Junior, Curtis Clifford
On the tenth day of highlighting Panther football record holders, Saucon Source wants to recognize junior Curtis Clifford.
Curtis wears #38 while playing for the Panthers. He is dynamite and listed at 5’7″, 156. Defensively, Curtis has exploded into the record books in a variety of places. Curtis is tied for 5th in Season Sacks (5) and tied for 6th in Career Sacks (6). He is 7th in Season Solo Tackles (53) and 18th in Career Tackle Assists (41). Curtis is also tied for 21st in Career Solo Tackles (65) and Season Tackle Assists (25).
Who’s #1 for sacks in a season? Kevin Branco (2003) 10 Season Sacks to his name.
Who’s #1 for sacks in a career? Mike Kane (2012-2015) is credited with 12 Career Sacks.
Who’s #1 for solo tackles in a season? Ian Gimbar had 99 solo tackles.
Who’s #1 for tackle assists in a career? Christian Carvis (2012-2015) had 129 career assists.
Who’s #1 for solo tackles in a career? Ian Gimbar (2007-2010) had a career 225 solo tackles.
Who’s #1 for tackle assists in a season? Christian Carvis (2015) gathered 82 assists.
Curtis said it: “I’d have to say my favorite memory would be when my teammate John Chaffier told me about University of Oregon’s Fotu Leiato and how he trucks people. Leiato inspired me to run kids over on the kickoffs like I did against Northern Lehigh.”
Coach Phil Sams said it: “Curtis did not get recognized by the league as a defensive player but definitely should have. He played many positions for us on defense and played them all well. He was an inside/outside linebacker and a defensive tackle. Curtis is 5’8, 160. Not exactly defensive tackle size but when he did play there he got by any offensive linemen. This is because of his extreme speed, strength and toughness. Curtis is another player that has had to fight through injuries. Adversity is nothing new for this young man. Curtis was also a special teams ace! Just watch him on the kickoff team where he repeatedly trampled the opposing kick return players! Curtis is exactly what you want out of a Saucon Valley football player and is carrying on the great tradition of Panther football. And, we do have him for another year!”
Congratulations, Curtis, and best wishes in the future. The Source is with you!
Twelve Days of Panther Football Record Holders is brought to you by FC Steel. FC Steel is the Lehigh Valley’s newest premier youth soccer organization, based in Hellertown. Visit their website to learn more about upcoming clinics/camps and like them on Facebook for regular updates.
