CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Rossview enters year two under head coach Stratie Young after a 4-6 regular season in 2025. Looking to take the next step, Young and his team took a unique approach to opening preseason practice: A midnight practice made the Hawks the first program in Tennessee to hit the field following the TSSAA dead period.
The idea was Young’s way of setting the tone for the next era of Rossview football.
“I remember telling them about how hard we were going to work when I first got the job, and I told them I wanted to be the first team in the state to start practicing,” Young told Clarksville Now. “I figured what better way to set the tone for my tenure as a coach?”
Since the Hawks were the first team to take the field, it’s only fitting to begin the Clarksville Now preseason previews on Exit 8. Everything starts with Young, who is working to establish his culture within the program. After serving as defensive coordinator under former head coach Todd Hood, Young has built his reputation on defense.
Rossview graduated key contributors Phillip Shipstead and Jayden Westmoreland from that unit, but the Hawks believe a young front seven can develop more quickly than expected. Damarion Brooks, Robert Hall and Omega Jones headline the new-look defense, while several younger players will have opportunities to earn meaningful roles.
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Offensively, Rossview has one of the more underrated units in Montgomery County. It starts with running back CJ Stuckey, who will lead a committee in the backfield this season. While the Hawks have traditionally leaned on the running game, don’t overlook the passing attack. Quarterback Dawson Deer improved with every start last season, and if he continues to trust his playmakers, Rossview should have a much more balanced offense.
Clarksville Now player to watch: Khyain Payne
The biggest playmaker in that offense is senior receiver Khyain Payne. Despite missing several games with an injury, Payne still led the Hawks in touchdown receptions last season. Entering his final year, he’ll once again be one of the most dangerous weapons in Montgomery County.
“Last season didn’t go so well, but this year I see some dogs out here. We’re ready to play, and I think we’ve put in the work,” Payne said. “Coming out here, we were willing to make that sacrifice, lose some sleep, grind for it and make plays for it.”
Payne will primarily line up in the slot again this season, but don’t be surprised if Rossview finds ways to get him carries alongside Stuckey. Simply put, the more touches Payne gets, the better the Hawks’ offense becomes.
Clarksville Now record prediction: Rossview 6-4
Rossview may not have the same high floor as programs like Kirkwood or Clarksville this season, but its ceiling is comparable to any team in the county. The players have clearly bought into Young’s vision, something that’s evident after watching just one practice.
The Hawks also face one of the toughest schedules in Montgomery County, so improving on last year’s record won’t come easily.
A two-game improvement to 6-4 is well within reach. That would represent a significant step forward and serve as another building block under Young. Rossview is a program trending in the right direction. The biggest questions entering the season are experience and consistency, but if the Hawks answer both, a return to a winning season is certainly on the table.
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