Crim: Clay’s emergence as offensive threat gives Blue Devils another weapon in loaded arsenal

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | September 2, 2024
Quincy High School senior Rico Clay, who has committed to Illinois State University to play cornerback, is showing he will have a significant impact this season as a wide receiver as well. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Rico Clay proved he could be a defensive force for the Quincy High School football team in last season’s opener against Quincy Notre Dame when he intercepted two passes, returned the first for a touchdown and came within 5 yards of doing the same with the second. This season, he displayed his offensive…

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Standalone: QHS defenders react to Clay leveling West Chicago running back

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 28, 2023
From left, Quincy High School linebacker Ty Douglas, cornerback Rico Clay, safety Adon Byquist and defensive tackle Kamryn Flachs-Hill react to the hit Clay put on West Chicago's Louis Zeitler during the Class 7A first-round playoff game Saturday at Flinn Stadium. The Blue Devils won 44-14 for the first home playoff victory in program history. | Matt Schuckman photo
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Blue Devils pick right time to make defensive stand, intercept Maroons’ plan for last-minute rally

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | September 16, 2023
Quincy High School junior cornerback Rico Clay, left, returns an interception up the sideline in front of the QHS bench to seal a 34-27 victory over Moline in Western Big 6 Conference action Friday night at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Rico Clay heeded the warnings the Quincy High School football coaches blared. Moline quarterback Drew Phelps needed a warning not to throw Clay’s way. With the Maroons facing third and 15 from the Blue Devils’ 25-yard line and trailing by seven points with 39.7 seconds remaining in regulation Friday night, Phelps threw a…

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Rico Suave: QHS junior cornerback emerges as playmaker in crosstown victory against QND

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | August 26, 2023
Quincy High School cornerback Rico Clay, right, celebrates in the end zone after returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter Friday night against Quincy Notre Dame at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Eventually, Rico Clay will remember how everything transpired. In the aftermath of the Quincy High School football team’s season-opening 55-12 victory Friday night over Quincy Notre Dame, the details of Clay’s first career interception and the return that took him to the end zone for his first career touchdown seemed fuzzy. “It sort…

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