Chad Clendening had high expectations for his Apple Valley football squad entering his initial season at the helm.
It took a little longer than expected for his unit to realize its potential, but the Eagles are peaking at the right time.
"We had to persevere through a tough start to the season," Clendening said. Apple Valley (6-5) opened the season with four consecutive losses, but has since won six of its past seven games. The Eagles advanced to the Class 5A state tournament quarterfinals and play Owatonna at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lakeville North.
"We want to be playing our best football at the end of the season, and that's what we're doing," Clendening said. "It's gratifying right now."
The turnaround has been fueled by a defense that hasn't allowed more than two touchdowns in any game since the last week of September. It has recorded two shutouts in that span, including 28-0 over Minneapolis Washburn and its highly-touted running back, Jeff Jones, in the Section 3 finals.
"Our defense played great," Clendening said. "They did a good job getting to the ball and making great tackles."
Jones was limited to 35 yards on 14 carries. It was only his second game of the season below 100 yards.
The Eagles had senior defensive back Davionte Young track every move Jones made on the night.
