Duncan has Cloverdale believing

For years Landon Duncan was away from the game of football.

The Cloverdale quarterback, who quit playing in the sixth grade, is a huge reason why the Clovers are 3-1 on the season heading into tonight's road meeting with North Putnam.  

"It's been a long time. I saw the program when it wasn't at its best. The faith the coaches had in me brought me back out, and it gave me the confidence to come out and play for them. I have always loved football, and I felt like I could make a difference to this program. It means a lot to me to come out and show these seniors we can win some football games," Duncan told The Putnam County Post. 

Duncan admits he overcame nerves in the season opener against Riverton Parke, who defeated Cloverdale 34-33. Since then, he has been lights out, guiding the Clovers to wins over Edinburg, Brown County and Southside HomeSchool by a total of 175-6. 

"I am a little surprised, but I know we have worked hard and put in the work all summer to be where we wanted to be. We need to stay humble, and know that 3-1 doesn't mean much. We beat the teams we were supposed to beat, but we need to beat some more to really establish ourselves in there," Duncan said. 

Ahead of last week's game against Southside HomeSchool, Duncan was 27-of-44 for 518 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air. He had added 95 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The junior pointed to Cloverdale head coach Tyler Lotz as a main reason for his success. 

"Coach Lotz has done a great job helping me get back in there and the system he runs has helped me. We have great coaches that have helped me get fundamentally sound and we have been putting in the work," Duncan said.

Lotz told The Putnam County Post his junior signal caller has been doing well.

"I've said it several times, Landon has done a great job for us and he has stepped in and just been so natural for him. This Friday is going to be a big test for him. Our offensive line has done a really good job, but we are going to get a little bit more heat this week. We are going to see what kind of player he is and if he can stand in there and make some throws. I'm excited to see what he can do these next couple weeks," Lotz said.  

He and Cloverdale will get that chance tonight to pick up another win against a North Putnam team Duncan said looks "great" on film.

"They are a great football team. I want our guys to be confident and play like we have nothing to lose because we really don't," Duncan said. 

As for how he would like the season to end, Duncan said a sectional crown.

"I want to have a good year for our seniors. Our goal is to get that sectional title. Our seniors have been through the ups and downs of this program. It is great knowing we are coming out and winning football games and it is a great feeling to have," Duncan said.