Clements took a huge step towards solidifying a playoff spot with their upset victory over Red Bay 38-25 in their home Newman Stadium behind the brilliant effort of Brandon Sanderfer. Sanderfer accounted for four touchdowns while Jamison Bridges threw for two more as the Colts (5-3, 4-2) stampeded the Tigers (4-4, 4-2).

“Nothing is official, we’re still waiting for the results from other games, but we have a chance to be a possible #2 seed (in 2A, Region 8),” Clements’ head coach Barry Daniel said.

The Colts galloped out to an 18-0 lead before Red Bay scored a fluke touchdown on a deflected pass 43 seconds before halftime.

The Tigers had an excellent chance early after blocking a Clements punt within the Colts’ 20-yard line, but Hunter Baker recovered a Red Bay fumble to keep them off the scoreboard.

Bridges later connected with Jess McElyea for a 70-yard completion to give Clements a 6-0 edge with 1:48 left in the opening quarter. Bridges finished 9-19 for 234 yards.

Sanderfer capped the Colts’ next drive with a 14-yard dive up the middle to extend the lead 12-0.

Already sharing a sack with Baker, Sanderfer stuffed a fourth-and-one Red Bay play for the Colt defense, then raced 26 yards for a touchdown on Clements’ ensuing series.

“Brandon is a good, young player who has worked hard all year,” Daniel said.

Clements had a 281-68 yard advantage in the first half. Seth Bachelor had an interception (Scott Chapman added one in the second half) and Andy Stanford recorded a sack for the Colts. Stanford also led the Colts with 14 tackles.

Two plays into the second half, Red Bay scored as quarterback Cody Palmer ran 26 yards for a touchdown and the once large lead dwindled to 18-13.

Clements responded in a big way.

On the Colts’ first play of their next possession, Sanderfer raced 64 yards to raise Clements’ lead and morale, 24-13.

“That was the biggest play of the game,” Red Bay head coach Dale Jeffreys said.

Daniel concurred. “That play was huge for us,” Daniel said. “Our kids could have gotten down, but that touchdown gave us a lift.”

The Tigers answered with Palmer finding Phillip Tucker for a 28-yard score on 4th and 15, trimming the lead to 24-19.

But Bridges added his own dramatic play, scrambling then falling down while finding Lemac Askins, who broke several tackles for a 50-yard touchdown. Bridges connected with Askins for the two-point conversion, giving Clements a 32-19 lead.

“He (Bridges) makes it happen for us, making a play out of nowhere,” Daniel said.

Sanderfer sealed the win with an interception and a 77-yard return for his final touchdown, giving Clements a 38-19 advantage. Tucker would add a late touchdown for the Tigers, finishing the score at 38-25.