Clarke, Northbridge try one more hurdle.

Byline: Chad Garner

NORTHBRIDGE - As a sophomore, Jemal Clarke had the best job at Northbridge High - starting quarterback for the Rams.

Two years ago, he threw for just under 2,000 yards and dreamed of one day leading his team to the Super Bowl.

But things didn't go according to plan.

Clarke lost his job as a junior and now contributes as a tight end for the Rams, who take on Wahconah Regional in the Division 2A Super Bowl at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Westfield State College.

"To be honest, the switch got me to work harder," Clarke said. "Coming into this year, I got into the weight room and worked really hard because I knew I had a lot of guys counting on me."

While it's been hard to accept at times, Clarke has moved on and matured on and off the field because of it.

"It was a tough thing to swallow, but I'm a team guy and I preach family to all the guys," Clarke said. "When I found out coach was making a switch, I was bitter at first. It's a tough thing to go through because I went from touching the ball all the time to being in a limited role.

"But I accepted it. All of it worked out, obviously, since we're going to the Super Bowl."

As a senior this year, Clarke was elected a captain and is happy helping the team out any way possible.

"He's been a great leader for us this year. He's had a great attitude," coach Ken LaChapelle said.

But Clarke and LaChapelle have had their differences in the past.

"Our personalities clashed. Things were a little rocky," LaChapelle admitted. "We had a coach-player blowout, but I had to make a coaching decision. I really got on him. I thought he was going to quit, but he didn't. Most of the problems could have been me."

Now, their relationship is more than just as a player and coach.

"I'm probably a better person now than a football player in the end," said Clarke, who has 30 receptions for more than 400 yards and caught the winning TD on a double pass against Southbridge this season. "I had a reality check and I've matured because of it. It gave me more motivation. This has strengthened our relationship. I love him to death. We have a really good relationship."

The quarterback who replaced Clarke? He's current junior signal-caller Zach Zidelis, who directs the Rams' high-scoring offensive attack.

"We use a lot of formations," LaChapelle said. "One of the keys is the maturation of Zach Zidelis. His decision-making has improved a lot."

Another key is running back Tyler Bennett, a quick runner who's also dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield. Bennett was also the Division 2A Defensive MVP as a defensive back.

Michael Padro, Clarke and Casey Hippert are all key weapons at Zidelis' disposal in the passing game.

"I will force a defense to change," LaChapelle said. "I spread the field and use as many trick plays as I can get into a game. I say, `You cover what we do.'"

In a contrast of styles, the Wahconah Warriors like to sustain drives and keep the other offense off the field.

"People say smash-mouth, but we've deviated from it a little bit this year," Wahconah coach Matt Morrison said. "Our QB can do a lot of different things. We're 60-40 run to pass, but we like to control the ball."

Senior quarterback Julian Schnopp has scored 14 rushing TDs and thrown for 10 more. Junior running back Trevor Marcotte is a 1,000-yard rusher.

Defensively anchored by middle linebacker Josh Nadeau, the Warriors have pitched four shutouts on the season. But they know the Rams pose many different challenges with their offense.

"It's going to be hard to stop," Morrison said.

The Warriors should expect tons of pressure by the Rams' defense. Defensive coordinator Matt Gauthier uses his team's speed and quickness to force the opposition into mistakes.

Northbridge knows it has one more major hurdle before it can call itself a Super Bowl champion.

"This is unbelievable. I couldn't believe this in my wildest dreams," Clarke said. "I think we all want to know if we're the real deal. We want to make a statement that Northbridge football is back."

NAME: NORTHBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

ART: PHOTO

PHOTOG: ELLEN HARASIMOWICZ File Photo

CUTLINE: Captains Peter Macridis, Jemal Clarke and Tyler Bennett led Northbridge to the Division 2A Super Bowl.