Under the leadership of veteran head coach Raymond Monica, the youthful Golden Eagles football team showed important signs of progress in 2022, improving in the second half of the season and laying the groundwork for future growth.

In his first season in Clarion, Monica set out to establish an identity for the program, and early on, his vision for 2022 became clear. On offense, veteran assistant coach Mark Speckman installed a run-heavy offensive system that focused on volume and wearing away on defenses over the course of 60 minutes. The Golden Eagles became one of the top rushing attacks in the conference by sheer force of will, using multiple backs, receivers, and even the quarterbacks to great effect. Running back Khalil Owens was one of the main beneficiaries, earning his second straight all-conference honors with the best season of his collegiate career. The Golden Eagles averaged more than 161 rushing yards per game in 2022.

Meanwhile, longtime coordinator Josh Hager led the Golden Eagles defense to a major improvement in 2022. The defense allowed an average of 14 fewer points per game in 2022 and became more adept at taking the ball away from opposing offenses, forcing six more turnovers than they did in 2021, en route to becoming one of the best teams in the conference in turnover margin. Discipline on both sides of the ball also helped the Golden Eagles’ cause, as they finished among the conference leaders in fewest penalties committed and fewest penalty yards per game.

Perhaps most impressive for the Golden Eagles was the manner in which they earned their wins in 2022. Clarion finished with a winning record on the road, going 3-2 away from Memorial Stadium. That marked their first season with a winning road record since 2010. Included in those wins was an improbable 23-21 comeback victory against Mercyhurst, when Second Team All-PSAC West kicker Jarrett Esposito booted a 38-yard field goal as time expired.

With only a handful of graduating seniors and a year of experience in their new systems, the Golden Eagles are hoping that the foundation formed in 2022 turns into a launchpad for success in 2023 and beyond.