TOP 'DOG' Poland's Clayton has his eyes on the future

The Bulldog quarterback is weighing several Division I college offers.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
POLAND -- Sean Clayton usually has a good idea of what lies ahead. After all, the Poland High senior quarterback stands just shy of 6-foot-5 and weighs 230 pounds.
But lately, Clayton has been positioned to make decisions regarding his future and that of his team's.
In the next 10 days, Clayton may commit to a Division I college that seeks his quarterbacking services. Akron, Louisville, Miami of Ohio and Toledo are high on his list.
With that decision pending, Clayton also must lead Poland (6-2, 2-1) into state-ranked Canfield (8-0, 4-0) for a key Metro Athletic Conference game Friday.
Did we mention the Bulldogs' playoff future is also weighing in the balance?
"Growing up in this football program, you aim for the MAC championship and you aim to make the playoffs every year," Clayton said. "It wouldn't be the end of the world if we didn't make the playoffs, but it would be a major disappointment."
Decisive leader
Clayton, who has thrown for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, with just one interception, cites improvement in his decision-making, which may come in handy over the next couple of weeks -- on and off the field.
"He moves well for his size," Poland coach Paul Hulea said. "He's definitely progressed well as a quarterback. He has a nice arm, good leadership qualities, a good command of the offense. He does a lot of good things."
Clayton stepped into the starter's role last year and led Poland to the MAC title and a playoff berth. The Bulldogs, who finished 11-2, lost in the Division III regional final to Mentor Lake Catholic.
"I wish that season could be this year," admitted Clayton, who then paused. "It still can."
The 2002 season has been rocky at times for the Bulldogs. They won their first five games, reached No. 2 in the state poll but then lost consecutive games to Chaney and Salem.
"Every team has a point in the season where they have a little bump. Ours is just a little bit bigger," Clayton said. "We didn't play so well those two games, but we're going to come back and play good the rest of the way out."
Turnaround
Poland responded last week with a 20-10 victory over Howland, ending nearly three weeks of the Bulldogs wondering when their next win would come.
"The confidence was still there, but it was a little shaky because we're up against the wall," Clayton said. "You just have to go out and play the best you can."
Clayton credited the play of his receivers -- "David Koval is the fastest kid I know" -- and the protection he's been given from his offensive line.
Koval leads the MAC in receiving with 47 catches for 638 yards and nine touchdowns. Anthony Fuller has 29 catches for 448 yards and three touchdowns.
These Poland playmakers and their teammates will try to do what no one has done yet this season -- beat Canfield, which can capture the MAC outright with a win.
"Every time Poland plays Canfield in anything, it's a big game," Clayton said. "A win would definitely make the season right now, but they're a good program. We're going to see if we can pull it off."
richesson@vindy.com