CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northwest’s young roster has continued to be thrown into the fire in the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Friday’s region opener presented the next big test, with the Vikings falling short 32-7 against Dickson County.

It was a strong start to the season in Viking Village, with Northwest opening 2-0, including an overtime upset of Wilson Central. Since then, the Vikings have struggled to capitalize on that early momentum, dropping their third consecutive game.

The growing pains of a young roster are something head coach Mark Hall has come to terms with.

“We’re super young, and we’re just going through a lot of those growing pains,” Hall said. “When you’re throwing the guys in the fire, and when you’re young, you struggle a bit sometimes.”

With just six seniors on the roster, veteran leadership has been hard to come by at times for Northwest. Against Dickson County, the difference in experience and size was particularly evident in the trenches, where the Cougars found success. Quarterback Cayden True benefited from the time he had in the pocket, throwing two touchdown passes.

Hall pointed to Dickson County’s physical front as one of the biggest challenges facing the Vikings.

“We’re just getting young guys acclimated to how to play at the varsity level, and quickly,” Hall said. “Dickson County is a good team. That’s probably one of the best fronts we’ve faced all year.”

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Despite the loss, Northwest has continued to find positives in the development of its younger players. Junior quarterback Trevere Lawless has performed well in his first season under center, providing a dual-threat ability and scoring the Vikings’ only touchdown of the night.

With Lawless returning next season, he represents an important piece of Northwest’s future and gives Hall reason to remain optimistic about the program’s direction.

“They came back out here and did what they were supposed to do, and we had some success. So it’s there,” Hall said. “It’s there. It’s just here a little bit, there a little bit. They’re getting there.”

Northwest will now turn its attention to ending the losing streak in what could be its biggest test to date. The Vikings will face Kenwood in a week 6 region 7-5A matchup, with the game potentially playing an important role in the early playoff picture.

Patrick Smith contributed to this report.

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