Football | 9/23/2026 8:30:00 AM

CLINTON -- The Clinton High School football team returns to Arrow Field Friday night as the Arrows take on Petal in non-region action.

Clinton (1-3) and Petal (4-0) will kick off at 7 p.m. at Arrow Field on the campus of Clinton High School.

THE MATCHUP

The Arrows enter Friday's contest following a 41-13 win over the Pearl Pirates last Friday at Ray Rogers Stadium in Pearl.

"I think our kids really showed what we talked about last week -- their resolve," Head Football Coach Hamer Morgan said. "To see them come out on top means a lot. It shows all the work they have put in and the consistency they have shown every week.

"I think we won at the line of scrimmage with the offensive and defensive lines. We controlled the ball really well, took care of the ball and had no turnovers," Morgan added.

Jayden Jones accounted for five touchdowns -- four rushing and one passing -- to lead Clinton to its first victory of the 2026 campaign, while the Arrow defense pieced together their best performance of the season thus far.

He was 10-for-16 in the passing game, and then there was the running game," Morgan said. "I think Jayden will tell you, too, that it goes back to the offensive line. They did a really good job for him. He also made some really good reads in the running game."

"I'm really proud of him and the progress he has made over the last year and so far this year. Things are looking good for him," Morgan added.

In addition to Jones' outstanding performance on the offensive side of the football, senior Trevion Casnel delivered another performance, marking the consistency that the cornerback has provided all season. Casnel recorded 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.

"Casnel is one of the few seniors we have on that (defensive) side, and on the back end, he is really the only one; he is like the quarterback back there," Morgan said. "Beyond his leadership ability on the defensive side, he is physical, and he likes the physicality, and he plays the right way. He is fun to watch."

Petal enters the matchup following a 39-38 overtime win over the defending MHSAA Class 7A champion Gulfport at Petal High School. The win marked the Panthers' second one-point victory of the season.

Clinton and Petal met for the first time last season, with the Panthers defeating the Arrows, 20-3, at Panther Stadium. Friday marks the second all-time meeting between the two programs.
 

"Anytime you go against Coach (Marcus) Boyles, you know they are going to be well coached. He always has a well-coached team," Morgan said. "Their quarterback is a really good player. They have some skill players who are really good. Their offensive line is always solid.

"We have our work cut out for us, but these guys are up for it, and we're looking forward to the challenge," Morgan added.

WHAT TO KNOW

Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Location: Arrow Field/ Clinton High School/ Clinton, Miss.
Tickets: $11/GoFan

Friday is Homecoming at CHS. The Clinton cheer squads will perform prior to kickoff at 6:35.

The 2026 Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime, with the coronation of the 2026 Homecoming Queen and Princesses concluding the festivities.

For a complete guide to Friday's visit to Arrow Field, including facility policies, game-day procedures, and much more, the Clinton Athletics Office has provided a comprehensive game-day guide. The can be found HERE.

WATCH/LISTEN

Fans unable to attend Friday's game can follow the Arrows through a video broadcast on HudlTV or a simultaneous audio broadcast on WJNT 1180 AM-96.9 FM.