Football | 10/23/2024 7:30:00 AM

The Clinton High School Football team is focused on one word -- discipline.

Even after an important Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Region 2-7A win over Starkville High School last Friday, the Arrows knew the key was discipline. Every player doing their job and remaining focused through the game's ups and downs.

Clinton (4-3, 1-0 Region 2-7A) hopes to keep that discipline as they travel to undefeated Tupelo High School (THS) this Friday. The game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Renasant Field on the campus of THS.

Once again with the opportunity to play giant-killers, the Arrows could go 2-0 in regional play for the first time since the 2022 season.

"We can't let our heads get too high, we have to stay humble," Clinton Quarterback Josef Walker said. "We have to go in and fight. It is going to be a good game, and we have to fight and stay disciplined just like against Starkville."

Clinton relied on its run game to gash Starkville for 268 yards in the 31-22 victory at Arrow Field. In addition to the running game, the Arrows benefited from three turnovers -- a James Farr fumble recovery, a Robsen Neblett fumble recovery on a kickoff, and a Trevis Coley interception.

"We played really good football this past Friday," Clinton Head Football Coach John Carr said. "But, we have to be playing good football at this time of year because we have a strong district with three more opponents ahead of us. It is a tough one this week."

The Tupelo Golden Wave (8-0, 2-0 Region 2-7A) has outscored its opponents, 260-105, in its current unbeaten run.

The Golden Wave has beaten Memphis Whitehaven (Tenn.), Southaven, Hernando, Oxford, Houston (Tenn.), and West Point, in its non-district slate. Tupelo has opened MHSAA Region 2-7A play with victories over Madison Central and Germantown with scores of 28-23 and 27-7, respectively.

SERIES HISTORY

Traditionally a playoff matchup, the Arrows and the Golden Wave have met nine times in the series, dating back to 2000. Tupelo has been a regional opponent for Clinton since 2021. The red and black leads the series narrowly, 5-4.
 

11/10/2000	vs. Tupelo (1st Round Playoffs)	W 14-10
11/19/2004	vs. Tupelo (2nd Round Playoffs)	W 33-22
8/26/2005	@ Tupelo (Non-District Game)	L 7-20
8/25/2006	vs. Tupelo (Non-District Game)	W 17-10
11/10/2006	vs. Tupelo (1st Round Playoffs)	W 19-10
11/16/2007	vs. Tupelo (1st Round Playoffs)	L 14-42
10/29/2021	vs. Tupelo (Class 6A District 2)	W 17-14
10/28/2022	@ Tupelo (Class 6A District 2)	L 7-35
10/20/2023	vs. Tupelo (Class 7A District 2)	L 28-42

 
FAN INFORMATION

Tupelo Public School District implemented a clear-bag requirement during the 2022-23 school year. This requirement is still in place for Friday night's game. Additional security procedures include the use of metal detectors and/or handheld wand devices and bag inspection.

Guests may carry the following style and size bag into the venue:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic storage bag similar to a ziploc
• Small clutch bag, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the entrance/exit gate.

Visitor parking will be available on the east end of campus, directly in front of the THS cafeteria.

Visiting fans should use the east entrance to the football stadium, which provides access to the visitor bleachers, concession stands, and restrooms.

A campus map and clear-bag requirement graphic is provided at the bottom this preview story.

The Clinton-Tupelo football game will be video broadcast with play-by-play commentary on Hudl TV. Hudl TV can be accessed on an internet browser or the Hudl Fan App on any smart television (the best method for Hudl TV). Clinton Athletics will have a simultaneous radio broadcast on WJNT 1180 AM/96.9 FM.

Fans making the trip to Renasant Field on the campus of THS can purchase their tickets exclusively on GoFan. Fans should follow this LINK. Tickets are $8.