Clinton opens the 2026 Football season with a long road trip to Dakota, Illinois, to take on the Dakota Indians on Saturday as they try to bounce back from a 0-9 season and end a 14-game losing streak. 

Head Coach Ron Bass says this offseason for the Maroons was spent in the weight room, as kids jumped back into the grind earlier than he has ever seen. He is proud of his older guys who have stepped into leadership roles already and helped set a hard-working mindset. 

Cole Thomas will be behind the wheel on the field this season. After a throwing arm injury forced the team to make a change at QB, Bass says Thomas was the natural decision. He will help to lead the Maroons' offense and a group of young players.

The Maroons make the 3-hour trip on Saturday to take on the Indians, who went 1-8 last season. Bass expects Dakota to be very physical, but says if his squad can match that physicality, then it should be a favorable matchup. 

Coach Bass indicates that he is giving up play-calling duties this season. Kyle Patterson has moved from Defensive Coordinator to Offensive Coordinator and taken over play-calling, while Colton Leake has taken over in the defensive coordinator's spot. Bass feels that he has his coaches in the right spot this year and now will be able to coach the coaches and see the bigger picture. 

Game time on Saturday is 5:30 PM. If you're not making the trip, hear the action on the big 1520 AM, 92.3 FM, and 106.5 FM in McLean County or any of our digital platforms.