Football | 10/31/2026 2:15:00 PM

GLUCKSTADT -- The Clinton High School football team turned in one of its strongest performances of the season but fell in a hard-fought 39-28 contest against the Germantown Mavericks in Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Region 2-7A action Friday night at Germantown High School.

The Arrows (2-7, 1-3 Region 2-7A) overcame a 15-point first-quarter deficit to take a 21-18 lead into halftime and traded blows with the Mavericks throughout the second half before Germantown's Syrone McBeath scored his fourth touchdown of the night with 1:28 remaining to seal the victory.

Despite Clinton's resilient performance, the Arrows' postseason hopes came to an end following Madison Central's 21-17 victory over Starkville elsewhere in Region 2-7A action Friday night.

McBeath opened the scoring just two-and-a-half minutes into the first quarter, finiding the end zone on a 7-yard touchdown run.

Germantown extended its advantage late in the opening quarter when quarterback Langston Branson connected with McBeath for an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Mavericks converted the ensuing two-point attempt to take a 15-0 lead with 57 seconds remaining in the first.

Clinton answered early in the second quarter when quarterback Jayden Jones connected with Ayden Johnson for a highlight-reel 25-yard touchdown reception. Brayden Gough converted the first of his four successful point-after attempts to trim the deficit 15-7.

On Germantown's ensuing snap from scrimmage, Trevion Casnel intercepted Branson and followed a convoy of blockers into the end zone for a 38-yard pick-six, pulling the Arrows within one point at 15-14.

The Clinton defense continued to stand tall, holding Germantown to a 31-yard field goal on its next possession before Jones capped the Arrows' first-half comeback with a 2-yard rushing touchdown with 51 seconds remaining before halftime.

Gough's extra point gave Clinton its first lead of the night, 21-18, completing a remarkable turnaround after trailing by 15 points.

Clinton carried its momentum into the second half, marching to the Germantown 46-yard line on its opening possession before a costly fourth-down fumble halted the drive.

The Mavericks capitalized on the turnover five plays later when McBeath found the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown run, reclaiming a 25-21 advantage.

Clinton refused to go away quietly, however, as Jones connected with Johnson for their second touchdown of the night, this time from 44 yards out. Gough's extra point put the Arrows back in front, 28-25, with 2:59 remaining in the third quarter.

Germantown responded on the ensuing possession, marching 62 yards in eight plays to reclaim the lead. Branson capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Parker Dean with 25 seconds remaining in the third, giving the Mavericks a 32-28 advantage.

Clinton had two opportunities to regain the lead in the fourth quarter but came up empty on both possessions. The Arrows' first drive ended in a punt before their second opportunity stalled at the Germantown 26-yard line following an unsuccessful fourth-down conversion attempt.

McBeath put the game out of reach with a 23-yard touchdown run with 1:28 remaining, sealing Germantown's second region victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

Jones completed 15 of 25 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. The junior also led the Arrows' rushing attack with 72 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

Ayden Johnson, a freshman, led Clinton's receiving corps with five receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Dayson Scott added three receptions for 46 yards, while Jaden Johnson caught four passes for 32 yards.

Boskey Evans contributed 61 yards on 12 carries, while Braylon Lowery added 14 yards on seven attempts.

Clinton finished with 364 yards of total offense, including 207 passing and 157 rushing, while recording 17 first downs.

Defensively, Casnel led the Arrows with nine tackles, including a half a tackle for loss, in addition to his 38-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Malik Jackson followed with eight tackles, while Sean Riddley added six. Amod Green and Ayden Jelks each recorded five tackles.

Gough finished a perfect 4-for-4 on point-after attempts, and John Jackson averaged 36.5 yards on four punts.

UP NEXT

Clinton returns home to Arrow Field on Thursday, Nov. 5, to close out the 2026 season against Region 2-7A opponent Madison Central.