CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Fort Campbell quarterback Darin Frederick has played his way into Clarksville Now Player of the Week honors following his performance against Caverna High on Friday.

The Falcons traveled to Caverna High and pulled off the road victory by a score of 36-34. Fort Campbell secured the victory after their junior quarterback led his team to a game-winning drive within the last two minutes of action.

Fort Campbell football defeated Fort Knox during the Army Bowl on September 16, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

This included throwing the game-tying touchdown, as well as the game-winning two-point conversion. The Falcons had success throwing the ball throughout the night against Caverna.

Fort Campbell’s offense produced 363 total yards on the night, and a lot of that came from their air attack. Frederick finished the game completing 16 of his 29 passing attempts for 305 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Frederick’s go-to target on the night was senior wide receiver Jontae’ Al-Muid. Al-Muid pulled in 7 receptions for 151 receiving yards. He also hauled in 3 of the team’s touchdown receptions.

Frederick said their opponent’s linebackers consistently left the middle of the field wide open. After communicating what he saw to the team’s play caller and wide receivers, the team took full advantage of that part of the field.

2022-23 season

Fort Campbell has consistently stretched the field against opposing teams with Frederick under center.

According to Falcons Head Coach Henry Mitchell, his quarterback has thrown for 1,190 passing yards on the season through the seven games he’s played.

That means he’s averaged around 170 passing yards per game. In addition, Frederick has thrown 14 passing touchdowns, and has only thrown 8 interceptions.

Frederick has also shown his ability to extend plays with his legs during the 2022-23 season. The quarterback has run the ball 69 times for 143 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

Coaches corner

“Darin has come a long way to get to this point,” said Mitchell. “When I was hired as head coach, I came in and evaluated who was going to be my signal caller moving forward. There were actually two or three guys in question, but at the end of the day he won the starting job.

“Darin has a special skillset. Not only does he have a great arm, but he’s a very smart kid who can run the ball as well,” Mitchell said.

“The biggest thing for Darin is repetition, and I consistently tell him to take what the defense gives you. I make it a point to communicate that he doesn’t need to be greedy, and that he needs to trust his eyes. Overall, he’s played well throughout the season. Has he made mistakes here and there? Yes, he has but those mistakes are growing pains. At the end of the day, he’s helped lead this team to a chance to make the playoffs.”

Fort Campbell (3-5) is scheduled to host Ballard Memorial High School (0-8) for their next game on Friday, Oct. 21. With a win, the Falcons can clinch their first playoff berth since the 2019 season.

As for Frederick, he is undecided where he’ll be attending college in 2024 but does anticipate on playing football at the next level.

Player of the Week