CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville football stumbled out of the gates last season in region play before rattling off key wins down the stretch to punch its ticket to the Class 5A playoffs.
A big reason for the Wildcats’ success during the second half of the year rested on the right arm of freshman quarterback Davin Garinger.
Clarksville faced off against Munford in the opening round of the postseason last year and trailed 28-13 with just 10:44 left to play in regulation.
After missing the first three quarters of action on the field, in stepped Garinger. The backup quarterback proceeded to throw two touchdown passes to rally the Wildcats back within two points before Zach Langford connected on a 19-yard eventual game-winning field goal.
According to Garinger, the playoff victory over the Cougars went down as his favorite moment so far on a football field.
“It’s got to be number one,” Garinger said of where it ranks. “I waited all game and wasn’t questioning why I wasn’t going in. We had our seniors, we had our running back and an amazing offensive line. I just waited for my time and when I did get my shot, I wanted to go out and prove myself.
“After the game, it was just a blast. Everyone was happy for winning the first playoff game for our coach. It was an amazing feeling.”
Last year as a freshman, Garinger split time under center with then senior Colby Cook.
According to Garinger, there were many things he learned from Cook on the offensive side of the ball.
“He taught me really well,” Garinger said. “I’d say number one was just understanding the flow of the game and what to do in certain situations. He also had a big leadership role on the team. I think he’s a great quarterback to be after.”
After putting together an impressive middle school career, Clarksville football coach Isaac Shelby must have had an inkling Garinger was capable of having success right away at the next level.
“I think he’s an outstanding coach,” Garinger said of Shelby. “He really worked with me every day in practice on stuff as simple as being more vocal and commanding the huddle. I think that really helps. Then he worked with me on reads and what to do on every play. He showed faith in me and has been really supportive. He’s also helping me with stuff beyond football. I think we have a good relationship and hopefully it can get even better over the years.”
Garinger believes he lived up to the hype he was surrounded by as a highly-touted incoming player.
“I’m really proud of it,” Garinger said of his first season at the high school level. “We had a really good senior class and I was just happy with my overall performance. I think I’ll be more comfortable the more that I play, but think it was a productive first year.”
Garinger assessed how his offseason has gone to this point and what he hopes to accomplish in year two in a presumed full-time role at the quarterback position in the fall.
“I’ve actually been staying really productive,” Garinger said. “With the Coronavirus, a lot of people are staying in. I’m using this time to continue to put the work in. I’m lifting everyday in my garage, throwing with the receivers almost every day and just trying to improve my game overall. I think I’m just preparing myself if I do get the opportunity to take over as the starter for the next few seasons.”