Chippewa Valley dominant in ‘all three phrases’ in win

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (2-0) was dominant in every aspect of its 42-7 victory over Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse on Sept. 1 at Chippewa Valley High School.

Chippewa Valley’s defense pitched a shutout entering the half as it held a 35-0 lead.

Junior Shamar Heard (kick return) and sophomore DeShaun Lanier (punt return) each recorded a special teams touchdown in a potentially historic feat for Chippewa Valley.

Chippewa Valley coach Scott Merchant said he was unsure what the record books had to say about Heard and Lanier’s performance.

“I don’t know; that’s a good question,” Merchant said. “We’ll have to comb the archives for that one.” 

Chippewa Valley’s offense was headlined by junior Andrew Schuster’s perfect 8 for 8 passing and an impressive run game led by seniors Darren Hawkins and Klement Krasniqi.

Schuster’s older brother, Tommy, was the last Chippewa Valley quarterback to not throw an incomplete pass back in the 2018 Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championship.

Hawkins tallied two touchdowns on the ground, while Krasniqi added one of his own as well. Lanier hauled in the lone receiving touchdown.

“We had kids making plays in all three phrases,” Merchant said.

Chippewa Valley will open up Macomb Area Conference-Red play against Utica Eisenhower (2-0) on Sept. 9. as both teams head into the matchup undefeated on the year.