For the Clantons, Central High football is a family affair. Their clan contains: one coach, one photographer, one team captain and one water girl.

Junior Casey Clanton is not only a starter for his team, but also serves as one of four team captains. Last year the eldest Clanton was named one of the top 50 high school prospects graduating in 2019.

Jon Clanton, Central High head coach and patriarch of the family, had no problem admitting his son has a chip on his shoulder. “Casey has to prove himself on the field, but he is one of the strongest weapons we have,” Jon said. 

Jon himself had a successful run as a defensive lineman for the University of Nebraska, even making an appearance in a Rose Bowl game. His move to coaching seemed a natural fit, establishing him as a Central High staple for the past six years. 

While the Clanton name has its perks, it can be hard to disassociate one member from another. “Everyone says ‘Oh you’re Casey’s sister. Yeah, I am but it’s Kailee, my name is Kailee,’” said Kailee, a freshman water girl. “I think I have to work harder to establish my identity.” 

Less than two minutes into Friday night’s game, Kailee peered over the pads of the football players as she watched a sports medic kneel down to talk to a player. But for Kailee it wasn’t just any player, it was her older brother Casey. 

 “I can’t watch if he’s hurt,” Kailee said as she turned away. The resident Clanton photographer, mother Lynn, turned to Kailee and said, “Your crazy brother loves to scare us.” 

While the rough hit Casey encountered did not result in a concussion, he wasn’t cleared to return to the game that night in a 28-0 loss to Dobson.

“[Casey] going down killed us. It sucks. It sucks especially when it is your own kid. It was a blatant hit way after the throw,” Jon said. In regards to the loss, “We have to be more consistent and we have to be more disciplined,” Jon said. 

Looking ahead to their next game against Carl Hayden, a 5A team with a record of 0-2, Jon said, “The mistakes have got to stop. Our defense played a little bit better [this game], but we need to score.”  

Christian, the third of the four Clanton kids was not present at the game. However, the youngest Clanton made an appearance decked out in pigtails and face paint, proudly touting her brother’s number.  

Still, the Clanton family doesn’t limit itself to just the obvious six members. “The players really have to buy into the idea that we are a family,” Jon said.