CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – West Creek football hosted Northeast Friday in a Region 7-5A showdown.
The Eagles wasted no time and made quick work of the Coyotes, as they captured a 53-6 road win.
Northeast entered the contest coming off of a win by forfeit against Dyer County.
As a result, Northeast football coach Brandon Clark believes the extra week of rest paid huge dividends for his team against the Coyotes.
“We were able to rest a few guys that were a little banged up from the first couple of games, but we also really just worked on how we practice,” Clark said. “We’re trying to make practice as stressful as possible, so it makes the actual games seem slower. The kids rose to the challenge the last two weeks in practice and it paid off.”
After a rough last outing against the Hawks, Northeast’s offense bounced back in a big way.
Sophomore quarterback Jaiden Puig had four first-half scores and made some exceptional throws throughout.
“I felt pretty confident going into this game,” Puig said. “We added like 10 new pass plays and we all just locked in. The coaches and everyone are starting to bond more and work together.”
Clark was glad to see his signal caller shake off the loss from two weeks prior and perform at a high level.
“I think he’s able to do that because our team motto, team belief and team philosophy at Northeast is that the most important play is the next play,” Clark said. “If we can just do that and live to that standard, I think we’re going to have more good plays than bad plays.”
Eagles wide receiver Jaylen Bussey had two touchdown grabs, including one on fourth down that put Northeast up 14-0 in the opening quarter.
“He was a guy that played as a freshman and we didn’t see him for two years because he was focusing on basketball,” Clark said. “We’re just thrilled that he came back out. Like anybody else that’s been off, he was kind of rusty for a little bit, but now he’s really starting to hit his stride as a top receiver.”
West Creek quarterback Ti-Anthony Wagner was swarmed in the backfield on numerous snaps. The Coyote offensive line struggled mightily in pass protection while the Eagles took advantage.
“We knew that we were probably going to have an exceptional defense in the offseason based on what we had coming back,” Clark said. “This is what we expected out of them. I think we have some of the best linebackers around in Kamari Williams and Elijah Leaupepe. They’re a wall.”
Scoring summary
Northeast struck first with seven minutes remaining in the game’s opening quarter, as Juwan Harris scored from a yard out on fourth-and-goal.
Puig connected with Bussey for a 28-yard touchdown to put the Eagles up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
With eight minutes left to play in second quarter, Jaylin Bowser took a pass from Puig and ripped through the Coyote defense for a 20-yard score.
After Northeast came away with the ball on a squib kick, Harris carried multiple West Creek defenders into the end zone to make it 28-0.
Harris would score his third touchdown of the first half with three minutes remaining in the second quarter from nine-yards out.
The only real blemish in the game for the Eagle offense occurred on their next possession when Kage McNeil came away with an interception return for a touchdown.
With less than two minutes remaining before halftime, Puig connected with Bussey for a 12-yard touchdown and later hit Dez Forte for a 10-yard touchdown, as the Eagles went up 47-6 at the break.
Clark pulled most of his starters with a running clock put into effect in the second half.
Walter Gooch recorded the final score of the game on a nine-yard touchdown run with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Up next
Northeast (3-1, 3-0) will take on Clarksville at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 in a pivotal region contest.
“It’s always a tough game anytime CHS and Northeast plays,” Clark said. “I think it’s going to have a lot to do with who goes where in the playoffs. That will start unfolding as we wind down the second half of the season. It’s a big game for them and it’s a big game for us. We both need this region win to compete for the region championship and of course seeding in the playoffs.”
Puig shared what the mindset of his team is now after getting off to a fast start.
“We’re all just trying to stay humble,” Puig said. “We don’t want to get too big-headed. Starting tomorrow, we’re all just going to lock in for CHS.”
West Creek (1-3, 0-2) hosts Kenwood at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 for homecoming.