CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Rossview and Clarksville High football are set to renew their rivalry tonight when the Hawks travel to take on the Wildcats in the Battle for the Warfield Shield.

The rivalry is back from a brief hiatus after skipping 2020 due to COVID-19.

Overcoming adversity

The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season last week against Springfield 27-10.

According to Clarksville High football coach Isaac Shelby, there were some positives to take away from that particular performance.

“You learn more from losses than wins,” Shelby said. “I think our guys learned a lot about themselves last week, and it will be interesting to see how practice this week translates into the game.”

Clarksville senior Rayshawn Bowling has stepped up in the absence of starting quarterback Davin Garinger under center and has been responsible for all four of the team’s touchdowns through two games played.

“Rayshawn is a ballplayer,” Shelby said. “He is doing a fantastic job right now. He has to play well for us to be successful this season.”

Despite being sidelined indefinitely, Garinger is continuing stay in things by supporting his teammates.

“Davin is great,” Shelby said. “He is always engaged. He has been a great help to Rayshawn and the freshmen quarterbacks. He is a superstar kid.”

Early season woes

CHS may not be the only team without their No. 1 quarterback on the field in Friday’s matchup after Rossview’s Garrett Diemel was injured in Week 1.

“Tonight he’ll be a game-time decision,” said Rossview football coach Todd Hood. “All three quarterbacks seem healthy and are prepared to play tonight. We may go with a little rotation and how the game plays out will determine that.”

The Hawks’ rushing attack has been nonexistent through two contests, mustering just 59 yards on 53 carries. With their leading-rusher from last year, Divontaa Phillips, now playing at Davidson Academy, Rossview is turning to a stable of backs including Branden Rushing, Michael Arthur and Zaire Northington to carry the load on the ground.

“Our young guys up front have to get a hat on a hat this week for that to improve,” Hood said. “We have worked hard on the O-line, and tonight we will see if they have really made progress after playing two really good defenses in Wilson Central and Riverdale.”

Added importance

After having to wait an extra year for the rivalry to resume, Clarksville football coach Isaac Shelby is expecting fans to come out in droves Friday at Hilda J. Richardson Field.

“The crowd for this game is always electric,” Shelby said. “It is the biggest rivalry game in town. We are all really excited about it.”

Hood’s group is looking forward to the challenge of going into hostile territory and escaping with a W.

“This game is always so cool,” Hood said. “Students go crazy and it’s a great atmosphere. I wish every week was like this.”

The stakes in this contest are raised even more after Clarksville was reclassified to Region 5-6A in the offseason.

“Any region win is like getting two wins because you win the tiebreaker,” Shelby said. “It’s a huge game.”

Hood understands the magnitude of this early season game and that the outcome could have major implications when it comes to the postseason.

“The playoffs start tonight,” Hood said. “We need to get ahead in that regard to put us in a good spot come November. However, this is CHS and rivalry games are huge in itself.”

Clarksville (1-1) hosts Rossview (0-2) Friday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. in a Region 5-6A matchup.