The Clark Middle School football team finished the fall season with a nearly unblemished 5-1 overall record under first-year head coach Matt Hudson.

The team defeated Richmond, Harrisburg, South Callaway, Russellville and Eugene, with its only loss coming against Central State 8 powerhouse Tipton. Fayette’s 17-player roster outscored its opponents 158-84.

Coach Hudson said he didn’t know just what to expect at the beginning of the season. When you have 17 players, it makes you change your practices and game decisions,” he said.

Eighth-grader Knox Howell led the Falcons as starting quarterback and linebacker this season until he was sidelined was an injury against Tipton.

“It affected things on both sides of the ball,” Hudson said. “Some of the other players had to be moved to totally different positions but they were up to the challenge.”

Hudson credited assistant coach Julian Huggins with much of the team’s success. “He was a tremendous help to me and a great influence on the players.”

Hudson also thank high school coach Kenny Grubb and his varsity staff.

“We met several times throughout the summer, and Coach Grubb was very receptive to all of my questions.”

The Falcons finished the season on October 12 with a conference win at home over Eugene 26-14.