CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northeast High quarterback Jaiden Puig filled up the stat line this past week, which earned him Clarksville Now Player of the Week honors.

Northeast High took down inner-city rival Northwest by a score of 54-6. The Eagles produced on both sides of the ball, but their offensive production was led by Puig.

Jaiden Puig as Northeast football hosts Montgomery Central on Aug. 26, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

The senior quarterback said that in previous matchups against the Vikings during his career, the team always underestimated Northwest. With that being said, Puig made sure he was prepared for the contest by continuously watching film.

According to Puig, the Vikings loaded the box throughout the night on defense to stop the Eagles’ rushing attack. This led to one-on-one matchups on the outside, which the quarterback felt comfortable with. He said he has all the confidence in the world in his wide receivers.

Puig finished the game completing 14 out of his 18 passing attempts for a total of 308 passing yards and 7 passing touchdowns. Puig told Clarksville Now that his 7 passing touchdowns tied the school record for passing touchdowns in a game. The record was previously set by former Eagle Heath Williams.

Jaiden Puig prepares to throw as Northeast plays Clarksville High on Sept. 23, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

2022-23 season

Puig has been one of the best quarterbacks in Montgomery County so far this season.

According to Northeast Head Coach Claude Townsend, the quarterback has completed 79 out of his 136 passing attempts. That brings his completion percentage to around 58%.

In addition to his passing efficiency, Puig has also thrown for 1,555 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and has only thrown 12 interceptions.

“Going into this season, I felt like I had a lot of weight on my shoulders and a lot to prove,” said Puig. “During my freshman season, I started for the team and had a great year. I worked with two additional offensive coordinators during my sophomore and junior years. They plugged me into their own system instead of building their system around me. I was benched during each of those seasons.

“Coach (Townsend) and I knew each other before he was hired as the Northeast head coach. What I like about him is the fact that he did build his system around me and how I play. Throughout this season we’ve really learned from one another, and that’s what has made this process special.”

Puig finished said the work he put in during the off-season has transitioned to his play on the field. This included working with and learning from NFL quarterback Cam Newton during his 7 on 7 camp.

Jaiden Puig during a prayer as Northeast High defeated Rossview on Sept. 9, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

Coaches’ corner

“Jaiden is the main piece of this puzzle,” Townsend told Clarksville Now. “He’s a quarterback who’s knowledgeable and who can read (defenses). I have a lot of trust in Jaiden, and I don’t think we’d be as far as we are without him leading this team.”

“He is someone who is very passionate as well. During the spring, it didn’t matter if we had finished practicing for the day or if we didn’t have practice at all; Jaiden was on the field working to get better. I want Jaiden to be our leader and for him to understand that this is what you came for, so get what you want out of it before you leave here.”

Northeast (4-3) is set to square off against Father Ryan (2-5) on Thursday as their season progresses. They will look to create a two-game winning streak.

Puig, a senior, has not yet decided where he’ll be attending college. However, he did say he has real interest in playing for the Austin Peay Governors.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the football field. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Clarksville High running back Jamar Carnell; 21 carries for 142 yards, 5 touchdowns and 7 tackles on defense. (Carnell has previously been named Player of the Week.)
  • Clarksville High running back Ahmoyre Galbreath; 8 carries for 115 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 two point conversion and 4 tackles on defense.

Player of the Week