories of last season, Clinton enters 2026 with renewed optimism.
The wins may not come overnight, but Building the Future isn’t about immediate results—it’s about establishing a culture, developing young talent, and laying the foundation for sustained success. For the Clinton Maroons, that journey has already begun.
