CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville High football (1-4, 0-3) hosts Kenwood (2-3, 2-2) at 7 p.m. Thursday in a Region 7-5A matchup.
It is no secret that every game down the final stretch of a season is critical for postseason contention. Kenwood football coach Les Greer understands that his team cannot let up if they hope to capture a playoff spot.
“Work hard,” Greer said of the message to his team. “Make sure we continue to get better, so we’re well prepared to go out and compete Thursday night. We challenge the players to bring high energy to practice every day. Earn the right to succeed when it comes game night.”
Northeast running back Juwan Harris broke numerous tackles on his way to 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 20 carries last week against the Wildcats. Clarksville football coach Isaac Shelby understands the importance of shoring up his run defense, starting with this week against the Knights.
“Just like every week we watch film and adjust,” Shelby said. “Kenwood’s run game is very good and they will be tough to stop. We will have to play very well in order to stop their speed.”
In Kenwood’s win over West Creek this past Friday, Knights running back Tishun Miles had 28 carries for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the recipe for success, Greer believes his offense will still have to be at its very best if they wish to take down the Wildcats.
“Every week is different,” Greer said. “Clarksville will be well prepared and give us everything they have. We must play with great, relentless energy in every aspect of the game. The offensive line has been improving every week. We were proud of their performance, as well as Tishun’s last week.”
Clarksville’s offense sputtered in their previous outing and were unable to find any rhythm throughout. Wildcat sophomore quarterback Davin Garinger showed off his big arm at times, but failed to connect with his targets just missing on a few potential big plays. Shelby is hopeful his offensive unit can get things turned around sooner rather than later.
“We try to spread the ball around and last week we came up short on a few opportunities,” Shelby said. “We will look to call a better offensive game plan this week. Kenwood’s defense is fast and we will need to be more effective this week.”
Greer has a good idea of how he expects Clarksville will try to attack his defense.
“We fully expect to see a heavy dose of Buck, Outside Zone and Jet Read this week,” Greer said of Clarksville’s game plan. “They’ll push the ball down the field at times with play action and slants underneath.”
According to Greer, one X-factor that may ultimately decide the outcome of the region contest, is the play of his quarterback under center.
“Jaylen Washington,” Greer said. “With Clarksville seeing how we ran the ball last week, I expect to see a crowded box at times. It should open the field for him to make plays and distribute the ball to our other playmakers.”
Shelby wants his team to simply focus on the task at hand and make sure they bring their “A” game against Kenwood.
“We have to approach every week as must-win during Covid-19, being that it could stop us or any other team in the state for that matter at any point,” Shelby said. “Our team is tough and the guys understand the weight this game holds.”