By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@thecitizennews.com

Sixteen years ago all three boys' offensive scoring records at McIntosh High School were set by a player named Chris Hunt.

Today, Hunt is a Lightning soccer coach, and has coached Matt Clements for the past three years. Maybe he shouldn't have taught Clements everything he knew, because this year Clements broke all three of Hunt's scoring records.

Hunt held the record for goals scored in a match with six goals; Clements broke that this season when he scored seven goals in the match against Carver. Clements is quick to admit the whole team played a part in his breaking that record. In the same game, Clements managed to tie the existing record of six assists within a match, and with 36 career assists under his belt, he is chasing that record, too.

Clements scored 36 goals this season, breaking the old season record of 25 and making him the state's leading scorer. Hunt's 16-year record for career goals was 51. Clements flew past that record this season with 65 varsity goals in his career so far. A junior this year, he will most certainly add to that career total next year, placing that record even further out of reach for anyone coming behind him.

McIntosh out-scored its opponents this year 96-18. Clements had 105 attempts on goal, yielding 36 goals and 15 assists this year. That gave him a one out of three average and involved him in over half of his team's goals.

Deadly with either foot, Clements is well known for his ability to handle the ball and thread it through multiple defenders. Parents from his team have been known to say he is “poetry in motion.” His teammates have affectionately nicknamed him “Mighty Mouse,” but don't let his size fool you. His ability is well respected by club and high school teams, not only in Georgia, but in neighboring states as well.

Clements also has played soccer with the 82 Olympic Development pool. In 1997, the team played in Australia and traveled to play in England in 1998. He also manages to keep terrific grades and stay involved with other school activities. He is a member of Beta Club and was a winner of the Presidential Academic Award from 1995-1997.

He is very proud of his soccer career and is especially happy for his coach, Bunky Colvin. “This is Coach Colvin's first year as our varsity coach,” he said. “He has a lot of heart and is a great motivator. He is very proud of our team.

“We've given him a new school record with 19 wins this year, a Region Championship, all new school scoring records and, best of all, a state title,” added Clements. “What a great year for us all.”

A distinguished high school career, Coach's Player of the Year Award in 1998, Offensive Player of the Year Award in 1999 and 2000, AJC All South Team in 1999, Georgia All-Region team in 2000, leading his team to a AAAA State Championship title in 2000, four years experience on his state's 82 Olympic Development Team, seven years as a starter on his club's Classic I team, numerous region tournaments, and five appearances in his state's Open Cup Final definitely add up to make Matt Clements a top prospect for colleges next year.

He will also most certainly be a strong candidate for All State and All American this year. He will be fun to watch next season and for many years to come.

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