CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northwest running back Jabaree Hinton has been awarded Clarksville Now Player of the Week for his impact on the Vikings’ ground and air game against Nashville Christian School.

Northwest went up against a talented Nashville Christian squad this past Thursday night and were dominated by a score of 19-49. However, there were plenty of positive takeaways, and the Vikings’ ability to move the ball was one of them.

Northwest prioritized establishing their running game, and it worked in their favor early on. The Vikings put the ball in Hinton’s hands and the senior running back went to work. Hinton scored Northwest’s first two touchdowns during the first half. Nashville Christian was able to find separation, but that didn’t stop Hinton from producing.

Hinton finished the game with 14 carries for 124 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In addition, he had one reception for 89 yards that almost accounted for his third touchdown of the game. Hinton’s production on the ground and through the air compiled to 213 total scrimmage yards.

“I had a good game vs Nashville Christian,” said Hinton. “I can say that I went through the game knowing as a leader that I needed to keep the team motivated to keep drives going and on defense, help get our defense off the field on third down. I had the mindset starting that game that if we score first and keep the momentum going, then we could have a good game.”

2022-23 season

Hinton’s performance is nothing new for the senior running back, because he has consistently produced for the Vikings during the 2022-23 season.

According to Northwest Head Coach Reynaldo Pena, Hinton has rushed the ball 31 times for a total of 527 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. He has averaged around 66 yards per game and averages 17 yards per carry.

Hinton has made the most of every carry, but he also serves as a lethal weapon in the passing game. He has 4 catches on the season but has totaled 201 receiving yards. That means he averages 50 yards per catch.

It makes for a great final year of high school football.

“My senior season means a lot to me,” Hinton told Clarksville Now. “Playing with my teammates through the hard games and the good games, it can get tough. We know that we have to keep our heads high and as Coach Pena says, ‘Don’t get too high or get too low, stay at 212 degrees even.’ This program helped me grow as a football player, a leader, and as a young man. It taught me how to be a leader and it’s taught me how to trust in myself and trust in my teammates.”

Coaches corner

Pena said Hinton brings a lot of life to the team off the field.

“He always makes sure that I have positive energy and always enjoy the journey because he is definitely enjoying our journey this season. He always has something funny to point out, and he has a ton of dad jokes that always crack me up. Jabaree’s great energy definitely derives from his family and the tremendous support that they have for him,” Pena said.

“When he is on the field, he is a safety net for Raymond. He is always one play away from making an explosive play and never has a problem with understanding our offense. What makes him so unique is his blocking abilities. He prides himself on great blocking especially in the pass game. When we can get Jewuan Moffett some breathers, Jabaree just comes in and we do our best to not skip a beat on offense. Defensively, he is learning to become a very effective safety. He tackles well and with aggression, and his speed helps us over the top.”

Hinton has a couple of different colleges he is open to attending but is still undecided. However, the senior has decided that he will major in business management or communications.

Northwest football is expected to pick back up action against inner city opponent Kenwood High as they look to finish their season on a high note. The game is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 24, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the football field. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Clarksville High running back Jamar Carnell; 28 carries, 216 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 10 tackles and 2 pass break ups. (Carnell has previously been named Player of the Week.)
  • Clarksville Academy wide receiver Jacques Wyatt; 6 catches, 180 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. (Wyatt has previously been Player of the Week.)
  • Rossview wide receiver and kicker Chance Siler; 2 receptions, 91 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, an onside kicker recovered and averaged 47 yards per punt.
  • Clarksville Academy quarterback DJ Merriweather; 291 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 13 rushes, 115 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

Player of the Week