Clark County poised to turn the tide

Published 10:59 am Thursday, August 6, 2026

KAHOKA, Mo. — Clark County has been rebuilding its football program the past couple of seasons and is looking to make a move forward in 2026.

The Indians have experienced starters on both sides of the ball, who will lead a team eager to turn the tide.

“We got experience coming back and guys that have learned the speed of the game,” said Indians head coach Ethan Allen. “That adds to the speed of practice and keeps things going forward. I think that we’re in a really good position right now with our installs, going through seven-on-sevens and camp.”

Clark County returns eight senior starters to its team this season.

“We got a few seniors out there, so we try to take charge and just help each other out,” said Indians senior free safety and wide receiver Lukas Weaver. “We got a lot of young kids that are going to be playing this year and probably a lot in the next few years, so we’ll try to help them out as much as we can.”

Coach Allen feels good about the work Clark County has put in this summer.

“We’ve had a solid summer,” said Allen. “I think we looked really good in the seven-on-sevens. Our camps have been run pretty well. The numbers aren’t where we wish they were, but I think the guys we got here are pretty quality. So we feel good about that.”

The Clark County senior class has helped lead the offseason practices.

“We’ve all done our workouts and we have done a good job,” said Indians senior quarterback Bennett Plenge. “Put the hard work in, so it’s been going pretty good.”

This year’s group of seniors were freshmen the last time the Indians finished above .500, with Clark County posting a 6-5 record in 2023.

Since then, the Indians finished 3-8 in 2024 and 3-7 in 2025 and hope to get back to the winning side in 2026.

“We’re older and we know a lot more,” said Plenge. “So we’re just ready for everything.”

Clark County is aiming to close the gap this year.

“I think the experience will help with that,” said Weaver. “Just knowing the game situations and stuff like that.”

Closing the gap means improving within the Clarence Cannon Conference, with Highland going 1-6 against conference opponents last season, including playoffs.

“Our conference is definitely pretty good,” said Plenge. “We got some tough competition, but we always love playing them. Always love a good, competitive game.”

CCC opponents Monroe City, Centralia, Palmyra and Macon all had winning records last season.

“We definitely got to show up and compete every Friday night,” said Allen. “Our conference games are tough and so are our non-conference ones. We know that we got to prepare and that makes it fun. You got to put your best game plan together. Guys got to be able to execute the game plan to be successful. They know that and will be ready.”

Clark County is seeking to be playing its best football come district time.

“I would like to have a lot more wins,” said Plenge. “I want to be playing our best football by (districts), and just having the most fun that we can.”

The Indians open up the 2026 season with a home game against Bowling Green at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.

“I’m really excited,” said Weaver. “It’s my senior year. I’m just excited to go out there and have fun.”