Haden McClain is a 5’9” 180lb, senior running back and middle linebacker for the Lewis Cass Kings this season. He is a three year starter for the Kings and is on his way to having his best season yet. McClain is one of the Kings most impactful players this year. His ground attack, as well as, defensive strength has helped the Kings get off to a 4-0 start this season. 

McClain is the leading rusher for the Kings so far this season, averaging just over 82 rushing yards a game. On top of this, McClain is also averaging a touchdown each game. His biggest statistical game thus far was in Week 2, when the Kings defeated the Maconaquah Braves at home. The game plan for that game was to run the ball down their throats the entire game. McClain executed that gameplan to perfection and posed a major problem for the Braves that eventually led to their downfall. McClain was the leading rusher for the Kings and was virtually unstoppable in this game. He rushed for 178 yards on 23 carries as well as recording 2 touchdowns for the Kings.

McClain is also one of the Kings leaders on the defensive side of the ball. He is positioned as a middle linebacker, so he is key in stopping both the run and the pass. McClain has made many clutch plays on defense so far this year. Last week, during the Kings game against Tipton, he forced a fumble that was recovered by Cass and also had an interception in the 4th quarter. This interception basically sealed the game for the Kings who won by a score of 21-0.

The success of Lewis Cass, as well as the outstanding individual performances that he has had, have put a spotlight on McClain this year. This past week, he was voted as a Kokomo Tribune co-athlete of the week. He has also been featured in a number of articles in local newspapers. One article that was featured in the Pharos Tribune was titled “SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: McClain shining for the Kings.” This article was written by Beau Wicker and was published on August 24, 2022, the week after the Kings shut out Pioneer 16-0 in their Week 1 opener. In this article, Wicker interviewed McClain and asked him about his thoughts on the Pioneer game as well as the upcoming Maconaquah game. Haden replied, “They seem a little small but they are a fast team that has some skill. I’m looking forward to playing them this week.” Wicker also highlighted the fact that McClain is a three sport athlete for Lewis Cass, starting as point guard for the basketball team and a catcher for the baseball team. But out of all three of these sports, McClain says his favorite is football.

This week, McClain and the Kings will face off against Northwestern in their homecoming game. Cass is hoping to establish a solid run game early to set the tone. McClain will be a big part of this gameplan. He will be crucial in the Kings starting off their season 5-0.

https://www.kokomotribune.com/sports/mcclain-is-co-athlete-of-the-week/article_5c771884-321e-11ed-95ae-af72b98e5bb5.html

https://www.pharostribune.com/sports/article_2439824c-240c-11ed-b110-7721637c2f16.html