CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – It’ll be win and get into the playoffs Friday, Nov. 1, for the Hawks, as Rossview football hosts Lebanon. Despite dropping their last three games, a victory will give the Hawks the No. 4 seed in the Region 4-6A and a postseason berth.
“We haven’t let any detail go untouched this week,” Rossview football coach Todd Hood said. “Every step, alignment, personnel package and the team’s focus for every period during practice has been addressed.”
The last time the Hawks failed to reach the playoffs was in 2015. Hood said there isn’t necessarily any added pressure that goes into preparing for a game like this with so much on the line.
“As coaches, we have worked all weekend to prepare a great game plan,” Hood said. “The players had a solid week of practice and we have laid it all on the line. Football is pressure-packed every Friday night. Our season depends upon winning on Friday nights. We don’t have play-in games or tournaments, so each game is vital to be in position to make the playoffs. No added pressure, just time to execute.”
Rossview has surrendered 40 points-per-game in its last three losses, giving the Hawk defense cause for concern over recent weeks.
“We have given up way too many points during that span,” Hood said. “Injuries have been an issue and that also relates to player depth at each position. Those are things many people don’t see during the week as we prepare the team for the Friday night game. Kids have to step up and make plays and that hasn’t happened the last few weeks. Tonight, the team has to step up and get the job done by anyway possible. No excuses here.”
Hawk quarterback Gabe Sibert suffered an injury during the Mt. Juliet game on Oct. 3. The Senior returned last week and recorded a score through the air and added one on the ground in a loss against Hendersonville.
“He played solid,” Hood said of his signal-caller. “We had seven turnovers in that game and you can’t beat anyone turning the ball over that many times.”
Hood knows his team will have to execute in all three phases Friday against the Blue Devils if the Hawks hope to reach the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year.
“We have to stop the ground game,” Hood said. “They have several backs to change the pace, including a fast and shifty kid and a big bruiser that can pound you. We must get them in predictable situations and then make plays. Our offense must hold onto the ball and put points on the board. We have to get into manageable 3rd down situations and execute for us to win.”
Rossview (4-5, 1-3 4-6A) hosts Lebanon (4-5, 2-2) at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1.