The Clinton High School Red Devils secured their sixth consecutive win against cross-county rival Laurens in a 29-22 football game that concluded in the final seconds on Friday, September 4, 2026. The victory marked Clinton’s first game of the 2026 season and was celebrated by Red Devil Nation despite rainy conditions at Wilder Stadium.
Senior quarterback Owen Glenn delivered the winning 3-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Caleb Gary with just two seconds remaining. Junior kicker Gray Garrett then successfully converted the extra point. The game’s conclusion saw a squib kick recovered by Clinton, sealing the 107th Laurens County Football Championship.
Red Devils Head Coach Corey Fountain, now in his eighth season, holds a 6-1 record against Laurens. He emphasized the team’s resilience, noting their ability to push forward despite setbacks. Fountain also highlighted the calm leadership of the five players who started on both offense and defense last season, who helped guide newer team members.
Laurens, coming off a strong offensive start to their season, presented a significant challenge. Clinton had multiple penalties throughout the game, reflecting it as their season opener. The series between the two teams dates back to October 29, 1909, with Clinton previously achieving streaks of 17 consecutive wins (1963-1981) and 7 consecutive wins (1955-1961).
During halftime, CHS Athletics honored the varsity baseball team with 2A State Championship rings for their spring title run. Individual state champions recognized included Mia Carles for golf, Mario Del Vecchio for wrestling, and sophomore Samari Mims, the 2A Track State Champion in High Jump with a mark of 5 feet, 7 inches.
Key offensive players for Clinton included senior running back/defensive back Angelo Cromer, who rushed for 152 yards on 17 carries, and Rhett Gilliam, who added 66 rushing yards. Damajia Crooks contributed 151 yards on three kick returns, including runs of 58 and 75 yards. Laurens’ Travion Robinson accounted for 123 rushing yards of his team’s 264 total offensive yards.
The Red Devils are set to face Newberry this Friday at Mike Ware Field, approximately 20 miles from Clinton, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Coach Fountain expressed the team’s desire to reclaim the CNNGA Belt, a symbol of football supremacy jointly offered by the Cities of Clinton and Newberry, which Newberry won last season.
Looking ahead, Clinton will travel to Inman to play Chapman after the Newberry game. Red Devil Nation is also encouraged to mark October 16 for a tribute game against Mountain Valley Prep, honoring the late Bill Rhodes, who dedicated 65 years to District 56 public education. A remembrance will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Clinton Middle School Gym, adjacent to Wilder Stadium, with a special halftime announcement.
