Crimson Lions motivated to finish this year’s run

Fourth in a series profiling Pulaski County high school football teams.

That Little Rock McClellan reached its first state-title game since 1994 was one of the better stories of the 2015 Arkansas high school football season.

The story didn’t end the way the Crimson Lions wanted, though.

The Crimson Lions went toe to toe with defending state champion Pulaski Academy in the Class 5A title game last December at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

But the Lions, who led 30-29 at halftime, twice failed to convert on fourth-and-short situations in the fourth quarter, and Pulaski Academy pulled away to win its second consecutive state championship and fifth overall, defeating McClellan 50-30.

McClellan Coach Maurice Moody has reminded his team of the state championship loss throughout the past eight months.

“That’s our motivation,” Moody said. “We were so close. We didn’t finish off the ballgame. We’ve had fourth and 1 all throughout our fieldhouse. We were that close to a state championship.

“We’re here to rectify those problems we had in the state championship game.”

The message was taken to heart by running back Pierre Strong during the offseason.

“Around our weight room, we have signs of fourth and 1,” said Strong, who was stopped on one of the fourth-and-1 plays. “We’re out here every day trying to get a yard. Every yard matters.”

The Lions didn’t get the final yards they needed, but they came a long way to get to the title game.

McClellan went from one victory in 2013, Moody’s first year, to a 10-3 record in 2015. The Lions reeled off seven consecutive victories, including playoff victories against Morrilton, Hot Springs Lakeside and Batesville, to advance to the 5A state championship game. The final two victories came on the road.

Not only was it McClellan’s first title-game appearance since 1994, it was the first for a Little Rock School District football team since Little Rock Central in 2004.

If McClellan is to enjoy another stellar season, it will start with Strong, one of the state’s top running backs.

Strong, 6-1, 185 pounds, rushed for 2,248 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. The senior has received offers from Central Arkansas, Missouri State and Southeast Missouri State.

“He’s looking great,” Moody said. “He’s so humble. You would never know he’s the No. 1 running back in the state. He’s a leader. Kids look up to him. He’s an extension of the coaching staff and myself.”

McClellan’s defense, led by junior linebacker Joseph Lewis, could be one of the best in Class 5A this season.

Lewis, 5-9, 152, recorded a team-high 143½ tackles and 13½ sacks as a sophomore last season. He also forced 5 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles and broke up 2 passes.

Other key contributors to the Crimson Lions defense include senior defensive lineman Raoshun Young (6-1, 260) and junior defensive back Bennie Kemp (6-1, 215).

“We brought back a lot of guys,” said Moody, whose team returns nine starters on defense. “We hang our hat on defense, man.”

New defensive coordinator Terry Lawson, who takes over for Ray Sessions (now at Little Rock Central) said he isn’t changing much from the Crimson Lions’ 4-2-5 defensive scheme.

“They know what to do,” Lawson said. “I don’t have to be fancy. I could just say, ‘Go get ‘em.’ There’s nothing tricky.”

McClellan, which has 55 players in fall camp, opens with Dallas Parish Episcopal on Aug. 29 in Arkadelphia, plays at North Little Rock on Sept. 9 and hosts Little Rock Hall on Sept. 16.

Parish Episcopal and North Little Rock will give the Lions a test, Moody said.

“I wanted us to be prepared,” Moody said. “We’re in it for the long haul. I want us to be prepared for the conference, the PAs, the Sylvan Hills, and to make a run in the playoffs.”

Finishing with a state championship is McClellan’s only goal, Moody said.

“They want it. They want it as bad as the coaching staff does,” Moody said. “When you’ve got a group of kids who want it that bad, good things usually happen.”