CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – Most high school coaches will tell you that one of their goals every year is to make the playoffs: A place where records are erased, and every team is presented a new season, only if it lasts for one week.
One thing Rossview head football coach Todd Hood is familiar with is playoff football. After serving as an assistant for Shawn Berner during Ft. Campbell’s three consecutive state championship runs, and taking over Clarksville Academy’s program and guiding the Cougars to six straight playoff appearances, the post season is familiar territory.
Friday night, the Rossview Hawks travel to Cookeville to take on the 8-2 Cavaliers in the first round of the TSSAA State Playoffs. Hood, who is in his first year at Rossview as the head coach, feels good about his team progress this season and where the program is headed.
“Our number one goal this season was to play as one. It has taken some time for us to buy into that philosophy, but the last few weeks has been a huge step toward playing as a team,” Hood said. “I’m proud of our players and their efforts to get things going after a slow start to the season.”
Great teams are well balanced, and good performance takes effort and consistent play from all areas.
“I would say that we have played well in all three phrases of the game this year. Our kicking game is one of the best in the state and our return game is as well,” Hood said. “Our defense has played solid all year and our defensive front is a huge reason why. Coach Hall, Coach Caver, Coach Coleman and Coach Mckillip do a great job with our defense.”
The Hawks will have their hands full when they take the field Friday night, but this is nothing new for any team entering the playoffs.
“I feel like we match up well. When I watched film, I saw a great program, not just a team. They are senior loaded as we are and they play well as a team in every area. They look strong and physical and have a great QB that can mix it up with the pass and run. A solid defense with some college bound kids and a great kicker. I feel like we have had a great week of practice and our players are ready for this challenge. We will have to play mistake free football but we are looking forward to this game in Cookeville,” Hood said.
The Hawks will rely heavy on their senior offensive line and feature running back Fred Orr, who’s averaging 138 yards per game, and a defense that has played solid all season.
The Hawks playoff run ended early last year with a 47-24 loss the Memphis Central.
Tune in Friday night at 6 for the Friday Night Blitz on 104.1 ESPN Clarksville or stream the show live.