Clark eager to take the next step and advance to playoffs

By Case Keefer (contact)

Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Don Willis has effectively changed the culture at Clark High School.

When he arrived five years ago, the Chargers were simply looking to win a game. Now, their goal is a bit loftier: they want to make the playoffs.

“Moreso probably than any time in the past, they really think we have a chance to make it,” Willis said. “They’ve got to believe it to make it happen and I really think they believe it this year.”

The Chargers had their best season in a decade last year, going 5-5, but still missed the playoffs.

Perhaps, senior Chris Jackson can be the difference this year. Jackson starred in the defensive backfield last year, but will also now take over at running back for the Chargers with the graduation Andre Clay, who received a scholarship to Southern Utah.

“(Jackson) has some natural ability, but he just works his butt off,” Willis said. “He has pretty good vision for a running back. He’s not overly fast, but he can put his head down and run over you. He’s not afraid to do that.”

Sharing the backfield with Jackson is quarterback Greg McKinney. Willis thinks McKinney can give the Chargers offense balance that it may have lacked in the past.

“I think he’s going to help our offense quite a bit,” Willis said.

Defensively, Willis said he wouldn’t trade his linebackers for anyone in the region. Senior Stevie Haut and junior Vance Gilbert are tackling machines, he said.

Although Willis thinks Clark is improved, he also knows the same is true of many of its Southwest Division foes. To make the playoffs, Clark will have to knock off one of those schools it has struggled with in the past.

“Bonanza has Sprau and Martin back in their backfield and Durango obviously has Mora,” Willis said. “We struggled with some of those teams last year and those are the teams we have to beat to get into the playoffs, so improving our defense will be important.”

It would be quite the accomplishment if Clark reached the playoffs, as only four years ago they held the nation’s longest losing streak.

“We get a lot better every year and it comes down to that final game or two,” Willis said. “We haven’t been able to do it the last couple years. This year can be different.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or case.keefer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.