CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kayden Davis didn’t start his junior season the way he would have liked, as Northeast dropped three of their first four games. The quarterback has since bounced back, which includes most recently leading the Eagles to a dominant 42-6 victory over Kenwood.

Davis watched backup quarterback Amizaye Sanchez lead Northeast to a win over then-undefeated Lawson while serving a one-game suspension. He was ejected from the Eagles’ loss to Kirkwood the week before after letting his emotions get the best of him.

With Davis returning, Northeast head coach Deonte Weston had a decision to make. He stuck with his gut. “He’s just a baller. One thing I really like about him is that when he messes up and makes mistakes, he doesn’t get down on himself,” Weston told Clarksville Now. “He makes your offense completely better. It’s a completely different team when he’s on the field.”

The decision paid off in Friday’s must-win matchup against the Knights. The playoff implications were clear heading into the game. Kenwood could clinch a playoff spot with a win, while a loss would leave Northeast in danger of missing the postseason. Davis rose to the occasion, throwing three touchdown passes and leading the Eagles to a season-altering victory.

Davis said Weston emphasized the importance of the game throughout the week.

“Coach kept telling us how big this game meant to us. We wanted to go to the playoffs, and we really meant that,” Davis said. “My coach had a game plan, and I came out here executing. As a quarterback, I was supposed to come out here and take control of the offense, and that’s what I did.”

Improved defensive unit

Northeast’s offense has been productive throughout the season, but defensive struggles have contributed to the Eagles’ 3-5 record. Entering Friday’s matchup, the defense had allowed 27 points per game. Against Kenwood, the Eagles delivered their best defensive performance of the season, holding the Knights to just six points.

Kenwood was also without starting running back Elijah King, leaving the Knights without their primary offensive weapon. However, head coach Jarhett Snead pointed to execution and discipline as the bigger issues in the loss.

“That’s our workhorse. It’s always difficult when your workhorse is out, but at the end of the day, even with him being here, that doesn’t stop the turnovers. It doesn’t stop the missed tackles. It doesn’t stop not being disciplined,” Snead said.

What’s up next for each team

The loss leaves Kenwood needing a win against Dickson County next week to keep its playoff hopes alive.

For Northeast, Davis’ return and a renewed defensive focus gives Weston plenty of reasons for optimism with the postseason approaching. However, despite acknowledging the magnitude of Friday’s victory, Weston made it clear that the Eagles still have work to do.

“The jobs not done. It’s not done right now. It’s not finished,” Weston said. “To me, both of these next two games are must-wins just like tonight, but we’ve got to approach it one game at a time.”

Scoring Summary

  • N – Harold Marshall III 1-yard run (8:05). Travis Rasnic XP.
  • N – Kayden Young to Terry Jones 12-yard pass (5:35). Rasnic XP.

Third Quarter

  • N – Marshall III 13-yard run (9:24). Rasnic XP.
  • N – Young to Talan Payne 1-yard pass (6:21). Rasnic XP.
  • N – Young to Damion Jarrett 42-yard pass (4:40). Rasnic XP.

Fourth Quarter

  • N – Kamari Delaney 15-yard run (9:34). Rasnic XP.
  • K – Landon Walsh 5-yard run (1:30). 2-point conversion failed.

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