CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northeast High School football has spent the last three seasons rebuilding, winning just five games during that span. In 2026, that rebuild may finally be nearing its end as the Eagles look to emerge as one of Montgomery County’s biggest surprises.

Northeast head coach Deonte Weston became the program’s fourth head coach in four seasons when he accepted the job in May 2024. His arrival came just one year after the opening of Kirkwood High split much of the program’s talent. Now entering his third season, Weston believes the Eagles are ready to contend again.

“Before I got here, there were four head coaches in four years. I told them I was going to be here, help reestablish the culture and reach out to the alumni,” Weston told Clarksville Now. “I believe this is the year that we return to Northeast being highly competitive, not just here in Clarksville, but here in the Midstate as well.”

There is plenty of reason for optimism, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Northeast features one of the deepest receiving corps in Montgomery County with seniors Terry Jones and Zaybrian Ward leading the way. Northwest transfer Brian Miller also enjoyed an impressive offseason and joins juniors Destin Jones and Damion Jarrett in what could become one of the area’s most explosive passing attacks.

The biggest question is who will be throwing them the football.

Question of quarterbacks for Northeast

Amizaye Sanchez returns after taking over under center last season, but sophomore Kayden Davis has pushed him throughout the offseason. While both quarterbacks remain in the QB competition, Weston made it clear only one will earn the starting job.

“We always talk about all spots being open. We sat both of them down and said, ‘You’re just going to compete for the spot,'” Weston said. “I’m not a guy who runs a two-quarterback system, and those guys know that.”

The skill talent doesn’t end at wide receiver. Senior Harold Marshall III returns at running back after transferring from New York before last season. Although Marshall considered his junior season underwhelming, his combination of size and speed gives Northeast another explosive weapon while opening up the play-action game.

Marshall is also expected to play edge rusher, where his impact may be just as important. Northeast must replace a significant amount of production after losing seniors Jamarion Green and Jahfari Roberts, leaving the front seven as the biggest question mark entering the season.

Jeshuan McCullough was promoted to defensive coordinator after serving as the Eagles’ defensive backs coach last season. He inherits a largely new coaching staff while overseeing a defense replacing key contributors. The secondary should remain a strength, but how quickly the front seven develops may determine just how high Northeast’s ceiling is.

Clarksville Now player to watch: Harold Marshall III

Even with all the offensive talent, Marshall was one of the easiest selections this preseason. There may not be a more valuable non-quarterback to his team in Montgomery County. Northeast’s passing attack can only reach its full potential if defenses have to respect the running game, making Marshall’s production essential.

Marshall believes his biggest improvement has come from becoming a more complete running back.

“My goal is just becoming a better running back and making sure my team can be put on the map,” Marshall said. “I know what I’ve done during the offseason. I know where I stand now. I’m a senior, and I just need my team to be with me so I can be there for them.”

Marshall’s value extends well beyond the offensive side of the ball. If he can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, Northeast’s defense could take a significant step forward. His upside as a pass rusher may ultimately determine whether the Eagles simply improve or become one of the county’s biggest surprises.

Terry Jones during Northeast football practice on July 30, 2026. (Knox Rives)

Clarksville Now record prediction: Northeast 5-5

After going 1-9 and 3-7 in Weston’s first two seasons, another step forward appears likely in 2026. The biggest question is how large that jump will be.

At worst, Northeast looks like a competitive team capable of winning shootouts but falling just short of .500. At best, the Eagles have enough offensive firepower to outperform this projection and make legitimate noise in the postseason.

The weapons are simply too talented to overlook. Northeast has transformed from a program at rock bottom into a team capable of springing multiple upsets. With one of the more favorable schedules in Montgomery County, an average defensive performance may be all it takes for the Eagles to put together their best season in years.

| FOOTBALL PREVIEWS:

| SPORTS REPORT: Sign up for the new weekly Clarksville sports newsletter