Randy Kiesau in action while playing for the Red Tornadoes. Kiesau was a defensive back for the Wichita State football team. He was killed when the team plane he was on crashed Oct. 2, 1970. CDN | Archive photo

Clinton’s rich football tradition includes a player, Randy Kiesau, and a coach, Fred Friedrich, who have been remembered through awards given every year at the CHS football banquet.

Clinton’s Jesus Gutierrez carries the ball between two blocks set by CJ Begay on DJ Lister, left, and Zaryk Baker on Vince Jones during preseason practice at the Tornado Bowl. CDN | Sam Goodwyn

Following a 9-3 year, where the Clinton Red Tornado football team did what it did best on the offensive side of the ball, run the ball, and managed to knock out the reigning Class 4A State Champion Blanchard Lions in the first round of the playoffs, the Red Tornadoes look to reload the backfield after workhorses Zaeden Collins and Kyn’Tavion Hill graduated.

Snider Dowdell, left, gets coached up by Head Coach John Higbee during practice. CDN | Sam Goodwyn

Clinton is not just any football town. In a lot of circles Clinton is THE football town. That’s thanks in part to a lengthy legacy of winning and constant support from the community.

Clinton’s BentLee Potter, left, catches the ball right in front of Chance Roper during practice at the Middle School. CDN | Sam Goodwyn

As the high school football team prepares to get things going, its counterpart at the middle school level is preparing to learn and expand on the basics of the sport, as they prepare to one day reach that level.

In 2025, the Clinton Red Tornadoes and Coach John Higbee look to bounce back after being shutout 29-0 against Wagoner in the Class 4A Quarterfinals playoff game to end last season.

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