Spotlight on Drew Clausen
School: West Valley. Year: Junior. Sport: Football. Position: Quarterback.
A year ago, Drew Clausen was understudy to prolific West Valley quarterback Bryan Peterson, playing junior varsity, riding the varsity bus but not playing or walking the sidelines at home. Now at the Eagles’ helm, he’s carving out his own identity.
“At first it was a little scary,” Clausen said. “I had pretty big shoes to fill.”
In three wins, including 45-0 over Riverside to open Great Northern League play, Clausen has accounted for 10 touchdowns (four rushing, six passing) out of the spread offense, passing for 420 yards in the last two wins.
Clausen said that because he’s smaller (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) and not a classic drop-back quarterback, the Eagles – like so many area teams this year – are operating out of the shotgun and spreading the field.
“Drew brings a little different element,” said coach Craig Whitney. “He’s a runner who scrambles around and makes things happen. And he did a fantastic job of leading kids this summer.”
Facing a pivotal early-season GNL game in Clarkston on Friday, Clausen said he’s having the time of his life.
“I’m a little more elusive and run the option a little better,” Clausen said. “I’ve been pretty lucky so far.”
Mike Vlahovich