A Clinton resident and former assistant football coach at Clinton High School has led one area football team to an undefeated season.

The Cerro Gordo Broncos rolled through the regular season and Little Okaw Valley Conference this year at 9-0. Head Coach Andy Kerley says it wasn't easy. His team dealt with a new cooperative program with Bement, part of the former South Piatt program. Coach Kerley says at first there was very much a divide between the various kids, but he says once they realized if they dismissed those old rivalries, they could be a good team.

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For the first few weeks, Coach Kerley explains he could gradually see the divisions falling apart. He says one thing the coaches did was challenge the kids to not let the cliques of the team keep them from achieving great things.

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That unity amongst the players has led the team to a 9-0 record and a fifth seed in Class 2A in the state playoffs. Coach Kerley says from his perspective, this new coop has allowed him more depth, and more quality depth as well.

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Coach Kerley says early on he knew early on with the amount of talent they had a chance to be really special. He takes pride in the fact that as the season has gone on, even during the tough times, there has been very little division amongst his players.

Coach Kerley also coaches track in the spring.

Cerro Gordo takes on Lawrenceville at 2pm Saturday afternoon in Cerro Gordo.