CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Rossview High School hosted the Northeast Eagles at the annual Homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 9.
Rossview entered the week on a two-game losing streak, while Northeast looked to bounce back into form following a beating by Springfield last week. Despite a strong first half by the Hawks, Northeast put up 22 points in the fourth quarter to claim the win, 34-20.
At halftime, the Homecoming court was introduced, and seniors Aubrey Padgett and Lantz Shirk were named Homecoming Queen and King.
Rossview came out swinging and hoped to deal a knockout punch early. Jamarcus Caldwell started things with a big kickoff return, followed by a touchdown run by DeAntwan Young, Jr. Senior kicker Chance Siler tacked on the extra point and Rossview led, 7-0, with 7:47 remaining in the period.
Siler and the Hawks then executed a successful onside kick, maintaining possession and knocking on the door of the end zone.
Two injuries on this drive, one on each team, slowed the pace of the game and gave Northeast time to collect themselves. The Eagles recovered, holding the Hawks to a field goal by Siler. The period ended with the Hawks up, 10-0.
2nd quarter
Northeast began showing signs of life in the second quarter, but struggled to finish the job. A long touchdown pass was called back due to holding, and Rossview’s defense used this second opportunity to get the ball back for their offense. But that series ended in a punt.
The next Eagles possession looked promising after the Hawks were called for a facemask, but on the next play, Rossview senior Jamel Burney recovered a Northeast fumble. Sophomore quarterback Reed Bryant erupted for a big run to the 1 yard line, setting up junior JT Sims to punch in the Hawks’ next score.
It seemed like the quarter would end with the hosts up 17-0, but running back Khameron Athy of Northeast had other plans. He broke through for a 65-yard touchdown in the closing seconds of the half. The Eagles attempted a 2-point conversion and failed, going into halftime down 17-6.
Halftime
The third period was a bit quieter, but Athy and the Eagles continued wearing away at Rossview’s defenses and looking for a chance. Athy scored on another run, and the Eagles missed the 2-pt conversion again, cutting the Hawks’ lead down to 5 points.
Rossview replied with another field goal by Siler, their last points of the game. The two teams went into the final quarter with the Hawks leading 20-12.
The final quarter absolutely belonged to the Eagles, who scored 22 points to seal the deal. With 11:33 left in the game, Athy got loose for a 53-yard touchdown. Brandon Phillips ran in the 2-point conversion to tie the game at 20.
Rossview’s Collin Michael made a big catch and run before being taken down on the 5 yard line, but in the end this just set up another impressive Northeast play.
The Eagles stripped the ball on the next snap, then unleashed Athy for a 95-yard running touchdown. Despite a sketchy snap to the quarterback, Dez Fort caught the 2-point conversion, putting the Eagles up, 28-20, with 6:35 remaining.
Hawk RJ McNeill made a strong return to the Eagles’ 30 yard line; Rossview managed two first downs afterwards. But Northeast’s defense stood strong in the final 10 yards, forcing a turnover on downs.
Northeast quarterback Jaiden Puig then went back to Brandon Phillips for an 89-yard touchdown throw. This put the Eagles up 34-20, and with 1:03 left in the contest, senior Cameron Hudson picked off Rossview’s desperation pass. Northeast assumed the victory formation, claiming the comeback and bounceback win.
Coaches corner
First year Eagles coach Claude Townsend had praise for his team’s resilience. “We weren’t going to give up. We knew we were in this game. They call us a second half team. A second half team, we’re going to keep on going. … We had some struggles here on penalties, you know, a lot of penalties against us. We just had to keep on fighting.” His team was called for five penalties throughout the game.
“We have to (keep fighting). At all times,” Townsend summarized his halftime message. Describing his team’s offensive potential, he said, “This team has so many weapons. Last year it was just about Dez Fort. This team, I have eight good receivers. I have two good running backs. And the quarterback is just phenomenal. He’s a great player, very smart.”
“Athy’s our running back, he’s just an angry runner. He’s a guy that wants this so bad. I saw him play last year. (It’s) my job, to get him up and running and get him to college.”
Both teams have divisional matches in week 5. The Hawks (1-3, 0-1) will travel to West Creek (2-2, 0-1). The Coyotes defeated Kenwood in week 4.
Northeast (3-1, 0-1) will host Portland (3-1,1-0) for their own Homecoming night.