CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The 2022-23 high school football regular season is set to conclude this week, and Clarksville area schools are preparing for what’s to come for their programs.
A number of the local football teams have clinched a playoff berth already. Meanwhile, others have yet to secure a spot in the postseason or are out of playoff contention entirely. Here’s a look at where things stand in the local football playoffs.
Clarksville Academy
Clarksville Academy is one of three county teams that have clinched a playoff spot. The Cougars fell just short of the playoffs during the 2021-22 season.
“It means a lot to our program, to be making this leap so early in my tenure as head coach at Clarksville Academy,” said Scott Murray. “Our players have quickly bought into what we want the E.L.I.T.E. mentality for our program to be and have made huge strides on the field, in our school, and community. They have trusted the process and worked hard to create the type of habits that lead to success.”
“Tasting success creates a desire to have more, and that is something this program really needed. The playoffs are no longer a dream, but an expectation. This experience hopefully will quickly accelerate our team into one of the premier programs in Division IIA football.”
Clarksville Academy sits at 6-3 and this includes having a record of 2-2 against district opponents. According to Max Preps, their district record has them ranked third in the Division II-A Middle Region’s standings.
Clarksville Academy has been led by their high-powered offensive unit, which has averaged around 32.7 points per game. In addition, Clarksville Academy has scored 35 or more points in six out of the nine games they’ve played in.
Clarksville High
Clarksville High has secured a playoff berth already. This is the Wildcats’ seventh playoff appearance under head coach Isaac Shelby, which includes making the postseason in six consecutive seasons.
CHS has a record of 6-3. According to Max Preps, they have also gone 3-1 against district opponents which has them ranked second in the 6A Region 5 standings.
Clarksville High is riding a 4-game winning streak with one game in the season left to play. The Wildcats have outscored opponents a total of 173-86.
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell High is back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2019 season. Under the direction of first-year head coach Henry Mitchell, the Falcons stamped their ticket to the postseason this past week against Ballard Memorial.
“This accomplishment means a lot to the players, coaches, administration and the Fort Campbell community,” said Mitchell. “The players worked so hard all year long and my coaching staff coached their butts off. We also had a lot of support from our administration day 1 and our parent support is the best.
“One word that describes making our team dangerous in the playoffs is respect. I feel like through the course of several years, FCHS has not been feared our respected like the old days. The team this year had a chip on their shoulders to prove different. They just wanted to get a chance to get in the playoffs and prove to the naysayers that FCHS can compete again at a high level.”
FCHS has a record of 4-5. They have a chance to finish even at .500 this upcoming week against Webster County. According to Max Preps, this would be the first time since the 2012-13 season when they finished 9-3.
Fort Campbell is ranked fourth in the 2A District 1 standings. They are 1-3 against conference foes.
Play-in games and who’s excluded
There will be two play-in games this week to determine which of the following Montgomery County teams will advance into the postseason.
Kenwood, Northeast and Northwest all have a chance to clinch the last playoff spot in the 5A Region 7 standings.
Northeast High will host Kenwood on Friday. According to the TSSAA, if Kenwood High pulls out the win, their season continues. Northeast needs a victory, and for Northwest to lose, to advance.
Northwest High, they need a victory to clinch a playoff berth, plus a Kenwood loss, to advance. However, they are facing a talented Springfield team who sits at 7-2, so they will face an uphill battle on Friday.
Three confirmed county teams will head directly into the off-season: Montgomery Central, Rossview and West Creek.