CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kenwood High School Knights are coming off a 3-7 campaign. Last year, after a slow start, they had a chance in the last week of the season to make the playoffs after catching fire in the middle of the season. Now reclassified to 5A, the Knights have retooled and look to compete deep into the postseason.

“We’ve changed a lot over this offseason. Our mindset and how we approach things have changed,” said Kenwood head coach Jarhett Snead. “We have a large senior class, and their leadership has been huge in that change. How we watch film, how we approach practice, they’ve led the charge into taking it all to another level.”

After graduating a three-year starter and Clarksville Now All-Area selection, Jacoby Cox, at quarterback, the Knights have converted senior wide receiver Christian James to a quarterback. His electric athleticism has been flashed in preseason scrimmages, including a 60-yard touchdown run in the jamboree against Christian County. He’s also got a plethora of weapons at receiver, including senior speedster Jayde Davis.

On the defensive side of the ball, they’re led by a Clarksville Now All-Area selection from last season, senior defensive lineman Josiah Brown. Last year, he collected 71 tackles, including two sacks, and a fumble recovered for a touchdown, along with adding 419 yards and four touchdowns on the offensive end.

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“James, Davis and Brown have been starters since they got here, and I’ve loved seeing them grow not only as players but as leaders,” said Snead. “I’m excited to see what they’re going to do on the field. This is my fourth year, so this class is special for me since I’ve had it all four years.”

The Knights know they’ve got the pieces to compete in a new 5A region, accompanied by Northwest, Northeast, Kirkwood, Dickson County and Henry County. However, while they may have the players, they know they’re going to need more than just talent to get them where they want to go.

“We’re a very athletic bunch, but athleticism will only take you so far,” said Snead. “We can make some big plays, but can we sustain drives, can we protect the football, and can we limit penalties. If we’re disciplined, and our work ethic matches where we want to go, we’re going to be a good football team. You can’t have Mercedes dreams and give Pinto effort.”

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