CLARKSVILLE, NOW (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Northeast High School football team struggled to find ways to win throughout the 2021 campaign. The Eagles finished under .500 with an overall record of 3-7. Two of the team’s wins came against district opponents last season.

Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)

This season, Northeast is looking to turn the page and compete under the direction of their new head coach Claude Townsend. Townsend was hired in February due to his extensive background as a coach and leader.

Townsend, who has been coaching football since 2004, came to Clarksville after being stationed at Fort Campbell. He remained active throughout the football community when arriving in Clarksville.

Townsend spent time at Northwest High as an assistant football coach, and he has served as the owner and head coach of the Clarksville Rattlers since 2016.

2022 season

The Northeast High football team is made up of 50 players on the varsity roster, while 49 make up their JV team. Townsend made it known that Northeast’s identity is built on being big, strong, fast and eager to learn. In addition, he said his players have bought into the new offensive and defensive systems.

“After speaking with players coming into the season, they made me aware that their offensive system was far too complicated last year. That’s why I made it a point to simplify the systems on each side of the ball. So, I constructed a set of 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and a number of different formations.”

Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)
Northeast High football practices on July 28, 2022. (Alicia Archuleta)

Townsend has made discipline a point of emphasis since taking over as head football coach. He wants his players to understand the expectations that come with being a member of the Northeast team. Townsend has also stressed the importance of conditioning and preparing your body for the season ahead. From what the head coach has seen thus far, he has high expectations for his group.

“We will make it into the playoffs,” said Townsend. “I know my goal is for the team to reach the state tournament, but I know we can qualify and make it into the postseason. We are coming off a season where we were 3-7. I can see this Northeast team winning at least eight games in 2022.”

Townsend has been impressed by the team in its entirety, but he pointed out the work that his wide receivers and linebackers have put in this summer.

Northeast football travels to West Creek to open up the year. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19.

2022 football season preview series