A.J. played in the Muskegon vs. Mona Shores game both his junior and senior years during the 2014 and 2015 football seasons. Stepping into a starting role at defensive back during his senior campaign, McClanahan and the Big Reds got a chance to compete against the Sailors twice; once in the regular season and again during the second round district final game.

McClanahan came up big in the district final with a few key pass deflections that helped boost the Big Reds to victory. A.J. credits his success during the game to the the way head coach, Shane Fairfield, prepared him and the rest of the team to play. McClanahan was a 2nd team All Conference player in addition to playing for a state conference championship while a Big Red.