CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Football is a family tradition at Clarksville High School, and few players embody that legacy more than senior running back Ahvare Galbreath.

Galbreath’s late uncle, Harry Galbreath, graduated from Clarksville High in 1983 before going on to play offensive line in the NFL. His older brother, Ahmoyre, was a standout running back for the Wildcats before graduating in 2025. Now, entering his final season on Hilda J. Richardson Field, Galbreath hopes to add another chapter to the family’s legacy.

“I just want to be a great team player, and I want to make a good run in the playoffs and give all my effort on the field for my friends and for my family,” Galbreath told Clarksville Now. “My goal is just winning a playoff game with my team, my family, my friends. Just getting it done that way.”

Clarksville High has built its identity around a physical rushing attack under head coach Isaac Shelby, and that won’t change in 2026. Galbreath is expected to be the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ offense as they look to break through in the postseason after several consecutive first-round playoff exits.

For Galbreath, that success would mean carrying on a family tradition. For Shelby, it’s about something much bigger than one player.

“I’m the coach here, but it’s their team. It’s the 120th team at Clarksville High. I’m just here trying to guide them through that,” Shelby said. “We were here before; we’ll be here after.”

As talented as Galbreath is, Clarksville’s ground game will depend on how quickly its offensive line develops. The Wildcats return just one starter up front in senior center De’nerio Harding but have plenty of size around him. Sophomore left tackle Cortland Hamilton joins senior left guard Brodey Rollins, senior right guard Kyle McPherson and senior right tackle Myles Daniel to round out the projected starting five.

Isaac Shelby during Clarksville football practice on August 4, 2026

Quarterback is another position featuring new faces. With 2025 starter Kayden Pledger no longer with the program, sophomore Harrison Smith and senior Nate Parada have battled throughout the offseason for the starting role. Smith appears to have the edge entering Week 1, but Shelby indicated both quarterbacks could see meaningful snaps.

“People talk all the time about playing the best guy, but it’s not really the best guy. It’s the guy that makes the other 10 players (around him) the best. I think you’ll see both of them under center at some point this year,” Shelby said.

Defensively, replacing standout linebacker Dawson Smith won’t be easy, but Clarksville has several versatile pieces to soften the blow. Parada is expected to contribute at linebacker in addition to his quarterback duties, while Galbreath’s athleticism allows him to impact the game on both sides of the ball. Seniors Colby Rotell and Wyatt Wooten return to lead the secondary too.

Clarksville Now player to watch: Ahvare Galbreath

If there was any doubt, Galbreath is Clarksville High’s player to watch entering the 2026 season.

The Wildcats have produced several outstanding running backs in recent years, and Galbreath has the talent to top that list. If the offensive line gels early, the senior could be in for a breakout campaign.

“We’re downhill every play. We’re just going to get downhill, put it in your face, and just keep running,” Galbreath said.

Galbreath looks like a more complete runner than he did a season ago. He still possesses the breakaway speed to score from anywhere on the field, but he’s added more power between the tackles. Defensively, he’ll be one of Clarksville’s most important players, moving around at linebacker and helping fill the void left by departing seniors.

Clarksville Now record prediction: Clarksville High 7-3

The Wildcats lost their first two games last season before rattling off eight straight wins, and another strong season appears to be in store. Blackman and Springfield present difficult challenges to open the year, and Antioch and Siegel are capable of making things interesting later in the schedule.

Clarksville High will once again be one of Montgomery County’s top teams, but this group isn’t quite as experienced as some of Shelby’s previous squads. Even in a run-first offense, replacing Pledger’s experience at quarterback won’t be easy.

The Wildcats have proven they can consistently win regular-season games. The next step is translating that success into a playoff run.

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